"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Joint Statement by the Government of Japan and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) on Space Debris

[Place]
[Date] February 7, 2020
[Source] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
[Notes]
[Full text]

The Government of Japan (GOJ) and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)

Noting the deep concern expressed by the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution A/74/82 of 13 December 2019, about the fragility of the space environment and the challenges to the long-term sustainability of outer space activities and the impact of space debris which is an issue of concern to all nations;

Recognizing that the endorsement by the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 62/217, of the Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space had proved vital in addressing the space debris problem for the safety of future space missions;

Noting with satisfaction that many States and international intergovernmental organizations are implementing space debris mitigation measures, consistent with, inter-alia, the Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, the Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines of the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee, and the Guidelines on the Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities; and

Also noting with satisfaction that States are already cooperating across various fora on the issues of space debris and space safety including G20 Summit in Osaka in June 2019,

Jointly declare their wish to cooperate on the subject of space debris and to work together to promote:

1. the increased understanding and the consolidation of knowledge of the space debris environment;

2. the dissemination of information on the latest developments in research on space debris;

3. cooperating with space actors, as appropriate, to support the implementation and application of existing space debris mitigation guidelines; and

4. the strengthening of international cooperation and global awareness with regard to the challenges of space debris mitigation and remediation.

In witness hereof, this Joint Statement has been signed on February 6, 2020 in Vienna.


H.E. Mr. HIKIHARA Takeshi

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary,

Permanent Representative of Japan

to the International Organizations in Vienna


Ms. Simonetta Di Pippo

Director,

United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs