Adopted in 2013, the ATT created global rules to regulate the international trade in conventional weapons and thereby prevent and eradicate their diversion to the illicit trade. The treaty ultimately aims to reduce human suffering and contribute to international peace, security and stability.

Across 2026 and 2027, UNIDIR and its partners are working to deliver the first comprehensive impact evaluation of the ATT. This evaluation will assess the treaty’s influence on national transfer control systems, efforts to counter diversion, and international cooperation to strengthen international security and reduce human suffering. The project aims to inform efforts to prepare and adopt the ATT’s first five-year strategy.

At the launch, the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament, David Riley, who will also serve as President of the next Conference of States Parties, underlined that impact evaluation represents a valuable tool in shaping a five-year ATT strategy, which will be a priority of the UK presidency.

The event centred on a discussion among gathered participants around three essential questions for the evaluation methodology:

• What impacts should be assessed?

• How to assess the ATT’s impact?

• How to attribute change and impact to the ATT?

What impacts should be assessed?

UNIDIR Associate Researcher Paula Soumaya Domit asked participants what impacts they felt the ATT should be having, with responses ranging from improved transparency in the arms trade to the prevention of gender-based violence. The initiative will examine the ATT’s impact in five areas related to the treaty’s object and purpose, ranked by participants as follows:

How to assess the ATT’s impact?

Turning from what to assess to how to assess it, Stimson Center Acting President and Chief Executive Officer Rachel Stohl asked participants what data to use for the impact evaluation. Some data sources, such as ATT initial and annual reports, are readily accessible. But others proposed by participants are either completely unavailable or are available only for a few States, as in the case of licence denials. Participants’ candid reflections on data collection challenges (see below) were particularly useful for the initiative’s assessment methodology.

How to attribute change and impact to the ATT?

Conflict Armament Research Head of Research Rob Hunter-Perkins asked participants to help the team credibly attribute observed changes to the ATT. Participants provided a long list of ways to demonstrate the ATT’s contribution to a particular outcome, some of which are shown below:

Two major challenges stand in the way of establishing clear causality between the ATT and the various impacts related to its object and purpose:

1. The ATT’s effect is hard to isolate from that of other frameworks
   The treaty sits within an overlapping set of regional and international frameworks that together recommend or require that States put in place a national transfer control system, establish a legal and regulatory framework, and conduct risk assessments before authorizing international arms transfers. Attributing any specific change to the ATT alone is therefore challenging.
   
2. Changes in human suffering are hard to measure and attribute
   It is very difficult to determine whether human suffering is greater, smaller or the same as it would have been without the treaty, let alone if these changes can be attributed directly to national implementation of the treaty and application of its provisions. Nonetheless, many participants highlighted this as an important metric for evaluating the ATT’s impact.

The project team is now embarking on a pilot study to explore how best to minimize the impact of these challenges on the study’s results.

© 2026, UNIDIR

From pilot to full evaluation

The first phase of the initiative is a pilot study with ten States Parties, which will help to validate impact indicators and determine the feasibility of data collection.

Pilot study results will be shared on the margins of the ATT working group meetings for the Thirteenth Conference of States Parties in March 2027. The final evaluation study, meanwhile, will present the full methodology and results. These can then feed into efforts to develop a baseline for the five-year strategy, which will in turn facilitate better monitoring of its implementation.

The initiative aspires to show where the ATT is having a positive impact and to identify areas where more work is needed.

For more non-party States to come on board and spread the ATT’s benefits, we need clearer evidence of progress towards its core goal: a responsible international arms trade with minimal diversion risks that contributes to international peace, security, stability and sustainable development.

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The training, supported by the Government of Japan, combined technical sessions with practical group exercises. Participants mapped local risks, potential diversion routes, vulnerable locations as well as observable indicators, and developed simple community risk profiles and recommendations to strengthen early warning in their own contexts.

Sessions emphasized the role of community actors in observing, verifying, documenting and reporting emerging risks. Participants explored how information gathered at community level can complement national and regional efforts to identify patterns of arms and ammunition diversion, trafficking and misuse, while recognizing that community monitors are not law-enforcement or interdiction actors.

A central focus was turning community observations into reliable and usable alerts. Through practical scenarios and reporting exercises, participants practised distinguishing facts from rumours and assumptions, assessing the reliability of sources, triangulating information where it could be done safely, and documenting incidents.

© 2026, UNIDIR

Adapting early warning to a border setting

Ouangolodougou is a strategically important city in northern Côte d’Ivoire, situated close to the borders with Burkina Faso and Mali. The training adapted risk and indicator identification to the local context, including informal border crossings, transhumance routes, markets, seasonal movements, farmer-herder dynamics, local leadership tensions and mining areas.

Participants reflected on the importance of understanding local patterns, movements and community concerns, while ensuring that information is responsibly verified and channelled through appropriate early-warning and institutional mechanisms.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of trust, confidentiality and the safety of community monitors. Effective community early warning depends not only on collecting information, but also on ensuring that communities understand how information will be used and that there are clear and credible channels for reporting and response.

Local leadership and community prevention

The training underscored the importance of traditional and administrative leadership in strengthening community-based prevention.

Preventing the diversion and trafficking of ammunition is a shared responsibility. Traditional leaders have a vital role in strengthening community vigilance, building trust and encouraging people to speak up when they see risks. By working together, communities, traditional authorities and security actors can help protect our people and keep our communities safe.

His Majesty Issiaka Tiéba Ouattara, village chief of Ouangolodougou

Niamké Eba Assouan, Secretary General of the Prefecture of Ouangolodougou, highlighted the role of community-based early warning in ensuring that information from local communities reaches the relevant authorities in a timely and responsible manner. In a border area connected to both Burkina Faso and Mali, he emphasized the importance of vigilance, coordination and collective responsibility in preventing the diversion and trafficking of ammunition and contributing to the safety and resilience of local communities.

© 2026, UNIDIR

From early warning to prevention

The Ouangolodougou training forms part of a broader UNIDIR–WANEP initiative to strengthen community-based approaches to preventing ammunition diversion and trafficking in West Africa. It builds on earlier engagement in northern Ghana and provides an opportunity to identify lessons that can inform approaches across border and conflict-affected areas.

Our experience has shown that communities are often the first to recognize the warning signs of insecurity. They observe unusual movements, detect emerging tensions, and understand local dynamics long before such risks become visible to external actors. In many instances, communities possess critical information that can help prevent violence before it occurs. This is why community monitoring remains one of the most effective pillars of early warning and preventive action.

Kalie Sillar, Regional Analyst, Organised Crime and Violent Extremism, WANEP

A key lesson emerging from the initiative is that community early warning is most useful when local knowledge is connected to a clear chain of observation, verification, documentation, reporting and institutional response. The practical exercises reinforced this end-to-end approach: communities can contribute valuable information without taking on responsibilities that belong to the competent authorities.

Lessons from the activities in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire will inform community-based approaches to preventing ammunition diversion and trafficking, while supporting broader efforts to prevent armed violence and enhance community resilience in West Africa.

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Abayomi Adeomi of the ECOWAS Commission, Lilian Wamuyu of RECSA and Thayani Gumede of the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation examined lessons learned from reviewing 20 years of implementation of the SADC Firearms Protocol in 2021, and of the Nairobi Protocol on SALW in 2024. The discussion aimed to support a similar review of the ECOWAS Convention on SALW.

A milestone anniversary can be an important moment to reflect, take stock of achievements and obstacles overcome, and consider new challenges and opportunities ahead.

Dr Paul Holtom, Head of UNIDIR’s Conventional Weapons Programme

What has worked?

Member states of ECOWAS, RECSA and SADC have made progress in implementing regional SALW control instruments, particularly by establishing national coordination mechanisms and government focal points, strengthening physical security and stockpile management, and marking weapons through capacity-building programmes.

For ECOWAS, the Convention’s exemption procedure introduced a norm under which no State should import SALW without the knowledge and non-objection of fellow member states. A joint UNIDIR-RECSA regional assessment also shows tangible progress in RECSA member states’ transfer-control legislation and inter-agency coordination. Across the SADC region, the Firearms Protocol prompted reviews of national legislation and administrative measures.

For the RECSA region, national focal points are the backbone of our regional cooperation.

Lilian Wamuyu, Regional Centre on Small Arms

© 2024, Getty Images/Alexander Koerner

What remains a challenge?

Fully implementing these regional control instruments faces persistent challenges. Recurring conflicts drive demand for arms and ammunition, while porous borders facilitate their illicit trafficking from one conflict to another. Speakers also highlighted weak cooperation between police, customs and border services. Many efforts still rely on donor-driven projects rather than nationally owned efforts to build local capacity and deliver sustainable SALW control.

In Southern Africa, legislation has been reviewed, but the harmonization of laws remains slow. For RECSA, regional information exchanges and cooperation in tracing lag behind the Nairobi Protocol’s aspirations: States are not yet realizing the value of improved marking and record-keeping, which comes only “when a recovered weapon is actually traced, and the results are shared across borders”.

RECSA and ECOWAS both highlighted threats posed by “improvised weapons” outside their instruments’ scope, particularly improvised explosive devices and uncrewed systems. They also pointed to the role of technology in facilitating diversion and trafficking.

For Gumede, “inadequate resources and capacity have created a gap between the commitments contained in the Protocol and their implementation”.

© 2025, CNCCAI

Next steps for regional SALW control

RECSA and SADC shared key lessons learned from their reviews of 20 years of implementation of their control instruments.

In early 2026, UNIDIR and RECSA unveiled a regional scorecard, the first comprehensive assessment of two decades of implementation. It recommended new provisions for the Nairobi Protocol for new technologies, gender-responsive arms control, enhanced cross-border cooperation and regional information sharing.

