This side event to the 81st session of the UN General Assembly First Committee will launch UNIDIR’s latest research, examining whether and to what extent digital information disorders occur in relation to conventional arms and ammunition flows, acquisition and build-up, and their implications.
Information disorders, an umbrella term which encompasses issues driven by disinformation, misinformation and malinformation that affect and pollute information integrity, are not a new issue. However, their scope, scale and impact have grown with advances in information and communication technologies and the democratization of digital tools and platforms, including generative AI.
The risks posed by mis- and disinformation have been recognized as key in the UN’s inaugural 2025 Global Risk Report. The Global Digital Compact, adopted by United Nations Member States in 2024, also recognizes the importance of upholding and strengthening information integrity and addressing mis- and disinformation, as does the Pact for the Future.
While the implications of information disorders for peace and conflict have previously been highlighted, the nexus between information disorders and conventional arms, in particular their flows, acquisition and build-up, has remained anecdotal. However, forthcoming UNIDIR research on the topic shows that information disorders exist around conventional arms flows, acquisition and build-up, and that these manifest themselves in specific ways.
Discussing this issue now is timely: not only do online information disorders risk permeating offline spaces, including multilateral discussions on arms control, but the increase in conflicts worldwide has also stimulated public attention – if not interest – in the normally more covert topic of arms flows.
This event will provide a platform to discuss how to ensure and strengthen information integrity within conventional arms control forums and beyond, leveraging insights from various stakeholders from the arms control space as well as adjacent fields.
Agenda
Further details will be added in due course.
When and where
Wednesday, 21 October 2026 | 13:15 – 14:45 EDT | In person (United Nations Headquarters, New York) and online.
Check your local time here.
Room details will be shared soon.
Participants
The event is open to representatives from Member State delegations, as well as members of the multi-stakeholder community including industry, civil society, and intergovernmental organizations (ECOSOC status).
Please note that participants joining us in person must have a valid visitor pass or long-term badge to enter United Nations Headquarters, as UNIDIR is unable to facilitate entry arrangements.
RSVP
For in-person and online participation please register here.
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