UNIDIR’s 45th anniversary in 2025
Pathways to peace and security in troubled times
Much has changed since UNIDIR came into existence 45 years ago, but one thing remains the same: We have a key role to play in achieving the sustainable peace and security that will improve the lives and livelihoods of millions of people around the world.
From individual journeys out of conflict to existential risks for all of humanity, from the everyday devastation caused by small arms to the cutting-edge, converging technologies that are shaping the future, UNIDIR’s pioneering work continues to provide routes to real progress just when we need them most.
Building bridges, trust and consensus
Since its birth on 1 October 1980, UNIDIR has seen in and supported a vast array of disarmament bodies, treaties and initiatives. These include the Conference on Disarmament, the Chemical Weapons Convention, the Arms Trade Treaty, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and the Women, Peace and Security agenda – all taking shape in our lifetime. But beyond these global milestones, we have also had clear impacts on the ground, helping to save lives, build peace and prevent weapons from fuelling conflict and violence all over the world.
Key to our success despite deepening divisons is the recognition and support of our partners at every level, in every sector and across the globe. Their trust in UNIDIR as an independent, inclusive and innovative interlocutor is more vital than ever as we seek out spaces for dialogue and alternative pathways to progress.
Facing the future to shape the future
UNIDIR has always kept one eye on the horizon, scanning for opportunities to foresee and forestall future global security dilemmas, and today is no different. As the world came together to adopt the Pact for the Future in September 2024, the UNIDIR Futures Lab was already playing its part through its International Security 2045 foresight study on future threats to international security. And when UN Secretary-General António Guterres launched a follow-up strategic foresight exercise on emerging risks, UNIDIR was amongst those called upon to identify the stakeholders, processes and governance structures needed to meaningfully address these risks.
In 2025, we will continue to change and adapt to meet growing demand for our expert research and advice, building on our range of confidence-building policy portals and practical tools, as well as adopting a new strategic framework to chart a steady course through to 2030.
Celebrating research, action and impact
UNIDIR has a wide range of activities planned for its 45th anniversary year.
As ever, we will be hosting major events on key topics in global security, not least the Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics in March, the Cyber Stability Conference during Geneva Cyber Week in May, and our flagship Outer Space Security Conference and Innovations Dialogue later in the year.
But we’ll also be running a wide range of #UNIDIR45 campaigns and activities, whether for experts in our field, for young people or for all of international Geneva! So make sure to keep an eye on what we’re up to via LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky, or sign up for our newsletter below to get a monthly update on all our latest news and events.