SADC, meanwhile, conducted its review of the Protocol during 2020-2021. The review resulted in amendments on brokering and tracing, as well as the elaboration and adoption of an action plan and updated standard operating procedures to aid implementation. Reflecting on the SADC experience, Gumede urged ECOWAS to mainstream gender and youth perspectives given that “the proliferation of illicit weapons is closely linked to issues like gender-based violence”.

For RECSA and SADC, key lessons from these processes included the need to:

• Secure a clear political mandate for the review and its recommendations through a regional meeting of ministers (as for RECSA) or Heads of State and Government (as for SADC)

• Ensure member state ownership and leadership of the review process and recommendations

• Build strong partnerships with civil society, research institutes and international organizations to secure a solid evidence base, allowing comparisons of each member state’s situation when the instrument was adopted with its situation today.

Adeomi said that “these ideas resonate with what we have planned” for the ECOWAS review, which will be driven by on-the-ground evaluations by independent experts and by stakeholder consultations. He stressed the importance of strengthening the ECOWAS framework “from an ECOWAS of states to an ECOWAS of people”, combining State and human security to address not only the supply of illicit arms but also the root causes of demand.

© 2015, MONUSCO

The benefits of reviewing regional small arms instruments

The event demonstrated the value of sharing not only the results of landmark reviews, but also lessons from the review process itself and how findings can strengthen regional and national small arms control.

Further milestones include:

• the Kinshasa Convention marks the tenth anniversary of its entry into force on 8 March 2027; and

• the Inter-American Convention Against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, and Other Related Materials marks the thirtieth anniversary of its adoption on 14 November 2027 – and of its entry into force on 1 July 2028.

UNIDIR will continue to support efforts to highlight progress and challenges in implementing regional SALW control instruments. It will also explore lessons that can strengthen national and regional efforts to counter the diversion, illicit trade and misuse of conventional arms and ammunition.

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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. 

© 2026, UNIDIR

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. 

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The 1972 Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) was the first treaty to prohibit an entire class of weapons of mass destruction. With 189 States Parties, the treaty remains a critical component of the broader framework of measures designed to prevent the re-emergence of biological weapons. However, the BWC currently lacks a verification mechanism to assess whether States are in compliance with their treaty obligations. It also lacks operational means to assess risks and opportunities arising from developments in science and technology and to facilitate international cooperation on biology for peaceful purposes, among other things.

To address these limitations, States Parties established a Working Group on the Strengthening of the BWC at the Ninth Review Conference in 2022. Over the course of nine sessions in Geneva since 2023, diplomats from around the world have been working on a draft agreement covering a range of measures to strengthen and institutionalize the BWC. These include the establishment of two mechanisms: one to provide advice on science and technology, and another to support international cooperation and assistance. The draft also includes proposals for an Open-Ended Working Group on compliance and verification.

A pivotal moment ahead of December negotiations

Agreement on the draft text at the tenth and final session in December 2026 would therefore represent an important step forward in strengthening and advancing the Convention. Melanie Regimbal, Chief of Service of the Geneva Branch of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, noted that the importance of reaching agreement goes far beyond the Working Group itself. She recalled the words of the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, who described the tenth session of the Working Group as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to strengthen the Convention. Conversely, Robin Geiss, UNIDIR Director, warned that failure in December would risk a return to the divisions and discord that followed the collapse of negotiations on a BWC Protocol in 2001.

Against this backdrop, the retreat brought together representatives from approximately 32 States from across regional groups to Montreux to advance discussion on the draft text. Participants worked in breakout groups addressing three clusters of unresolved issues in the draft report: international cooperation and assistance under Article X; science and technology; and compliance and verification. The moderators indicated that possible ways forward identified in the discussions would be transmitted to the Chair of the Working Group, Ambassador Frederico S. Duque Estrada Meyer of Brazil, for consideration and further work.

Preparing for implementation and the future of the Convention

Participants also discussed practical steps needed for the swift implementation of the two mechanisms envisaged in the draft report of the Working Group. The BWC Implementation Support Unit will need to plan ahead for an expected start date of 2028.

Participants received an overview of the BWC review conference process, which represents a critical opportunity for States Parties to assess progress under the Convention and set its future direction. Achieving a successful outcome at the Tenth Review Conference in 2027 will require sustained preparation and political commitment. Failure to reach agreement could jeopardize key elements of the Convention’s architecture at a time when rapid technological developments and geopolitical tensions make a strengthened BWC more important than ever.

In his closing remarks, Ambassador Meyer highlighted the importance of the collective achievements since 2022 and invited delegations to reflect on the distinction between what is preferable and what is fundamental in negotiations on the BWC. He concluded the retreat by noting that political engagement will be essential in the coming weeks. He also encouraged participants to carry the “spirit of Montreux” back to Geneva and onwards to capitals with a view to concluding an agreement on the final document in December.

Beyond the retreat

UNIDIR continues working to prevent the re-emergence of biological weapons through a range of initiatives, including supporting BWC-related processes, strengthening biosecurity capacity at the national and regional levels, advancing understanding of the evolving biological threat spectrum and supporting next-generation biosecurity education, training and awareness-raising.

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Outer space is entering a renewed phase of strategic importance, shaped by rapid technological innovation, growing competition and deepening global dependence on space-enabled infrastructure and services. As the domain becomes increasingly critical to global infrastructure and attracts diverse commercial actors, the ways in which space is accessed, used and governed are also changing.

Against this backdrop, the conference provided a platform for policymakers, industry, academia and civil society to exchange perspectives and explore practical pathways towards strengthening the security and sustainability of outer space.

A changing space security environment

Opening the conference, UNIDIR Director Robin Geiss highlighted four developments reshaping the space security environment:

• Space is now treated as a strategic domain.

• Counterspace activity is increasing.

• Advances in technology are changing how space systems operate.

• Mega constellations and the interconnection of commercial and government systems are redefining what security in orbit means.

In her keynote address, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu welcomed the range of actors participating in the discussion and highlighted the importance of identifying areas of convergence as the space security environment continues to evolve.

© 2026 UNIDIR/Antoine Tardy

Strategic dialogue in expert panels and beyond

Over the two days, participants examined the technical, legal and policy dimensions of developments in space activity through focused discussions on some of the most pressing questions facing the international space security community. The conference programme featured a series of expert panels:

• Mapping space threats and consequences highlighted how ambiguity in the space security environment, compounded by the widespread use of dual-use technologies and the absence of common frameworks, can lead to different interpretations of the same activities. The panellists emphasized the importance of strengthening governance and compliance mechanisms and improving legal clarity to reduce the risks of miscalculation and escalation.

• Strategic stability and the security of space architecture examined the growing integration of space systems into nuclear command, control and communications, noting how the same space capabilities can both strengthen stability through enhanced situational awareness and undermine it by creating vulnerabilities or increasing uncertainty during crises.

• Taking stock of efforts to advance the prevention of an arms race in outer space brought together distinguished diplomatic representatives to discuss how shared commitments can be translated into concrete approaches for preventing an arms race in outer space. The discussion also examined the respective contributions of legally binding instruments and non-binding norms to strengthening stability and security in outer space.

• Complex interactions in a multi-actor orbit considered how commercial participation and the proliferation of new actors and activities are reshaping the space security environment. The discussion focused on the application of international law to these evolving dynamics, including the responsibility of States for national activities in outer space and emerging questions around thresholds of targetability.

• Monitoring, verification and visibility in outer space explored what space situational awareness can do as a means of verifying legally binding agreements and monitoring norms of behaviour. The panel highlighted that although orbital manoeuvres are becoming transparent, the trajectories of objects alone rarely reveal intent, meaning there is a growing need for shared standards.

• Securing space data and information and communication technology infrastructure looked at the threats and risks facing terrestrial and orbital systems. The panel also considered what the manipulation, disruption or denial of space-derived data means for strategic stability, with particular consequences for States that rely on infrastructure hosted elsewhere. As greater autonomy in orbit becomes harder to avoid, speakers emphasized verifiability and the need to retain human involvement in decision-making.

The conference also featured a collaborative session with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). This discussion featured Rosanna Diem-Hoffmann, Lead for Space Law, Policy and Sustainability at UNOOSA, and Fatima Salem Al Shamsi, Chair of the United Nations Expert Group on Space Situational Awareness. The two speakers briefed participants on recent progress made regarding intersecting topics from the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. This included work by the Group on Space Resource Activity and deliberations on information-sharing that led to the newly established United Nations Satellite Operator Contact Hub.

Bringing youth centre stage

For the third year in a row, the conference ran a global campaign that sought to bring in and amplify young people’s perspectives on space. The 2026 edition asked young people to submit videos exploring how innovations in space architecture and shared technical standards can address emerging security and sustainability challenges. The winners, Ali Shan and Joel Pajiah, were also able to present their innovative work through a pair of lightning talks on the second day of the conference.

© 2026 UNIDIR/Antoine Tardy

Building the next generation of space security expertise

The 2026 conference also marked an important milestone for UNIDIR’s Space Security Programme, with the inaugural cohort of Space Security Research Fellows joining the conference for the first time. These nine fellows from across all five United Nations regional groups were selected for the year-long programme through a highly competitive process. Their participation in the conference, where they engaged with diplomats and experts from around the world, came as part of a week-long series of workshop activities held in person in Geneva.

Looking ahead, UNIDIR will continue to support dialogue on space security, foster common understanding among diverse stakeholders and advance practical approaches to strengthening security and stability in outer space.

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UNIDIR’s Space Security Research Fellowship is a year‑long programme designed to equip early-career space security professionals with the knowledge, skills and networks needed to navigate today’s rapidly evolving outer space environment. Fellows come from a diverse range of countries and academic backgrounds. 

