UNIDIR’s Innovations Dialogue

The Innovations Dialogue is a flagship event organized by UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme exploring the implications of emerging developments in science and technology for international peace, security and disarmament.

Since its launch in 2019, the conference has brought together a multi-stakeholder community to examine the benefits, risks and policy challenges posed by scientific and technological innovation, fostering fact-based dialogue and a shared understanding of issues shaping international security.

About this year’s edition

On 11 November, UNIDIR’s Innovations Dialogue 2026 will explore the international security implications of electromagnetic spectrum disruptions, including their impact on military capabilities, technological innovation and the future of conflict.

The conference will examine how growing reliance on the electromagnetic spectrum is shaping strategic competition, creating new vulnerabilities and raising questions for civilians, critical infrastructure and the future of arms control and disarmament.

Since 2019, the conference has looked ahead to emerging science and technology developments shaping international security.

The conference at a glance

From deepfakes and artificial intelligence to quantum technologies and neurotechnologies, UNIDIR’s Innovations Dialogue stays ahead of the curve, exploring scientific and technological developments that will shape tomorrow’s security landscape. By bringing together experts across disciplines, the conference:

Connects technical and policy perspectives on emerging technologies.
Examines opportunities and risks arising from scientific and technological innovation.
Identifies potential security implications before they become established challenges.
Supports early thinking on policy responses and decision-making.

Through cross-disciplinary exchange, the conference builds a shared understanding of complex questions at the intersection of science, technology and security.

Explore previous editions

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Militarizing neurotechnology

12 June 2026

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Innovations Dialogue 2025: Neurotechnologies

5 December 2025

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A call for global action on emerging technologies

29 October 2024

UNIDIR’s Innovations Dialogue 2025 took place on 24 November in a hybrid format at the Centre International de Conférences Genève (CICG) in Geneva and online, under the theme “Neurotechnologies and their implications for international peace and security”.

The conference explored the security implications of emerging neurotechnologies, including their potential military applications and impact on the future of warfare. Watch the full conference on YouTube.

UNIDIR’s Innovations Dialogue 2024 took place on 22 November in a hybrid format at Campus Biotech in Geneva and online, under the theme “Quantum Technologies and their implications for international peace and security”.

The conference explored how quantum technologies could impact international peace and security, including their potential military applications. Watch the full conference on YouTube.

UNIDIR’s Innovations Dialogue 2023 took place on 27 June in a hybrid format at Campus Biotech in Geneva and online, under the theme “The impact of artificial intelligence on future battlefields”.

The conference explored how AI could transform warfare across traditional and emerging domains, including land, naval, air, cyber, space and cognitive operations. Watch the full conference on YouTube.

UNIDIR’s Innovations Dialogue 2022 took place on 20 October in a hybrid format at the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice in New York and online, under the theme “AI disruption, peace and security”.

The conference explored the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence for international peace and security, including its potential impact on military operations and responsible AI governance. Watch the full conference on YouTube.

UNIDIR’s Innovations Dialogue 2021 took place on 25 August in a hybrid format at the Fairmont Grand Hotel Geneva and online, under the theme “Deepfakes, trust and international security”.

The conference explored how deepfakes could undermine trust and create new risks for international security and stability. Watch the full conference on YouTube.

UNIDIR’s Innovations Dialogue 2020 took place on 20–21 August online, under the theme “Life sciences, international security and disarmament”.

The conference explored how advances in life sciences could create new opportunities and risks for international security and disarmament, including challenges posed by dual-use technologies. Watch the full conference on YouTube.

UNIDIR’s Innovations Dialogue 2019 took place on 19 August in Geneva, under the theme “Digital technologies and international security”.

The first edition of the conference explored the security implications of emerging digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, distributed ledger technologies and the Internet of Things.