SIDE-EVENT IN THE MARGINS OF THE UNGA FIRST COMMITTEE

22 October 2024

CR.8, UNHQ, New York

This side-event is organised FRS, as implementing Agency of the EU project in support of the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCoC) in the margins of the UNGA First Committee. The EU project is implemented according to the EU Council Decision Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/2370.

The Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCoC) is known for inviting states to display transparency in ballistic missile programmes and launches in order to avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation. However, because of the technological proximity between ballistic missiles and space launch vehicles, it also requires states to be transparent about launchers and launches.

This side event will explore the role played by the Code in the space domain and how it contributes to confidence in launching activities. It will also evoke the evolution seen in space and assess to what extent other initiatives could play a stabilizing role in space activities.

AGENDA

13:15 – Introduction 

  • Marjolijn VAN DEELEN, Special Envoy for Space, European External Action Service (EEAS), European Union (remotely)
  • Alex WETZIG, Permament Representative of Chile to the United Nations in Vienna, Chile (Chair of the HCoC 2024-2025)
 
 

13:30 – Main session 

MODERATOR: Dr Xavier PASCO, Secretary General, Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS) 

PANELLISTS:  

  • Dr Peter MARTINEZ, Executive Director, Secure World Foundation (SWF)
  • Dr Raji Pillai RAJAGOPALAN, Resident Senior Fellow, Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI)
  • Ms Almudena AZCÁRATE ORTEGA, Space Security Researcher, United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)
Research Papers

The Hague Code of Conduct and Space

This paper considers the dual approach of the Code by analysing the similarities between launchers and ballistic missiles in light of new technical developments, and assessing the risk of missile technology proliferation. It also assesses the new trends and developments in the space sector that may have an impact on the ability of the HCoC to remain relevant in its efforts to curb the proliferation of ballistic launchers.

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