The recent gathering in Geneva provided an important opportunity for Fellows to engage directly with UNIDIR’s space security team, as well as with practitioners from States, international organizations, academia and the private sector. Coming together in person created space for the kinds of conversations, exchanges and sharing of insights and experiences that can be difficult to achieve by virtual means. 

Experiencing the international community  

On the first day, the Fellows were welcomed at the Palais des Nations, where they held an interactive session with UNIDIR’s Director, Dr Robin Geiss, and the Head of UNIDIR’s Space Security and Weapons of Mass Destruction Programmes, Dr James Revill. They then heard from Michael Spies, Deputy Chief of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs Geneva Branch. During these sessions, the Fellows learned firsthand from those who support multilateral space processes. 

Next, they took part in a guided tour of the Palais des Nations, followed by a luncheon with experienced diplomats actively engaged in disarmament negotiations. During this unique opportunity for exchange, the diplomats generously shared their perspectives on the current challenges facing disarmament diplomacy, including those related to multilateral processes on space security. 

The first day continued with a visit to the Permanent Delegation of the European Union to UN Geneva, where they heard from Klemen Polak, the Head of the Disarmament Section, on the challenges of addressing disarmament issues relating to conventional arms, emerging technologies, outer space security, and nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. 

© 2026, UNIDIR

The following two days were dedicated to the Outer Space Security Conference 2026 (OS26), which featured a diverse cohort of experienced professionals from 94 countries, participating both in person and online. The Fellows engaged actively throughout the event, asking insightful questions and connecting with participants during the breaks. Through their active participation and exchanges, they contributed to the success of OS26. 

© 2026, UNIDIR/Antoine Tardy

Discovering industry and academic perspectives  

The Fellows then headed to the nearby city of Lausanne for a highly interactive exchange at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where they were welcomed by Emmanuelle David, Executive Director of the EPFL Space Center. There, they learned about how academia is contributing to space situational awareness and space sustainability. 

© 2026, UNIDIR

This was followed by a visit to the private company ClearSpace, which is developing active debris removal systems for on-orbit operations, putting space sustainability into practice. The Fellows gained a deeper understanding of the engineering, policy and business challenges behind operations in space. The engagement also underlined the importance of greater transparency and access to satellite data, including model information and optical markers that can make missions and sustainability efforts both easier and safer. 

© 2026, UNIDIR

Engaging with global institutions in the space governance landscape 

The last day began with a visit to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The visit included a tour of the ICRC Museum, which showcases the history and worldwide humanitarian action of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. This was followed by an interactive discussion with Mauro Vignati, an ICRC Advisor on Digital Technologies of Warfare, who explored the intersection between space security and International humanitarian law, as well as outlining the ICRC’s contributions to the Open-ended working group on the prevention of an arms race in outer space in all its aspects. 

© 2026, UNIDIR

The Fellows’ final appointment of the week took them to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), where Senior Radiocommunication Engineer, Véronique Glaude, walked them through the ITU’s history and its current role within the UN system. Fellows also learned how the ITU functions and manages increasingly congested resources, whether in terms of orbital slots or the electromagnetic spectrum.  

UNIDIR, and the Space Security Fellows in particular, would like to thank all of the organizations and individuals who shared their valuable time and expertise throughout the course of the week. The Fellows gained new knowledge, insights and practical experience, ending the week with renewed motivation to further develop their independent research and their careers. The UNIDIR Space Security Programme aims to continue receiving support that will allow this initiative to continue in the coming years, furthering UNIDIR’s goal of cultivating and amplifying diverse expertise from new generations to ensure the sustainable and peaceful use of outer space. 

© 2026, UNIDIR

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Building on previous efforts to strengthen youth engagement in multilateral space security discussions, the competition gave young people a platform to share their innovations and research for a more secure outer space environment.

This year’s competition received over 200 submissions, breaking last year’s record, with representation from all United Nations regional groups. This growing global interest highlights the importance of including younger generations in space security conversations and amplifying their work.

Through this initiative, UNIDIR and CIGI have engaged with almost 450 participants to date, which is a testament to an increasing awareness of space security issues among young people around the world.

Fresh perspectives on space security

The video competition invited young people aged 18-25 to showcase their technical research and explain what innovations to space systems could contribute to a more secure and sustainable space for all humankind.

The competition attracted submissions covering shared technical standards, cyber-resilient architecture, enhanced operational transparency and open-source monitoring frameworks. These proposals offered solutions to a wide range of challenges and priorities for the technically informed, multilateral governance of space security, with particular attention paid to security and sustainability dilemmas and the evolving threat landscape in outer space.

Spotlighting this year’s winners

A panel of independent experts from UNIDIR and CIGI, serving in their personal capacities, reviewed all of this year’s submissions. To ensure a fair and equitable selection process, the panel applied a set of established evaluation criteria. The top two videos selected demonstrate original, compelling and timely innovations for the future of space security. UNIDIR awarded the creators of these videos a fully funded trip to Geneva to attend UNIDIR’s Outer Space Security Conference 2026, where they were able to present their videos to an international audience of experts and decision makers.

This year’s Youth Video Competition winners are:

Ali Shan, Youth Advocate and STEM Student, Pakistan

Ali Shan has a passion for youth advocacy and engaging underprivileged young people in STEM. He organizes Beaconhouse Notion of Academia, one of the largest high school STEM Olympiads in Pakistan, which brings together over 1,000 students to experiment with miniature satellite systems, heat shield prototyping and rocketry. He earned an Outstanding Performance Award at the STEMx bootcamp and represented Pakistan at the 2022 World Scholar’s Cup. Beyond STEM, Ali is interested in policymaking and delivered a speech on youth and peacebuilding at the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services.

Drawing on his experience of engaging with young people on space innovation, Ali’s video proposes solutions for analysing orbital patterns and flagging anomalous satellite manoeuvres through a specialized large language model system. It also suggests that a set of international standards on satellite design, debris removal and deorbit timelines be established to minimize space debris.

Joel Modokpe Pajiah, Law Trainee, Nigerian Law School

Joel Modokpe Pajiah is a law graduate and professional trainee at the Nigerian Law School, specializing in public international law, international humanitarian law and space law. He has participated in major international moot competitions, including Oxford University’s 2024 Monroe E. Price Media Moot Court Competition and the 2025 Nigerian Championship of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Competition, where he was named Best Counsel. Previously, Joel interned at the Department of International Law and Comparative Law in the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja, Nigeria.

Addressing the challenge of orbital collisions, Joel’s video suggests building a shared tracking and monitoring system, which would allow actors to broadcast verifiable satellite routes and resolve a technical ambiguity that increases the risk of conflict in space.

Collaborating with the next generation on space security

The Outer Space Security Conference Youth Video Competition demonstrates that young leaders have important, innovative ideas to contribute and underlines the need to deepen their inclusion in multilateral processes. Their perceptive comments and questions enriched the discussions among experts and policymakers throughout the two days of the conference. They also provided crucial insights into both the immediate and the more long-standing areas of interest for the next generation of decision makers. UNIDIR remains committed to strengthening young people’s research capacity and to amplifying their voices in space security governance. They have a vital role to play in ensuring that the space domain remains peaceful and sustainable for all.

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The dialogues explored how science and technology tools can support the convention and the design of a lasting advisory mechanism to keep pace with scientific change. Both events were organized under UNIDIR’s Science and Technology Watchtower project and as part of the joint Technical Briefs series on emerging technologies and the convention.

Scientific advice mechanism for the convention

The first event on designing a science and technology advisory mechanism for the Biological Weapons Convention brought together experts from international scientific advisory bodies, multilateral policy research and disarmament diplomacy. Drawing on the experiences of the Secretary-General’s Scientific Advisory Board, the International Science Council, the Scientific Advisory Board of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and other bodies, participants explored what a comparable mechanism for the Biological Weapons Convention could look like, including how it might be composed, identify priorities and build consensus.

OPCW’s Scientific Advisory Board offered one of the relevant composition components: its 25 members serve in a personal capacity rather than as government representatives, with rotating terms and informal geographic and gender balance that help the body maintain both independence and legitimacy. On process, speakers shared experience on dealing with disagreements among members, noting that transparently recording dissenting views in a final report can be a legitimate and often more useful outcome.

The experience of the UN Secretary-General’s Scientific Advisory Board offered another important lesson:

Scientific advice has impact only once translated for a diplomatic audience.

Short, accessible briefs and informal briefings can help connect scientists directly with diplomats and bring scientific findings into policy discussions.

Participants also discussed the design of the convention’s own proposed mechanism, which envisages a hybrid model combining an open-ended body for broad participation with a smaller, focused reporting committee, to balance inclusivity with substantive technical work.

Speakers agreed that any mechanism should remain strictly advisory and feed transparently into the convention’s existing review cycle, helping States Parties turn scientific uncertainty into clarity they can act on.

Practical tools for implementation

The second event on applied science and technology tools for prevention, risk assessment and biorisk governance brought together speakers from public health, verification, biosecurity research and biotechnology policy to present concrete tools already in use or under development.

Emerging technologies are creating practical instruments to support the convention’s purpose, offering ways forward even in the continued absence of a formal verification regime.

Identifying governance gaps

The tools presented addressed different governance needs, from diagnosing gaps and assessing risk to building transparency. The Biorisk Implementation and Evaluation Tool, developed by the World Health Organization based on the 2022 Global Guidance Framework for the Responsible Use of Life Sciences, helps States self-diagnose their governance gaps. Available in national and institutional versions, the platform guides users through a step-by-step process to generate a risk score and identify priority actions.

