In association with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Executive Summary
Space has become indispensable for many civilian services, infrastructure, and militaries around the world. Their continued functioning is underpinned by the peaceful uses of outer space, which is to be bolstered by Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS). However, the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space is threatened by space security challenges and threats which are rising in both salience and complexity.
The latest multilateral effort to address space security issues is the UN Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on the PAROS in All Its Aspects. In this context, Wilton Park, in partnership with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, hosted a dialogue on responsible space behaviours.
Participants welcomed the consensus final report of the 2023-24 GGE and the successful merger of two separate OEWG processes but warned of the frailty of these successes. The international community, in recognizing the complementarity of different approaches to PAROS, has come together to work on all aspects of PAROS. However, the spirit of complementarity still must be demonstrated in practice.
The OEWG provides a key opportunity to operationalize complementarity. This could be achieved by taking a form-following-function approach to specific challenges and threats. The discussion also focused on the implementation of Transparency and Confidence Building Measures (TCBMs), offering suggestions on new platforms or processes for further consideration. In acknowledgement that space is not a ‘legal wild west,’ ideas were offered on how to make better use of the existing legal system and supplement it with either legally binding or non-legally binding measures. Scenario-based exercises generated ideas on possible norms of responsible behaviour and relevant considerations to consider.
Following the 79/512 UNGA decision, Wilton Park hosted a three-day dialogue in January 2025. The OEWG on PAROS in All its Aspects was hard won as a successful merger of two separate OEWG processes. Under the current geopolitical context, this provides a crucial glimmer of a way forward. The dialogue focused on unlocking progress and addressing new challenges for space security through strengthening legal and normative frameworks, building on Wilton Park’s previous work on convening events related to space sustainability and security.
This full report summarizes the discussions and captures conclusions and recommendations to inform the OEWG on PAROS in All its Aspects. The report is organized into five sections:
- The different but complementary approaches to contemporary space security challenges
- Past and future discussions on PAROS
- Legal measures
- Transparency and confidence building measures
- Considering responsible space behaviours.
Lastly, the conclusion provides additional takeaways regarding specific approaches to the OEWG on PAROS in All its Aspects.