The online orientation course consists of six thematic modules, with each module comprising a reading list, an introductory video and a 90-minute interactive online videoconference session. These six interactive sessions will be held on 18-20 and 25-27 August 2020 according to the programme below. Participation in the interactive sessions is mandatory for course participants.
WHEN & WHERE:
18-20 and 25-27 August, Online
PROGRAMME:
18 August | Module 1: Scene-setting: context, history and mechanisms
Preparatory video
Live interactive discussion: 08:30-10:00 Tuesday 18 August
Key learning objectives:
- Understand the relationship and interactions between the global political and security environment and disarmament diplomacy.
- Know the roles and operations of the key components of the multilateral disarmament machinery.
Topics
- The global security context: An overview of current and recent developments and their implications for arms control and disarmament and the UN Secretary-General’s Agenda.
- Disarmament machinery: SSOD I and the development of the existing disarmament machinery; the role, history and current situation of the Conference on Disarmament; other mechanisms within and outside the UN.
- Panelists will include UNODA and UNIDIR representatives, along with senior government representatives and academics.
- Moderator: Tim Caughley, UNIDIR.
19 August | Module 2: Weapons of mass destruction
Preparatory video
Live interactive discussion: 13:30-15:00 Wednesday 19 August
Key learning objectives:
- Understand the key issues and treaties in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, and acquire an overview of the challenges and opportunities for the tenth NPT Review Conference.
- Understand the key issues and treaties related to biological and chemical weapons.
Topics
- Nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation: The NPT, an overview, preparing for the postponed 2020 Review Conference, and challenges and opportunities for the 2021-2025 review cycle, including coverage of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and the WMD-Free Zone in the Middle East.
- Biological and chemical weapons: Biological weapons: the work of the Geneva-based BWC Implementation Support Unit (ISU), insights into issues arising from intersessional period 2018 to the present, and current issues approaching the 2021 Review Conference. Chemical Weapons: brief insights into the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, The Hague.
- Panelists will include academic experts, senior government representatives, a representative of the BWC ISU, and a representative of civil society.
- Moderator: Radha Day, UNODA.
20 August | Module 3: Conventional weapons
Preparatory video (Part 1)
Preparatory video (Part 2)
Live interactive discussion: 08:30-10:00 Thursday 20 August
Key learning objectives:
- Acquire an overview of the various treaties and processes dealing with conventional weapons, and the key political and practical issues involved.
- Understand the motivations, advantages and limitations of the different approaches and legal bases.
Topics
- Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW): The CCW and its Protocols: looking towards the upcoming 9-13 November 2020 Annual Conferences: CCW APII on mines, booby-traps and other devices, Protocol V on Explosive Remnants of War and Meeting of the High Contracting Parties.
- Anti-personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC): Looking towards the 18th Meeting of States Parties, 16-20 November 2020.
- Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM): looking towards the Second Review Conference, 23-27 November 2020.
- Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA): discussions on a political declaration.
- Preventing diversion and illicit proliferation: The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons (UNPoA); Group of Governmental Experts on conventional ammunition stockpiles.
- Panelists will include representatives of UNODA, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the APMBC and CCM ISUs, and the ATT Secretariat.
- Moderator: Peter Kolarov, UNODA.
25 August | Module 4: Space and missiles
Preparatory video
Live interactive discussion: 08:30-10:00 Tuesday 25 August
Key learning objectives:
- Understand the key issues and emerging challenges for multilateral governance of space, missiles, and related technologies.
- Acquire an overview of current multilateral processes regulating missile technologies.
Topics
- Space: The PAROS process; convergence across technologies.
- Missiles: Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), hypersonic weapons
- Panelists to include representatives of the ATT Secretariat, UNODA and civil society, UNIDIR space and missile experts, academics.
- Moderator: Richard Lennane, UNIDIR.
26 August | Module 5: ICT, artificial intelligence and cyber
Preparatory video
Live interactive discussion: 13:30-15:00 Tuesday 26 August
Key learning objectives:
- Acquire an overview of the implications for international security and arms control of current and emerging information and AI technologies.
- Understand the roles and operations of the multilateral processes established to address these issues.
Topics
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML): lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS), including the CCW Group of Governmental Experts on LAWS; other military applications of AI/ML; AI/ML implications for verification of disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation regimes.
- Cyber: the two UN processes addressing international security and the use of information and communication technologies: the Open-Ended Working Group and the Group of Governmental Experts.
- Panelists will include UNIDIR and academic experts, representatives of the ICRC, ICT industry and civil society.
- Moderator: Giacomo Persi Paoli, UNIDIR.
27 August | Module 6: Cross-cutting issues
Preparatory video
Live interactive discussion: 08:30-10:00 Tuesday 27 August
Key learning objectives:
- Explore how structural issues and influences affect all areas of disarmament diplomacy.
- Consider the roles, perspectives and potential contributions of different actors working on multilateral disarmament.
Topics
- Gender issues: gender parity in disarmament processes; gender Disarmament Impact Group; gender analysis of disarmament and international security.
- International Humanitarian Law (IHL): the relationship between IHL and disarmament; role of IHL in creating and implementing disarmament and arms control treaties.
- Role of civil society: different types of civil society actors and stakeholders; motivations and trade-offs for NGOs in disarmament; building coalitions and working effectively with civil society partners.
- Panelists will include UNIDIR experts, government and civil society representatives.
- Moderator: Richard Lennane, UNIDIR.