Taking a different approach, VERTIC and King’s College London applied the logic of the IAEA’s Acquisition Path Analysis, used in nuclear safeguards, to hypothetical biological-weapons scenarios. By mapping pathways from agent acquisition to weaponization and identifying associated “observables,” they assessed how different monitoring and verification measures could capture them. By testing these approaches against the convention’s existing confidence-building measures, they revealed key practical gaps that were not captured in all cases, underscoring the level of detail needed to weigh the relative confidence, intrusiveness and cost of proposed measures.

Assessing emerging risks

RAND’s Risk Index Observatory applies a graded risk scale to AI-enabled biological tools such as protein-design algorithms, aiming to flag high-risk capabilities early while avoiding blanket restrictions on responsible research.

Meanwhile, early-stage research under the VERIBIO project at the University of Hamburg and Technical University of Hamburg, is exploring how industrial bioprocesses could be monitored for verification purposes while protecting confidential details of the process. Researchers are using an AI-based anomaly-detection model to identify when a bacterial strain’s “fingerprint” deviates from what is expected, potentially signaling it has been substituted for one producing a harmful agent.

Strengthening transparency

The Global DNA Synthesis Map and Common Mechanism developed by IBBIS give synthesis providers an open-source basis for screening orders against risky sequences across more than fifty regulatory frameworks.

Speakers discussed that these tools could support confidence-building, awareness-raising and national implementation of the convention under its Article IV, while also informing future efforts to the development of a verification mechanism.

As science and technology continue to advance, keeping the Biological Weapons Convention effective will require sustained engagement with the opportunities and challenges they present. Held under UNIDIR’s Science and Technology Watchtower, the dialogues demonstrated the value of drawing on existing scientific advisory practice while exploring practical tools that can support prevention, risk assessment, transparency and future verification.

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More than 20 participants from Sirigu and Manyoro, communities situated along the Ghana–Burkina Faso border, took part in the workshop. Participants included traditional leaders, volunteers who serve as WANEP community-based conflict early warning monitors, the Regional Peace Council, and local security actors – including the police and immigration.

Communities at the frontline of prevention

Communities living in border areas are often among the first to observe changes in local security dynamics. Their knowledge of local contexts and networks also provides important insights into emerging risks, including the movement and diversion of arms and ammunition.

Building on this local knowledge, the workshop strengthened this existing community-based early warning capacity by equipping participants with a better understanding of how ammunition diversion and trafficking can contribute to insecurity and how related warning signs can be identified, documented and reported.

The project we are commencing here today contributes particularly to the Global Framework for Through-Life Conventional Ammunition Management objectives relating to diversion prevention, accountability, monitoring and information sharing. Lessons gathered here are intended to become a model for community prevention across West Africa.

H.E. Hiroshi Yoshimoto, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Ghana

Building practical skills to identify ammunition diversion

Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, community monitors explored how to:

• understand arms and ammunition diversion dynamics in border communities;

• identify indicators of arms and ammunition diversion and trafficking; and

• strengthen practical skills for the safe and systematic collection, documentation and reporting of diversion-relevant information.

The movement of unauthorized arms and ammunition destabilizes local communities, fuels chieftaincy and land disputes… When our local citizens are empowered to detect early warning signs of ammunition diversion, they become active partners alongside our security forces rather than passive bystanders.

Hon. Faustina Abalu, Municipal Chief Executive of the Kassena Nankana Municipal Assembly

Connecting community actors and local authorities

Effective conflict early warning also depends on trusted channels for information-sharing and cooperation between communities and relevant authorities.

On the third day of the workshop, community monitors engaged in an open dialogue with representatives from the National Peace Council, Immigration Office and civil society. The discussion provided an opportunity to explore ways of strengthening trust, communication and collaboration between community actors and local security institutions.

A key outcome from the workshop was the development of community monitoring and information-sharing plans, providing a practical basis for participants to apply their learning within their respective communities.

Effective arms control begins with understanding the realities and risks communities face. By connecting community knowledge with formal early warning and security structures, we can strengthen prevention and reduce the risks associated with the diversion and misuse of arms and ammunition.

Fiifi Edu-Afful, Senior Researcher, Conventional Weapons Programme, UNIDIR

From insights to action

The three-day workshop forms part of the broader community-led arms control initiative of UNIDIR’s Conventional Weapons Programme, which seeks to integrate arms control measures into conflict prevention, peacebuilding and armed violence reduction. Insights shared by the participants will inform the development of a “menu of options” to support communities in managing weapons and ammunition, thereby preventing proliferation and misuse.

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Introduced on the sidelines of the APMBC Intersessional Meetings in Geneva, the initiative “Working towards a mine-free Africa: Building African capacity to remove threats posed by anti-personnel landmines to peace, security and development” comes at a critical time.

Since 1997, the APMBC has achieved significant progress – facilitating widespread mine clearance and reducing human costs of weapons. Yet, challenges persist. Thirty-three States Parties have outstanding Article 5 (mine clearance) obligations. Sixteen of these are from Africa, and many face constraints in securing domestic resources and international cooperation including assistance.

These challenges have been compounded by broader pressures on arms control and humanitarian disarmament instruments, which in turn underscores the importance of the effective implementation by all States Parties of the APMBC and its universalization.

Strengthening capacity and accelerating progress towards completion

As part of this initiative, a dedicated project aims to support five of the African States that are receiving low levels of international cooperation and assistance to fulfill their APMBC Article 5 obligations. It has two, interconnected objectives:

• First, to build national capacity in up to five African States to fulfil their APMBC Article 5 obligations related to mine clearance and land release; and
• Second, to promote and support the exchange of knowledge and experience on building African national capacity to implement APMBC obligations.

It will focus on African States Parties that have existing extensions granted by the Meeting of States Parties, established national action plans, and comparatively small or medium levels of contamination. These include Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Senegal, South Sudan, and Zimbabwe. The diversity and uniqueness of each context can help generate knowledge and understanding of how targeted support can be adapted to different country settings.

In addition to strengthening national capacities, the initiative will help ensure that the knowledge and experiences generated are socialized among key stakeholders. This includes other APMBC States Parties, African Union (AU) and UN Member States, other regional organizations such as the AU, regional economic communities, expert non-governmental organizations, and the public at large.

Ultimately, this will also benefit communities and individuals – including women, men, girls and boys – who continue to suffer from the negative, age-differentiated and gendered impacts of anti-personnel landmines on the African continent, and elsewhere.

The project is implemented by UNIDIR’s Conventional Weapons Programme, in cooperation with the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), and in close coordination with the APMBC Implementation Support Unit (ISU), other stakeholders and partners.

Speaking at the launch event, and joined by all partners and the APMBC Zambia presidency, the EU highlighted its commitment to humanitarian disarmament and its concrete support for the initiative:

The EU Council has committed 3 million EUR under the Common Foreign and Security Policy budget to support five African States close to completion in fulfilling their Article 5 obligations through a 36-month project, implemented by UNIDIR in partnership with MAG.

Ambassador Michele Cervone d’Urso, Deputy Head, EU Delegation to the UN and other international organizations in Geneva

The EU further emphasized the initiative’s alignment with its broader strategic priorities on peace, security and sustainable development, as outlined in its Global Strategy and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

An inclusive, cooperative and partnership-driven approach

Central to the initiative is a strong emphasis on national ownership, cooperation and coordination across stakeholders to translate political commitments into practical, on the ground impact.

As President of the convention and as an African State, Zambia is honoured to have been part of the launch of this project that will accelerate progress toward a mine-free future.

Mulima Lisimba, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Zambia to the UN and other international organizations in Geneva

Zambia further stressed that humanitarian disarmament including mine action is not only a technical undertaking, but a humanitarian imperative, adding that “behind every clearance target and compliance deadline are communities seeking safety, dignity and the opportunity to live free from the threat of landmines.”

Juan Carlos Ruan, Director of the APMBC Implementation Support Unit, also highlighted the initiative’s contribution to strengthening the overall functioning of the convention. This includes cooperation between States Parties in meeting legal obligations related to Article 5 and commitments. It also means generating lessons that can inform broader discussions to strengthen cooperation and assistance, as well as progress of the Siem Reap–Angkor Action Plan (2025–2029).

Delivering practical results and shared knowledge

The project combines research, analytical and knowledge-exchange with operational components. Key core activities will include:

• joint initial review meetings with national authorities,
• joint piloting and use of a prioritization tool, and
• upon request support in the preparation of annual reports.

Key optional and context-specific activities may include:

• surveys;
• clearance operations; and
• institutional and operational capacity-building provided by MAG (such as for example in information management, national standards, explosive ordnance risk education and community liaison).

At the same time, UNIDIR and its partners will document lessons and facilitate exchanges among African States Parties and the wider international community. This includes:

• a knowledge-exchange workshop and report,
• development of a prioritization tool,
• publication of country-specific factsheets and analytical outputs,
• co-hosting and organization of events in the margins of regional and international forum both in multilateral Geneva and in African countries.

Over the next three years, activities will focus on delivering concrete clearance outcomes, strengthening national systems, and generating actionable knowledge for the community of policy and practice. Partners also intend to engage regularly with European and African States Parties, regional organizations, and international stakeholders to share progress and findings, including through side events at future APMBC meetings, the conference of states parties, and regional outreach in Africa. Thus, the beneficiaries will not only be the five States, but also other APMBC States Parties, and the international community at large.

Looking ahead

During the initial phase, UNIDIR and MAG will hold joint review meetings with national authorities of the five States. The aim is to support States Parties in identifying, further prioritizing and sequencing assistance to fulfil Article 5 obligations. This should help move from broad expressions of needs towards structured, prioritized and nationally owned plans that can also inform individualized approaches, international assistance requests, and future cooperation.

The initiative also aims to enable States and the continent to take ownership in fulfilling Article 5 obligations and commit to shared responsibilities in working towards a mine-free Africa.

