As part of UNIDIR’s Science and Technology Watchtower project, this multi-stakeholder dialogue aims to provide disarmament diplomats and practitioners with a foundational understanding of quantum technologies while exploring their potential implications for nuclear disarmament, risk reduction and arms control.
Quantum technologies are rapidly moving from research laboratories to real-world applications, with growing implications for international security.
As these technologies mature, they have the potential to both reinforce and disrupt nuclear disarmament and arms control regimes. For example, the prospective development of fault-tolerant quantum computers could undermine widely used cryptographic methods, putting critical information and systems at risk, including nuclear command, control and communications.
At the same time, quantum communication technologies, most notably quantum key distribution, offer new opportunities to enhance the security and resilience of sensitive nuclear systems against quantum-enabled cyber threats. And beyond cybersecurity, emerging quantum sensing technologies may enable the detection and tracking of stealth military targets, such as nuclear-armed submarines, which can introduce new uncertainties for nuclear deterrence and strategic stability.
By bringing together experts from diverse technical and policy backgrounds, the event will examine emerging trends, assess risks and opportunities, and consider how nuclear disarmament fora have engaged with quantum-related issues, including current efforts and emerging perspectives.
Agenda
Opening remarks
- Klemen Polak, Head of Political Section for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, EU Delegation to the UN and other international organizations in Geneva
Introductory presentation: Overview of key quantum technologies
- Wenting He, Associate Researcher, Security and Technology Programme, UNIDIR
Panel discussion
- Dr Michal Krelina, Associate Senior Researcher, Armament and Disarmament, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute; CTO and Co-Founder, QuDef
- Dr Stylianos Chatzidakis, Assistant Professor, School of Nuclear Engineering, Purdue University
- Christopher King, Chief, Weapons of Mass Destruction Branch, UNODA
- Shravishtha Ajaykumar, Associate Fellow, Centre for Security, Strategy and Technology, Observer Research Foundation
Moderated by Wenting He, Associate Researcher, Security and Technology Programme, UNIDIR
Closing remarks
- Dr Giacomo Persi Paoli, Head of the Security and Technology Programme, UNIDIR
When and where
Wednesday, 22 April 2026 | 14:15 to 16:00 CEST | Room XI, Building A, Palais des Nations, Geneva and online.
Check your local time here.
Participants
The dialogue is primarily intended for Member States representatives working on nuclear disarmament, arms control and emerging technologies. It also welcomes members of the broader multi-stakeholder community, including representatives from industry, academia, civil society and intergovernmental organizations.
RSVP
Registration is mandatory. Please register for in-person or online attendance by Tuesday, 21 April 2026.
For online participants, access to the event will be shared the day before the session.
Further information
For questions, please contact sectec-unidir@un.org.
Funded by
