24th ROK-UN Joint Conference on Disarmament and Non-proliferation Issues

The 24th ROK-UN Joint Conference on Disarmament and Non-proliferation Issues, co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), kicked off in New York on December 4. The two-day conference will focus on the topic of "The Evolution of Outer Space Security in an Era of Growing Insecurity."

※ The ROK-UN Conference on Disarmament and Non-proliferation Issues, initiated in 2001 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the ROK's UN membership, aims to explore ways for progress in disarmament and non-proliferation. It is an annual 1.5-track international conference that discusses key issues in the area of disarmament and non-proliferation for that year.

Mr. Sangjin KIM, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations, and Ms. Izumi NAKAMITSU, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, participated in the 24th ROK-UN Joint Conference, along with space security, disarmament and non-proliferation experts from governments, international organizations, and academia.

In their opening remarks, Ambassador Kim and High Representative Nakamitsu underscored the need for close cooperation between countries and continued attention from the international community to maintain a safe and sustainable space environment amid the rising strategic importance of the space domain.

Ambassador Kim took note of the establishment and adoption of the agenda of the Open-Ended Working Group on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS OEWG)* in all its aspects, which began its work this year following the UN General Assembly decision last year. He also stated that, as a responsible space-faring nation that successfully launched the Nuri rocket (KSLV-II), the ROK government remains steadfast in reducing space threats by developing norms, rules, and principles of responsible behaviors in outer space.

* The PAROS OEWG, established by the 79th UNGA decision last year, is mandated to meet twice every year for the period of 2025-2028, and aims to build international norms on space security.

During this 24th conference, discussions will address opportunities and challenges posed by emerging technologies, such as AI, and measures for establishing international norms and principles for responsible space activities amid the growing strategic importance of the space domain in a volatile global security environment.

The first day (December 4) will cover topics such as growing significance of outer space, evolving threats to space systems and threat perceptions, and space and emerging technologies. On the second day (December 5), discussions will encompass strengthening the international governance of space and the future of outer space security in promoting peace, security, and international cooperation.

As a responsible global power, the Korean government will take the lead in addressing current issues in the disarmament and non-proliferation field, and contribute constructively to relevant discussions in the international community.