Other States in Africa and beyond face significant Article 5 challenges and require sustained international cooperation and assistance. This initiative and dedicated project is therefore a first, targeted, and focused contribution. It may become a vehicle and has the potential to generate further interest, support and resources to achieve mine-free objectives. Additional resources allowed expanding the geographical scope of the project or the type and depth of support that could be provided.

By working together, governments, regional organizations, implementing partners, donors, and affected communities, can make significant progress.

Mulima Lisimba, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Zambia to the UN and other international organizations in Geneva

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Held at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, the workshop brought together representatives from across the Government of Thailand to explore practical approaches for translating international commitments into national policies, institutional processes and operational practices. It builds on a series of similar bilateral trainings UNIDIR has already delivered in Thailand and across the region in Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Pakistan, and the Philippines.

Building on a long-standing partnership

UNIDIR has worked with Thailand for several years to support the development of cyber resilience. In May 2025, a joint cyber capacity-building and policy training featured an interactive tabletop exercise simulating a major ICT incident. The objective was to test national coordination, decision-making, and response arrangements.

This exercise helped identify a number of practical actions to strengthen cyber resilience.

UNIDIR and Thailand then worked together to develop a national roadmap to address priority issues in greater depth, and support implementation of specific elements of the UN framework of responsible State behaviour in cyberspace.

Co-developing implementation-focused support

As a part of this broader initiative, in July 2026 UNIDIR in collaboration with the NSC, NCSA and MFA designed a follow up workshop tailored specifically to Thailand’s priorities and institutional context. The training focused on translating select elements of the UN framework into national policies, processes and practices suited to Thailand’s specific context.

This approach reflects the capacity-building principles set out by the Open-ended Working Group on ICT Security: support should be demand-driven, context-specific, developed with national partners, non-duplicative and building on previous engagement. By adapting programme design to nationally identified priorities, UNIDIR’s activities are built to support long-term implementation of the UN framework rather than functioning as standalone training events.

Bringing together the national cyber governance community

Effective implementation of the UN framework requires coordination across government. To support this, the recent workshop brought together representatives from Thailand’s technical, legal and diplomatic communities.

Through expert briefings, policy dialogues and simulated tabletop exercises, participants explored how different institutions can contribute to implementing the UN framework while building synergies across Thailand’s national cyber governance ecosystem.

The workshop provided a platform for cross-sector dialogue, enabling participants to examine implementation challenges around specific UN cyber norms from complementary technical, legal and policy perspectives.

Looking ahead

This workshop represents the latest milestone in the Institute’s ongoing partnership with Thailand and broader capacity-building efforts in Asia-Pacific, delivered through UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme. It reflects a shared commitment to translating the UN framework for responsible State behaviour in cyberspace from principle into national policy and practice.

UNIDIR will continue working with Thailand and other Member States through practical, tailored capacity-building activities that strengthen national cyber resilience while contributing to regional cooperation and a more stable, secure and peaceful cyberspace.

For further information on UNIDIR’s research-based training and capacity building initiatives, visit the UNIDIR Academy.

This project is funded by Global Affairs Canada under its Indo-Pacific Strategy.

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Mirroring a similarly diverse multi-stakeholder visit to Mongolia earlier this year, the visit deepened UNIDIR’s existing relationships in the People’s Republic of China and created opportunities to build new collaborations.

Strong partnerships are at the heart of effective multilateral dialogue and forward-looking research. They are one of four key enablers in UNIDIR’s strategy and essential for the work of the Institute. The Beijing mission illustrates what that commitment looks like in practice, spanning three distinct constituencies: Member State authorities, research institutions, and private sector actors working on emerging technology.

Partnering with Member State authorities

Sustained dialogue with UN Member States remains central to UNIDIR’s work. It reinforces the Institute’s unique role as a trusted partner and convening actor, especially in times of rising global tensions.

Beyond its regular exchanges with permanent missions in Geneva, UNIDIR places particular value on engagement with national stakeholders at the capital level, where policy is shaped.

In Beijing, UNIDIR Director held discussions with Ambassador Lu Kang, Vice Minister of the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee. UNIDIR also met with representatives of the Department of Disarmament Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, and engaged with the organizers of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum – a leading platform for international security dialogue.

Across these bilateral discussions, Dr Geiss highlighted UNIDIR’s recently launched Centre of Excellence on AI, Peace and Security as a concrete mechanism through which the Institute can support Member States’ capacity-building needs.

These conversations also provided an opportunity to exchange on issues of shared concern and discuss pathways for strengthening international dialogue, themes that are also emphasized by the Global Governance Initiative.

Expanding the research partner network

Research institutes, think tanks, and academia form another essential pillar of UNIDIR’s partnership approach. The Institute’s work draws on in-house expertise and continuous exchange with a vast network of research partners to build on diverse perspectives. A key initiative reflecting this commitment is UNIDIR’s Global Disarmament Research Network, which brings together experts and institutions worldwide to address shared security challenges.

In Beijing, UNIDIR formalized its long-standing collaboration with the Centre for International Security and Strategy (CISS) by signing a partnership agreement with Tsinghua University. The agreement builds on an existing relationship through CISS Deputy Director Xiao Qian’s membership in UNIDIR’s Roundtable for AI, Security and Ethics – the sole multistakeholder platform convening experts from all permanent members of the Security Council and all UN regional groups.

This relationship is further reflected in UNIDIR’s hosting of Fellow Lefeng Zheng, an established form of engagement that was well received by Chinese counterparts throughout the mission.

During the visit, UNIDIR Director delivered a Global Vision Lecture on AI at the crossroads of peace and security, co-hosted by Tsinghua’s Office of International Affairs and CISS, engaging early-career scholars on current security challenges. Discussions continued at a youth dialogue with a smaller group of Tsinghua researchers and students. CISS and UNIDIR also jointly organized a symposium on artificial intelligence and international security, examining associated risks, opportunities and persisting governance gaps.

UNIDIR also participated in the 14th World Peace Forum, where Dr Geiss took part in a panel on the use of unmanned systems in armed conflict, organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross Regional Delegation in East Asia. Yasmin Afina, Researcher in UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme, also moderated a closed-door panel discussion on AI and international security, for which Dr Geiss provided opening remarks.

Beyond Tsinghua University, UNIDIR Director met with the senior leadership of the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association, including Dai Huaicheng, Secretary-General and member of UNIDIR’s Board of Trustees, to discuss ongoing collaboration. A welcome dinner hosted by the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs provided further opportunity for exchange with its representatives.

Engaging the private sector

Private sector engagement is increasingly important to UNIDIR’s research, particularly on AI, cyberspace and other emerging technologies. As innovation accelerates, dialogue with industry provides valuable insights into developments shaping the future security landscape.

UNIDIR visited two Beijing-based AI companies for discussions on peace and security, ensuring the Institute’s research remains grounded in current technological realities.

Supporting forward-looking research

UNIDIR’s recent engagements in Beijing demonstrate how the Institute’s partnerships – with governments, research institutions and industry – inform research that is both evidence-based and responsive to a fast-changing security environment.

As artifical intelligence and other emerging technologies continue to reshape questions of international peace and security, this kind of sustained, multi-stakeholder approach will remain at the core of UNIDIR’s ability to deliver relevant, forward-looking analysis.

The post UNIDIR advances partnerships on AI, peace and security in Beijing first appeared on UNIDIR.

This year’s programme provided the Institute’s growing network of Women in AI fellows with grounding in the technical, legal, governance and ethical dimensions of AI, particularly in terms of its applications in international peace and security. The training enabled participants to navigate present and future challenges around emerging technologies.

A programme across the AI spectrum

Through expert-led lectures, interactive sessions, and tabletop exercises, the programme reflected the breadth and diversity of both its participants and its subject matter. Fellows explored AI across multiple dimensions – the technological foundation of AI and biases, military applications and international humanitarian law, and multilateral approaches to advancing AI governance.

Discussions extended to AI’s place in the broader international defence architecture, strategic foresight around its use, and the growing policy relevance of the nexus of emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity. Fellows were also introduced to broader considerations and implications of military AI, including through the lenses of human rights, gender considerations, responsible AI and ethics, as well as multistakeholder and regional perspectives from across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Europe.

UNIDIR actively leads initiatives to strengthen knowledge and dialogue on the governance of military AI. This fellowship reflects the Institute’s key priority of ensuring that women can participate meaningfully in shaping these discussions.

Robin Geiss, UNIDIR Director

The training allowed fellows to engage with UNIDIR experts, intergovernmental organizations, diplomats and policymakers, academia, industry representatives, military personnel, and high-level officials such as the UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu. The substantive bedrock of the sessions drew from a range of research and robust work across several countries and organizations. The programme covered the broad spectrum of UNIDIR’s work on AI, including dialogues like the upcoming Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics, digital tools like the AI Policy Portal, and research on the cyber-AI nexus, military AI governance processes, confidence-building around military AI, and the intersection of gender and AI. 

Apart from thematic sessions, the programme also included interactive tabletop exercises on the governance of military AI, a strategic foresight activity on AI, a screening and discussion of the Netflix documentary Unknown: Killer Robots, and structured daily mini-lateral discussions amongst the participants.

The fellowship also factored in opportunities for networking, including a speed-friending lunch with UNIDIR’s Women in AI Fellows from previous years as well as a dinner with the diplomatic community in Geneva. The final day included a visit to the CERN Science Gateway on the Franco-Swiss border, where fellows took a guided walking tour of the premises, learnt about emerging technologies in use at CERN, and had the chance to witness up close the functioning of a successful, science and technology-focused organization born out of international cooperation.

