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)
Issue Briefs

The HCoC and Latin America

Latin America is one of the regions with the highest level of support for the HCoC. This support reflects the historic commitment of the region in favour of disarmament and non-proliferation. The remaining four non-subscribing states – Bolivia, Brazil, Cuba and Mexico – have voiced concerns about the adoption of the Code outside the United Nations framework and its limited scope.

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Research Papers

The Rise of Small Launchers: What Impact on Ballistic Missile Proliferation?

This paper recalls the state of ballistic missile proliferation at the time of the adoption of the Code, before delving into the genesis of the Code and especially the various reports and meetings that promoted the adoption of a supply-side multilateral instrument. It describes the conferences and diplomatic efforts that led to the Code in 2002. It also explains why the Code ended up the way it is today with modest ambitions but concrete outcomes.

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