At the 81st session of the UN General Assembly First Committee, UNIDIR will convene a side event presenting the findings of its report on promoting international cooperation on peaceful uses of technologies, and inviting discussion on how such cooperation might be advanced in the future.
Many States have long demanded increased international cooperation on the peaceful uses of materials, equipment and technologies. However, the issue has become more prominent in recent years against a broader backdrop of renewed geopolitical and technological competition among major powers. The topic received particular attention in December 2021 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 76/234, “Promoting international cooperation on peaceful uses in the context of international security”. Similar resolutions were subsequently adopted in 2022 and 2024.
Drawing on a series of virtual expert workshops, the report provides background analysis of the debate on international cooperation and then examines issues that are relevant across frameworks governing cooperation and controls over biological, chemical and nuclear-related materials and technologies. It concludes by presenting a range of policy options for States seeking to strengthen constructive dialogue on peaceful cooperation.
Agenda
Opening remarks
Speakers
- James Revill, Head, Weapons of Mass Destruction Programme, UNIDIR
- Sonia Drobysz, Senior Researcher, Weapons of Mass Destruction Programme, UNIDIR
Closing remarks
Further details will be added in due course.
When and where
Friday, 23 October 2026 | 13:15–14:45 EDT | Online
Check your local time here.
Participants
The event is open to State representatives, civil society and experts.
RSVP
Registration details will be available soon.