Fellows provided overwhelmingly positive feedback at the end of the week. Participants highlighted the importance of inclusive and well-informed approaches to AI governance, in particular the need to integrate human rights and gender perspectives while strengthening links between technical and policy communities. They also pointed to the value of sustained capacity-building, multistakeholder engagement, and the exchange of good practices to support international cooperation, drawing on lessons from existing governance processes in areas such as cybersecurity.

The way ahead

As AI becomes an established issue domain in disarmament as well as international peace and security, interest in UNIDIR’s Women in AI Fellowship has grown rapidly, with the 2026 edition receiving over 200 applications from 100 countries – the most diverse application pool thus far. UNIDIR is building on this momentum by expanding its capacity-building offerings and exploring opportunities to deliver the fellowship across additional regional contexts.

Uncertainty is not an impediment for governance.

UNIDIR Women in AI Fellow

The 2026 Women in AI Fellowship was made possible by the generous support of donors to UNIDIR’s Integrated Approaches Programme and UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme, specifically Canada, Czechia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Spain, Switzerland, and Microsoft.

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Over six days, a team composed of diverse representatives (from UNIDIR, Interpeace, the Small Arms Survey, the Regional Centre for Small Arms Control, Kenya’s Ministry of Interior, National Defence University-Kenya, NEPCOH and local county authorities) conducted focus group discussions, stakeholder consultations, and community meetings. These took place in both urban centres and remote hotspots in Samburu, Baringo, Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, and West Pokot, where the State’s reach is limited and the presence of illicit weapons is not.

The team interacted with county commissioners, peace directors, National Police Service officers, elders, youth, women, and religious leaders. The findings were highly illuminating. In the Suguta Valley, one elder told the delegation:

Guns have brought more harm than good to our families. Nearly every home has lost someone.

Across all five counties, communities consistently identified three conditions for sustainable disarmament:

• simultaneous action across borders;
• credible post-surrender security guarantees; and
• concrete links between arms control and livelihood support.

Five counties, one picture

Meetings in Maralal, Samburu County, painted a detailed picture of the local security landscape, highlighting the linkages between livestock wealth, raiding and firearms possession. For households living more than ten kilometres from urban centres, guns are considered essential for protection.

A focus group with elders, youth, teachers, religious leaders, and local administrators in Suguta Valley in Turkana County’s Kapedo area highlighted:

• the widespread presence of firearms among young people;
• the uneven effects of Operation Maliza Uhalifu; and
• the urgent need for simultaneous disarmament across neighbouring communities.

The message was clear: unilateral community disarmament is perceived not as a pre-condition for peace, but as exposure and vulnerability.

In Baringo County, community members in Tangulbei and Kolowa in the Kerio Valley traced the roots of arms proliferation to cross-border inflows from Uganda during the 1970s and 1990s. They also reflected on recent voluntary arms surrenders, which followed the arrest of several high-profile individuals in neighbouring areas. That momentum reportedly contributed to the surrender of more than 100 weapons locally, reinforcing an important lesson from the field: accountability at higher levels can create space for meaningful community action.

In West Pokot County, County Commissioner, D.N. Saruni noted that 99% of recovered firearms had been voluntarily surrendered. This is a striking figure that underscores the potential of trust-based approaches to arms control. Community dialogues in Sigor and Orwa-Calabash brought together Pokot and Marakwet participants to share lessons learned and impact from joint farming initiatives between youth from both communities to build trust and cooperation.

What comes next

This first CLAC mission will directly inform the development of UNIDIR’s broader effort to develop a practical “menu of options” for use in community-led arms control initiatives across the globe. UNIDIR’s role in this process reflects its wider commitment to evidence- based and people-centred approaches to conventional arms control connecting global policy discussions to the everyday realities faced by communities most affected by insecurity and armed violence.

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As advances in AI raise increasingly complex questions for policymakers, regulators and international institutions alike, States and stakeholders are seeking shared understandings, common norms and coordinated approaches that can support responsible governance across security and defence contexts.

This growing momentum is reflected in an expanding ecosystem of international and regional initiatives. Recent developments, including the UN General Assembly resolutions 79/239 and 80/58, the Secretary-General’s report on AI in the military domain, REAIM and a growing number of national and regional AI strategies, point to a broader shift from abstract debates toward implementation, practical governance measures and sustained multilateral engagement.

At the same time, the pace of technological innovation continues to challenge existing policy frameworks, making international cooperation and cross-sector dialogue increasingly necessary.

Amid this rapidly evolving landscape, UNIDIR’s Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics 2026 (AISE26) served as an agile and inclusive space for bridging technical and policy communities and strengthening cooperative approaches to AI-related security challenges.

A platform for dialogue

The inaugural edition of the conference took place in March 2025, against a highly dynamic backdrop. Policymakers and regulators worldwide had begun to recognize the urgency of shared understandings, norms and regulations that transcend national borders and individual interests, including in the context of AI’s applications for security and defence.

In parallel, AI in the military and security domains were often, if not most of the times discussed at either end of the spectrum: as a question of governance, international law and global norms, or as a question of technical design and corporate governance.

In response, UNIDIR leveraged its existing network of experts – building on the work of the Roundtable for AI, Security and Ethics (RAISE) launched in 2024 – and giving a voice to under-represented perspectives from all five UN regional groups in an inclusive manner that transcends geopolitical barriers.

As such, UNIDIR’s Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics constituted a platform for independent, neutral and expert-led dialogue.

By fostering mutual understanding and cross-sectoral action, it established itself as a channel for substantive input feeding into multilateral, international, regional and national governance initiatives. The conference was also held ahead of the deadline for the submission of States’ and the multistakeholder community’s views to the UN Secretary-General pursuant to resolution 79/239 on AI in the military domain and its implications for international peace and security.

Unwavering commitment to AI and security

UNIDIR’s conference is also part of the Institute’s broader work on AI and autonomy. This explores these technologies’ evolution, their applications and implications on international, regional and national peace and security, and the policy options available to respond effectively – informing both the deliberations on lethal autonomous weapons systems and broader discussions on military AI.

Recent projects include the co-development with OHCHR of a voluntary framework that provides guidelines for industry actors in AI in the military domain. Acknowledging the private sector’s increasingly important role throughout these technologies’ lifecycle, UNIDIR seeks to collaborate with organizations, industry actors, civil society and Member States to formulate guidelines translating existing international law and norms into measures for their implementation and operationalization.

The Institute emphasizes regional engagement for the responsible development, deployment and use of AI in the military domain and for the application of international humanitarian law in relation to lethal autonomous weapons systems. It does so while preserving an inherently inter-disciplinary approach due to the multi-faceted nature of these technologies. This is reflected in its work surrounding large language models, decommissioning, as well as the publication of its roadmap encapsulating the Institute’s recommendations for future policy action.

Additionally, given the growing number of national initiatives in this space, UNIDIR has developed, over the past years, tools for furthering national capacity. These include its AI Policy Portal, which fosters transparency and information-sharing, and is complemented by the Draft Guidelines for the Development of a National Strategy on AI in Security and Defence. In addition, UNIDIR’s Women in AI Fellowship, taking place annually in Geneva, equips women diplomats with the expertise to explore the latest and emerging AI applications from policy, legal and technical lens.

What’s next for AI, security and ethics

UNIDIR’s Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics 2026 convened policymakers, diplomats, military representatives, industry leaders, researchers, academia and civil society to address the evolving implications of AI for international security and resilience.

Held on 18–19 June at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, and online, the conference served as a catalyst for action at a pivotal moment for global AI governance.

By bringing together technical and policy communities from across sectors and regions, the conference reflected a shared commitment to a more secure world. Through an expanded programme featuring technical deep dives, high-level panels, interactive roundtables, demonstrations and poster presentations, it created space not only for dialogue across disciplines, but also for practical exchange between technical and policy communities.

In the lead-up this year’s edition, UNIDIR is also expanded these discussions through the Road to AISE26 webinar series and the launch of the AISE Markers policy notes. Together, these initiatives helped sustain dialogue ahead of the event, while identifying emerging questions, areas of convergence and issues that continue to require deeper reflection across policy and technical communities.

At a time when technological developments risk outpacing governance processes, spaces for inclusive, informed and action-oriented dialogue are critical. The governance of AI and its implications for international peace and security cannot be addressed in isolation. It requires sustained cooperation, shared understanding and continued engagement across the international community in the years ahead.

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The two-day training brought together 30 national officials from Angola’s ministries of defence, finance, human rights, and interior, as well as representatives of the armed forces, national police and customs authorities. It sought to improve reporting to the following international arms control instruments:

• the United Nations Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management (GFA);
• the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PoA) and its International Tracing Instrument (ITI); and
• the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms (UNROCA).

During this workshop, it is expected that experiences, best practices, and technical knowledge will be shared to help improve the quality of national reports (…) [Reporting] serves as a diagnostic tool for assessing the current overall situation and for adjusting and enriching ongoing measures.

H.E. Marcos Correia, Secretary of State for the Protection of Strategic Objectives of the Ministry of Defence

Dr Paul Holtom, Head of UNIDIR’s Conventional Weapons Programme, noted that by helping States and other stakeholders to fulfil their commitments and obligations under conventional arms and ammunition control instruments: “We can help to build confidence and trust between States, reduce tensions around arms, and foster peace, security, stability and sustainable development.“

From capacity-building to concrete progress

The workshop focused on the practical steps required for Angola to prepare its national reports. Experts examined the types of data and information to be reported under each instrument, identified which national institutions hold relevant information, and considered how stronger inter-agency coordination can support reporting processes.

Participants developed first drafts of guidance for national reporting procedures and kick-started the process of developing Angola’s national reports for the GFA, PoA/ITI and UNROCA. Experts also discussed implementation gaps and identified national priorities for international cooperation and assistance.

ANCAD timed the workshop to support Angola’s broader arms control efforts, as highlighted by H.E. Marcos Correia:

This initiative, carried out in strategic partnership with UNIDIR, forms part of the sector’s Biennial Action Plan for the Implementation of Arms Control Instruments, aimed above all at strengthening the national system for controlling arms of all types and categories by enhancing the capacity of relevant institutions, adapting existing legislation, and training personnel, based on international standards, recommendations, and best practices.

The workshop enhanced Angola’s engagement with international obligations and processes; supported a systematic stocktaking of national progress and challenges; and provided additional momentum to strengthen its legal framework through the development of a new Law on the Control of Conventional Arms and Ammunition and Related Materials.

Looking ahead

UNIDIR and Angola will continue to explore opportunities for cooperation to strengthen national arms and ammunition control. As Dr Holtom noted:

We hope that this capacity-building workshop is the first of many opportunities to work together to counter the threats posed by unregulated and illicit weapons to communities and the State of Angola.

The workshop forms part of UNIDIR’s broader efforts to support States in building sustainable, nationally owned capacities for effective reporting. Through its Conventional Weapons Programme, UNIDIR provides tailored advice and capacity-building to help States fulfil their commitments under international instruments on conventional arms and ammunition control.

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Participants identified quantum sensing technologies, notably magnetometers and gravimeters, as among the most relevant near-term developments in the nuclear context. Ballistic missile submarines are generally considered highly survivable due to their low detectability. They play a crucial role in strategic deterrence, but advances in quantum sensing could eventually challenge this long-held assumption.

Quantum magnetometers can detect the subtle magnetic disturbances generated by submarines with sensitivity that, in certain configurations, could exceed that of current classical magnetic detection systems. Yet, the field is still relatively underexplored and many anticipated capabilities remain largely theoretical. Current technologies are constrained by hard limits on detection range, particularly in real-world conditions where noise and interference challenges are present. In parallel, detection-evasion techniques continue to evolve alongside advances in detection technologies.

As a stabilizing counterpoint, quantum-assisted navigation could enhance the survivability of sea-based deterrents by enabling submarines to operate for longer periods without surfacing. The overall assessment, however, remains uncertain as evidence based on operational performance remains thin.

Whether quantum advances ultimately have a stabilizing or destabilizing effect on nuclear deterrence will depend heavily on how relevant capabilities evolve and they are pursued by States.

Emerging quantum cyberthreats

Modern digital communications rely heavily on public-key encryption methods. Their security is based on mathematical problems that sufficiently powerful future quantum computers may eventually be able to solve, potentially rendering current protections insufficient. This could create risks for nuclear-related digital systems where information confidentiality, authentication and integrity are essential. For instance, future quantum computers may enable adversaries to compromise the encryption used to secure sensitive nuclear information.

While quantum computers capable of breaking current encryption schemes do not yet exist, there is already concern that adversaries may collect encrypted data today with the intent to decrypt it once the technology matures.

For nuclear systems whose operational data could retain value for decades, the consequences of the so-called “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks can be particularly grave.

Toward quantum-resilient nuclear architectures

In response to quantum cyberthreats, two complementary approaches were identified:

• Post-quantum cryptography (PQC): It is designed to resist both classical and quantum cyberattacks, and can already be deployed on existing systems. A notable example is the set of PQC standards released in 2024 by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology.
• Quantum key distribution (QKD): It is one of the most mature quantum technologies currently available. QKD enables encryption keys to be distributed in a way that makes intrusion attempts detectable.

UNIDIR’s event presented insights from an experimental demonstration conducted by Purdue University on QKD integration within a nuclear reactor control environment. The experiment suggested that QKD could be compatible with latency-sensitive nuclear control architectures and has the potential of addressing the nuclear sector’s stringent confidentiality standards.

Experts highlighted a layered approach combining PQC and QKD, alongside zero-trust architecture and hardware-based security, as a promising direction for strengthening future nuclear system design. However, modernization of nuclear systems is likely to proceed gradually. Their complexity could make rapid cryptographic and infrastructure upgrades difficult, potentially prolonging the window of vulnerability.

Multilateral engagement and the path forward

To date, quantum technologies remain a relatively nascent topic within multilateral nuclear disarmament discussions. Nevertheless, it is important to prepare for potential implications before the relevant technologies mature.

One key issue raised during UNIDIR’s multistakeholder dialogue was that quantum technologies should not be considered in isolation, as their interaction with other emerging technologies – such as AI – could shorten decision-making timelines, increase uncertainty, and elevate the risk of miscalculation during crises. On the positive side, quantum technologies could offer opportunities to strengthen nuclear disarmament efforts through improved verification enabled by quantum sensing and through quantum-secured communications.

The discussion emphasized that awareness among relevant stakeholders must be built to support informed multilateral deliberations.

UNIDIR’s Science and Technology Watchtower project seeks to contribute to such awareness-raising efforts, and this dialogue represented one step forward in bringing the quantum-nuclear nexus onto the disarmament community’s agenda. Previous events under the project’s umbrella have explored issues surrounding additive manufacturing, uncrewed systems, cybersecurity, AI and the Biological Weapons Convention, and more.

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Moderated by UNIDIR Director, Robin Geiss, the discussion featured opening remarks by the Mayor of Hiroshima and President of Mayors for Peace, Kazumi Matsui, who highlighted the importance of nuclear disarmament. He was followed by UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, who emphasized that the review conference represents a significant opportunity for State Parties and in particular nuclear-weapon States to reaffirm their commitments under the treaty.

Minister Kimitake Nakamura, Director-General of the Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Science Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to the NPT. He highlighted the importance of the disarmament and non-proliferation education as a key tool for promoting a world without nuclear weapons, especially for the younger generation.

Examining the state of the three pillars

Dr Chen Zak Kane, Head of UNIDIR’s Middle East WMD-Free Zone Project covered the non-proliferation pillar, noting that this is an area where the treaty’s tools have been most visibly tested. She stressed the importance of universalizing Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements and Additional Protocols and ensuring that the International Atomic Energy Agency has the resources to implement them effectively. She also emphasized the need for safeguards to adapt to emerging technologies. While AI could lower barriers to WMD development, real constraints remain on how far it enables new actors to build nuclear weapons.

Turning to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, Dr Shun Oshita, a Senior Lecturer with the Hiroshima Peace Institute, argued that Article IV has historically served as a “built‑in stabilizer” for the NPT’s “grand bargain”. However, there was a risk that this was leading to the stagnation of nuclear disarmament. He argued that the “good faith” obligations of Article VI must be scrutinized potentially through some form of institutional body. 

Focusing on nuclear disarmament, Dr Randy Rydell, Honorary Advisor at Mayors for Peace drew attention to the fundamental “principles” that the UN General Assembly adopted to guide the negotiation of the treaty. He also highlighted some of the persistent challenges of implementing disarmament commitments. While recognizing that Article VI is not the only legal instrument to advance disarmament, he stressed the extent that the entire treaty depends on demonstrable fulfilment of these obligations – as observed at its review conferences.

What to expect from the review conference

During the discussion, the panellists and audience members discussed possible outcomes of the review conference. Participants also discussed the importance of nuclear weapons States demonstrating good faith in their commitment to the treaty, as well as the possibility of convening a fourth Special Session of the UN General Assembly on Disarmament if the NPT Review Conference fails.

The event was part of an ongoing partnership between UNIDIR and Mayors for Peace, as well as of a dynamic series of side events organized by UNIDIR and its partners during the 2026 NPT Review Conference. These events aimed to enhance understanding of key issues and deepen engagement with processes, procedures and potential outcomes.

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Every year, on 23 April, the UN celebrates International Girls in ICT Day. This year’s theme “AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future” draws attention to the digital gender divide: How can we ensure that AI benefits everyone when 90% of adolescent girls and young women in low-income countries are offline? If not developed responsibly, AI technology risks perpetuating and reinforcing gendered inequalities through unequal access, biased algorithms and new forms of AI-enabled digital harm.

An important step for addressing these issues is to ensure that women diplomats, who remain under-represented in multilateral cyber governance forums, have a seat at the decision-making table. Every year, UNIDIR organizes the Women in AI Fellowship and the Women in Cyber Fellowship, bringing together women diplomats from across the world working on AI and cybersecurity for week-long trainings. The fellowships are part of UNIDIR’s broader effort to contribute to women’s meaningful participation in international security.

Q: How does your work relate to AI and/or cybersecurity? And how do you see your role as a diplomat in shaping the digital future?  

A: My work sits at the intersection of technology, security and global governance. As a diplomat, I contribute to building international consensus on how artificial intelligence and digital technologies should be developed and used in a responsible, ethical and secure manner.  

I see my role as that of a translator between different worlds: the technical, the political, and the human.

Ultimately, the digital future is not defined only by what technology can do, but by what we decide as societies it should do. From Chile, I seek to bring a perspective that places people, their rights and their dignity at the centre, ensuring that digital transformation becomes a tool to reduce inequalities rather than deepen them. 

Q: What aspects of the UNIDIR Women in AI Fellowship and/or Women in Cyber Fellowship have been most helpful to you and how?

A: One of the most transformative aspects of these fellowships has been the opportunity to connect with amazing women from different regions and professional backgrounds, all sharing a common conviction: that we can and want to actively shape more inclusive technological futures.

Beyond technical knowledge, I particularly value the space to question assumptions and enrich discussions through interdisciplinary perspectives. For example, through the fellowships I was able to more effectively integrate ethical and gender considerations into discussions on security and emerging technologies, strengthening my ability to contribute more holistically in multilateral settings.

Q: Which emerging challenge related to AI or cybersecurity concerns you the most – and why?

