From 21 to 30 September, 37 delegates from Member States and observer States worldwide gathered at the Palais des Nations for the seventh edition of the Disarmament Orientation Course, hosted by UNIDIR and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA).
Every year, diplomats and officials arrive in Geneva to take up responsibilities in disarmament and arms control, including participation in related negotiations. For many, this means navigating a complex field spanning nuclear, biological and conventional weapons, as well as outer space security and rapidly evolving technologies such as artificial intelligence.
The annual course supports these newly arrived officials with a practical introduction to the institutions, processes and substantive issues that shape Geneva’s disarmament community, as well as current challenges and developments in an increasingly complex global security environment.
Foundations of disarmament diplomacy in Geneva
The course opened with remarks from UNIDIR Director Robin Geiss, followed by a video message from Her Excellency Izumi Nakamitsu, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs at UNODA.
We want delegates to leave this course not only with an enhanced understanding of disarmament and arms control, but also knowing that UNIDIR stands beside you as you perform this important role, ready to provide expertise and technical advice.
Robin Geiss, UNIDIR Director
Both speakers reflected on the challenges facing the disarmament and arms control community. They also pointed to recent developments that demonstrate the potential for progress, including the report recently agreed by consensus in the United Nations Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems as a positive example of what can be achieved through continued international engagement.
Despite these challenges, I believe there are reasons why we can maintain a sense of pragmatic optimism with respect to what we can accomplish within the field of arms control and international security.
H.E. Izumi Nakamitsu, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs at UNODA
Delegates explored the key institutions and processes that underpin the multilateral disarmament machinery, alongside practical resources to support their work in Geneva. The course also examined cross-cutting perspectives on disarmament, including gender and youth. The sessions then turned to the Conference on Disarmament, exploring its history and mandate, how it functions, and its current work.
The first week concluded with a focus on conventional weapons. Delegates examined the international instruments addressing the humanitarian impact of anti-personnel landmines, cluster munitions and explosive weapons in populated areas, alongside frameworks governing conventional weapons and ammunition more broadly.
Responding to scientific and technological change
The second week began with a focus on the Biological Weapons Convention. Participants explored its history and ongoing efforts to strengthen the Convention, including in response to advances in science and technology that present both new opportunities and emerging challenges. The sessions also examined efforts to promote and support its effective implementation.
Delegates went on to examine outer space security, including the work of the Open-Ended Working Group on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space. Participants also examined different approaches to space security and considered the implications of advances in dual-use space technologies.
During the final module, delegates explored the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons in the military domain, alongside developments in international cybersecurity. Discussions examined how these technologies are reshaping the security environment and the challenges they pose to global peace and security. Participants also considered ongoing efforts to develop common approaches and responsible international frameworks to address these emerging challenges.
Since 2019, some 281 diplomats from more than 100 Member States have taken the course. As each new cohort takes up their responsibilities in Geneva, UNIDIR and UNODA remain committed to supporting their engagement in the multilateral disarmament process and to strengthening the knowledge, expertise and dialogue needed to advance global peace and security.