Secretariat conducted an inquiry in 1974 and 1975 to determine the financial implications of such a conference. On the assumption that the conference would be held in New York City and that it would last for ten 29 days, the Secretariat provided as an estimated cost the sum of $422,700. This represents out-of-pocket costs to the UN. The total costs to participating States and international organizations can only be estimated, but would undoubtedly run into many millions of dollars. In addressing the issue of whether it will be possible to construct an adequate international regime, based on sound principles of international law, that would allow for the effective, equitable, and economic gathering and transmitting of solar energy from geostationary orbital level to Earth, the foregoing three considerations will have to be weighed. There are many other considerations that cannot be treated here. Among the strategies that would have to be considered would be whether the suggested multilateral approach through a United Nations Conference would be the best way to proceed. Arguments can be made that the subject matter involved in the gathering and transmission of solar energy might be treated on a bilateral basis, with the knowledge that it is much easier for two like-minded persons to arrive at an agreement than for many having disparate points of view. Other strategies that might be taken into account have to do with the independence of the proposed regime or entity. Since the UN has been perceived by some as a highly politicized institution, it has been suggested that a new body should keep a suitable distance from the UN, lest the misadventures of the latter have an adverse impact on the new institution. 29U.N. Doc. A/AC.105/179, p. 10, October 1, 1976.
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