The Office for Outer Space Affairs visits the Principality

A delegation from the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs paid a working visit to Monaco from Wednesday 4 September to Friday 6 September 2024 in the framework of its Space Law for New Space Actors project.

The Monaco Office for Outer Space Affairs* requested assistance from the United Nations Office, based in Vienna, for the development of a draft law on space activities and to consolidate its understanding of the country’s responsibilities in relation to existing international law in this area. Academic, political and technical experts from around the world were invited to meet with the Prince’s Government’s services to discuss space law and explore related issues that affect Monaco specifically.

Held over three days at the Digital Transition Office (DITN), this technical assistance mission is also a precursor to Monaco’s accession to the major international outer space treaties.

Experts were welcomed by Frédéric Genta, Country Chief Officer for Attractiveness and the Digital Transition and by Isabelle Rosabrunetto, Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.

Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, was received by Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, together with Ambassador Lorenzo Ravano, the Representative of the Principality of Monaco to the United Nations Office at Vienna. 

Those present highlighted the importance of a clear legal framework in line with international law for the prosperity of a national space sector. As space becomes accessible to a growing number of public and private stakeholders, Monaco wishes to adopt national legislation to regulate private space activities carried out in the Principality and ensure the legal security of the State in line with applicable international legislation.
 
* The Monaco Office for Space Affairs was established by Sovereign Ordinance on 2 August 2021. It is headed by Mr Christophe Pierre and is under the supervision of the Digital Platforms and Resources Department of the Digital Transition Office.