The Open-Ended Working Group on Reducing Space Threats Through Norms, Rules and Principles of Responsible Behaviours: The Journey so Far, and the Road Ahead

Abstract

Aware of the critical importance of outer space for humankind, the international community has ascertained the need for a secure and peaceful domain, and has proposed multiple mechanisms to achieve this goal, with varying degrees of success. The United Nations open-ended working group (OEWG) on reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours, convened under General Assembly resolution 76/231 is the latest effort to agree on space security mechanisms. With an open and inclusive approach to address the issue of space threats to space systems that brings together perspectives heretofore considered incompatible, this process presents a new chance for the international community to build the common understanding necessary to achieve space security. This article provides insight into the OEWG: how it came to be, its journey so far, and the road ahead. OEWG, space threats, space security, United Nations