The objectives of the conference, initiated by China, are to safeguard the benefits derived from peaceful activities in space, to introduce the concept of "space security" and to advance the consideration of the prevention of an arms race in outer space by the Conference on Disarmament (CD).

The event, which ends Tuesday, is jointly organized by China, Russia, the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) and the Simons Center for Disarmament and Non-proliferation Research of Canada.

At the opening ceremony of the conference, Hu Xiaodi, ambassador for disarmament affairs of China, said that "Outer space is the common heritage of mankind and the peaceful uses of outer space is the aspiration of all peoples."

"However,... changes in the perception of security, the coming into age of related weapons technologies, as well as developments in combat theory, all lead to the increasing danger of turning outer space into a battlefield and a place without security," he added.

Hu said that it is imperative to uphold multilateralism and strengthen international cooperation to make progress on outer space issues.

He expressed hope that "through our exchanges, we will arrive at a better understanding of each other, reduce differences, and come up with useful recommendations."

Participants include representatives from all 65 member states of the CD, and its observers, as well as senior officials from China, Russia and Canada, and representatives of related UN agencies.

Sergei Ordzhonikidze, director-general of the UNOG, also attended the conference.

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