Space activities in the United Nations system—Status and perspectives of inter-agency coordination of outer space activities

Abstract

United Nations entities are increasingly using space technology and its applications. Space-based assets such as satellites for telecommunications, global navigation and Earth observation and their applications provide operational solutions, data and information that help to implement a wide range of mandated activities of the United Nations. The Inter-Agency Meeting on Outer Space Activities and its annual sessions are the primary instrument for achieving better coordination, improving cooperation and identifying synergies in space-related activities of the United Nations. At the sessions the participating entities finalize the annual report of the Secretary-General on the co-ordination of outer space activities within the United Nations system. The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs acts as the coordinator and secretariat for the Inter-Agency Meeting. This paper retraces the origins and the history of the Inter-Agency Meeting, reviews the issues on its agenda and the decisions taken at its most recent session, and outlines opportunities and prospects for enhanced coordination among United Nations entities through this United Nations-wide inter-agency mechanism.