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STATEMENT BY H.E. MR. SUKHEE SUKHBOLD, AMBASSADOR AND PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MONGOLIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS IN THE DEBATE ON AGENDA ITEM 48 (INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN THE PEACEFUL USES OF OUTER SPACE)

Tuesday, 11 October 2016

 

71st Session of the UN General Assembly

Fourth Committee

11 October 2016

New York

 

STATEMENT BY H.E. MR. SUKHEE SUKHBOLD, AMBASSADOR AND PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MONGOLIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS IN THE DEBATE ON AGENDA ITEM 48 (INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN THE PEACEFUL USES OF OUTER SPACE)

 

Mr. Chairman,

Since my delegation is taking the floor for the first time at the current session of the committee, we wish to congratulate you and other members of the Bureau on your elections and assure you of my delegation’s full support to your leadership and to your efforts in addressing important work of this Committee.

I also wish to take this opportunity to extend my delegation’s gratitude to the Chairman of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space for presenting the Report on the work of the Committee. I am confident that the information and recommendations provided in the Report will be helpful for our deliberations and will prove constructive ideas on how we could scale up our efforts in response to those issues that the international community faces today in ensuring the peaceful use of outer space.

Mr. Chairman,

As the report indicates the number of countries engaged in the space exploration and use of space science and technologies in their socio-economic development. Consequently, it calls for more effective cooperation in the fields of space activities at the regional and international levels. My delegation shares the view that the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and its Subcommittees play crucial role in promoting efforts to further space exploration and research, and in bringing the benefits of space technology for achieving the global sustainable development goals.

Mr. Chairman,

Mongolia has always committed to promoting to development and peaceful uses of space science and technology, and makes every effort to that end.

The first space communication station was established in Mongolia in 1970. In 1981 the first Mongolian astronaut accomplished a space mission under the “Intercosmos” cooperation programme and conducted 25 experiments prepared by Mongolian scientists. This year marks the 35th anniversary of this significant event.

Mongolia has been using international space communication systems for 30 years and has never launched its own satellite.

Thus, based on extended studies on the use of space science and technologies for the country’s development purposes, the Government of Mongolia adopted National programme on National Satellite in 2012. The main goal of this programme is to develop and localize aerospace and satellite technology in Mongolia, to launch, customize, possess and use national satellite, and to develop activate international cooperation in this field.

The first-ever satellite owned by Mongolia is expected to be sent off to the space in the spring of 2017. Having a satellite brings many advantages such as the ability to conduct independent space studies, capture the geographic picture and develop more accurate maps and better prevention of natural disasters. Regardless of the geographical locations, individuals, herdsmen, households, and organizations will have wireless communication services at low cost rate in nationwide. It is expected that the successful implementation of the national satellite programme shall greatly contribute to the implementation of the Action Plan of the Government for 2016-2020 and other development projects and programmes.

The respective national agencies of Mongolia are actively cooperating within the regional organizations, including the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum and the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization.

In conclusion, Mongolia stands ready to work with the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space to uphold the objective of preserving the outer space only for peaceful uses.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman.