Stetement at the 69th Session of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS

Delivered by Lauma Sīka, Deputy Director of the Department of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation at the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia

Madame Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

At the outset, Madame Chair, let me assure you of my delegation's full support for your able leadership and our cooperation throughout the session.

Latvia fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union. I would like to add a few brief remarks in my national capacity.

Latvia strongly supports the vital role of COPUOS and UNOOSA in ensuring that space activities benefit all humanity in an inclusive, sustainable manner while enhancing global resilience. In May 2025, Latvia officially acceded to the Outer Space Treaty, reaffirming its commitment to international cooperation, the peaceful use of outer space, and the strengthening of global space security governance. In today’s geopolitical context, effective global space governance has become more important than ever. Together with its allies, Latvia remains firmly committed to upholding fundamental norms that safeguard the peaceful use of outer space, which are undermined by various challenges to global cooperation, including Russia’s continued war of aggression against Ukraine.

Latvia has further advanced its commitment to transparent and responsible space governance by joining the Artemis Accords in April.

This step opens new opportunities for cooperation with the United States, supports the integration of Latvia’s industry and research into global value chains, and strengthens its role as a trusted partner in the international space community. We also congratulate our partners on the successful Artemis II mission, which represents an important milestone toward humanity’s return to the Moon and a powerful example of the value of international cooperation.

Latvia is already an active contributor to the space sector. Since the beginning of our collaboration with European Space Agency in 2015, over 120 projects involving companies, research institutions, and universities have been implemented. National companies also participate in global missions, including lunar exploration, developing advanced navigation, data processing, and technological solutions.

Latvia remains fully committed to the implementation of the Space 2030 Agenda and to contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Space technologies are widely applied in Latvia – from environmental monitoring to agriculture and infrastructure management – delivering clear benefits to society and the economy, and demonstrating their role as a key enabler of sustainable development. Our experience shows that diversity, inclusiveness, and gender equality in space and innovation ecosystems foster creativity, attract young talent, and maximise the broader benefits of space applications.

In this context, we support the European Union’s Global Gateway initiatives, including the 100-million-euro Africa–EU Space Partnership Programme, which strengthens cooperation, promotes the use of space-based data, and builds institutional and private-sector capacity to address Africa’s most pressive societal challenges from climate resilience to sustainable resource management and urban development.

In closing, we remain committed to working with international partners to ensure that the benefits of space are shared broadly, contributing to a sustainable, inclusive, and secure future for all.

Thank you.