On October 17, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, gave an intervention during the Fourth Committee debate on Agenda Item 52, dedicated to “International Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space."

In his statement, Archbishop Auza emphasized that outer space is a common heritage of humanity and is destined for the common good. He noted that as space activities increase, outer space pollution has also escalated.  A crisis of the environment on earth or in space means a crisis for humanity, he said, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between the environment and its inhabitants. He called for urgent action to be taken by the international community to combat the increasing problem of space pollution, encouraging the establishment of treaties, guidelines, and agencies that adequately enable and safeguard sustainable and peaceful uses of outer space.

His statement can be found here.