A: I am deeply concerned about the pace at which these technologies are advancing compared to our collective ability to govern them. In particular, the risk that artificial intelligence may reproduce or amplify existing inequalities, often in ways that are not immediately visible.

I have worked in regulating tech my entire professional career and as regulators, we are always lagging behind. AI is a whole new challenge as it revolutionizes multiple sectors at the same time, making it very hard for current governing structures and institutions to follow up.

I am also concerned about the increasing autonomy of certain systems in sensitive contexts, such as security and defence. This raises fundamental questions:

Where do we draw the line? How do we ensure accountability? And, above all, how do we guarantee that these technologies remain in service of people?

Perhaps even more fundamentally, I often ask myself whether we will be able to collectively prioritize what truly matters. In an international context that frequently incentivizes competition – technological, economic and strategic – the real challenge lies in achieving the agreements needed to establish shared principles and limits. The question is not only what we can do with these technologies, but whether we will have the collective will to ensure that their development serves the common good, rather than narrow interests.

Q: What do you think are the biggest barriers to women and girls’ meaningful participation in the digital space?

A: The barriers are not only about access, but also about perception and confidence. Many girls and young women grow up without seeing themselves reflected in these spaces, or they grow up feeling that they do not belong.

These challenges are compounded by structural inequalities in education, opportunities and access to digital tools, as well as online environments that are not always safe or welcoming. Addressing these barriers requires not only public policy, but also deeper cultural change. And most of all, it requires strong networks of professionals inspiring and supporting each other.

Q: What advice would you share with girls and young women aspiring to contribute to AI and cybersecurity governance?

A: I would tell them that curiosity is a form of courage. Asking questions, exploring, making mistakes, and trying again are all essential parts of the journey.

But above all, I would remind them of something they should never lose sight of: technology is not an end in itself. Any innovation that truly matters must be, at its core, by and for people. It should improve lives, expand opportunities, and protect what makes us human.

They do not need to fit into a predefined mold to contribute to this field. Their perspectives, experiences, and questions are exactly what is needed to build a more just digital future. I would encourage them to step forward, to make their voices heard, and to imagine different kinds of technologies: more inclusive, more ethical, and more human-centred. Technology that reflects and supports their needs and dreams.

Q: Any final thoughts on girls’ and women’s empowerment in the digital space?

A: Digital empowerment is not only about access, but also about agency… the ability to influence, decide and transform. It is not just about increasing the number of women in technology, but about ensuring that they can shape how these technologies are designed, implemented and governed.

If we truly integrate diverse perspectives, we will not only close gaps, but we will also build better technologies. Because a more inclusive digital future is not only fairer; it is also more innovative and sustainable.

The post Women shaping our digital future first appeared on UNIDIR.

This marked the first time UNIDIR was invited to present its work as a cooperation partner of SOMTC-Cambodia during the open session of the Working Group on Arms Smuggling. The Institute delivered the presentation to delegations from ASEAN Member States and representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat.

UNIDIR highlighted two areas for potential cooperation:

1. It presented outcomes from the capacity-building on reporting under international instruments on conventional arms and ammunition control, held in Phnom Penh.
2. It highlighted policy-relevant research on emerging production methods and knowledge transfers related to improvised weapons, including collaborations with organizations and experts in Southeast Asia.

This event was a landmark for deepening cooperation between UNIDIR and its partners across the region, particularly with Cambodia as the SOMTC voluntary lead shepherd for the arms smuggling priority area. UNIDIR’s Conventional Weapons Programme reiterated its commitment to supporting the efforts of SOMTC-Cambodia and the SOMTC Working Group on Arms Smuggling to curb the illicit smuggling of firearms and its ammunition.

ASEAN’s approach to preventing arms smuggling

The ASEAN Declaration on Combating Arms Smuggling was adopted on 21 August 2023 in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. The declaration recognizes the pervasive threats of arms smuggling in Southeast Asia and the challenges in preventing and curbing cross-border illicit trade and smuggling of firearms and its ammunition.

The ASEAN SOMTC Working Group on Arms Smuggling meets annually and serves as a dedicated platform for Member States to exchange views on challenges, share best practices, and identify practical solutions related to arms smuggling. The Working Group plays a central role in supporting the implementation of the declaration. It is also a forum for ASEAN Member States and invited dialogue partners to seize opportunities for collaboration on capacity-building, training and information-sharing to enhance regional responses to arms smuggling.

The post Advancing cooperation against arms smuggling in Southeast Asia first appeared on UNIDIR.

Organized by UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme, the training sought to strengthen Malaysia’s cyber resilience by promoting greater alignment and cooperation among key national actors. It also advanced efforts to operationalize the UN cyber norms and address the growing need for demand-driven and responsive capacity-building, as highlighted by the UN Open-Ended Working Group on ICT Security. 

Ranging from the rapid growth of ransomware to supply-chain compromises and AI-enabled disinformation, the training addressed the evolving cyber threat landscape and the practical challenges of responding to high-impact ICT incidents. Participants gained a comprehensive picture of how cyber threats can disrupt critical infrastructure and services through scenario-based and multi-stage table-top exercises by applying UNIDIR Taxonomy of Malicious ICT Incidents. The dedicated policy briefings highlighted how recent advancements and trends in quantum computing and artificial intelligence are expected to reshape cybersecurity and broader security dynamics.

Aligning national capabilities with UN frameworks

By featuring extensive discussions on the role of UN voluntary cyber norms and developing a national position on the interpretation of international law, the training helped advance Malaysia’s long-term cyber resilience.

In addition to the UNIDIR’s Foundational Cyber Capabilities Framework, the programme introduced strategic approaches that decision-makers may consider for responding to malicious ICT incidents and de-escalating tensions with potentially significant impacts on regional security and stability. These included:

• diplomatic engagement,
• acts of retorsion,
• countermeasures, and
• the activation of confidence-building measures.

An interactive session led by the International Telecommunication Union complemented these discussions, sharing good practices and practical tools for integrating the UN framework in the development of the national cybersecurity strategies.

Towards stronger regional cyber resilience

This training forms part of a growing regional series of bilateral trainings – also held in Pakistan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Lao PDR, and Thailand – aimed at reinforcing national and regional cybersecurity capacities. UNIDIR remains committed to supporting governments with tailored tools and training, enabling them to respond effectively to rapidly evolving threats in the ICT environment. 

To learn more about UNIDIR’s research-driven training and capacity-building programmes, visit the UNIDIR Academy. 

This project is funded by Global Affairs Canada under its Indo-Pacific Strategy.

The post UNIDIR builds national cyber resilience in Malaysia first appeared on UNIDIR.

The workshop was designed to increase the awareness among national authorities on international conventional weapons instruments, strengthen their capacity to fulfill reporting commitments under them, and identify priority areas for enhanced international cooperation and assistance. It brought together some 40 government officials from Cambodia’s capital and border provinces involved in conventional arms and ammunition control and counter-trafficking efforts.

The workshop opened with a high-level address from H.E. Police General Por Phak, Secretary of State and Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) Cambodia Leader at the Ministry of Interior. He emphasized Cambodia’s commitment to strengthening national control systems and adapting to evolving global standards:

This [event] reflects our determination to fulfill our obligation and strengthen [our] national control system. At the same time, we are taking steps to align [with] emerging framework[s], including the Global Framework on Through-Life Conventional Ammunition Management, which require enhanced technical capacity and coordination. This workshop provides a timely opportunity to advance these efforts.

H.E. Pol. Gen. Por Phak, Secretary of State and SOMTC-Cambodia Leader, Ministry of Interior, Kingdom of Cambodia

Strengthening national reporting processes

The training focused on the institutionalization of effective inter-agency cooperation to collect and share the information needed for national reports on:

• The implementation of the UN Programme on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PoA) and the International Tracing Instrument (ITI)
• The implementation of the Global Framework on Through-Life Conventional Ammunition Management (GFA)
• International arms transfers for the UN Register on Conventional Weapons

UNIDIR experts Dr Paul Holtom, Head of Programme, and Joshua Angelo Bata, Associate Researcher, both with UNIDIR’s Conventional Weapons Programme, delivered presentations and facilitated group exercises. A highlight of the training was the process of drafting a “national procedures document” to support the institutionalization of reporting in Cambodia. This exercise entailed identifying “what” data and information is needed, “who” holds it, and “when” to collect, share, and prepare reports for each instrument.  

Enhancing the quality and use of reports

This training is timely as the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs has requested Member States to submit their national report on the implementation of the UN PoA and ITI in advance of the 2026 Biennial Meeting of States. In parallel, Member States are also requested to voluntarily submit their initial overview of the GFA implementation in 2026.

The two-day event, while national in scope, also included regional and global considerations.  Workshop participants not only explored how to ensure high-quality national reports but also identified issues on which Cambodia could share effective practices in implementing these instruments, as well as international cooperation and assistance needs.

Reporting on the implementation of conventional arms and ammunition control instruments helps to build confidence between States, reduce tensions relating to authorized and illicit arms flows, and support efforts to foster peace, security, stability and sustainable development.

Dr Paul Holtom, Head of UNIDIR’s Conventional Arms Programme

Supporting Cambodia’s regional leadership

The training also supports Cambodia in its role as the voluntary lead shepherd of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) SOMTC Working Group on Arms Smuggling. The workshop helped to show how preparing national reports for the PoA and GFA helps to review national legal frameworks related to manufacturing, trafficking and use of arms, as well as for data collection regarding illicit arms manufacturing and trafficking, in accordance with the ASEAN Declaration on Combating Arms Smuggling.

Experts from Non-Violence International Southeast Asia, Mitzi Austero and Dr Fred Lubang also contributed to the training by sharing the national experiences of ASEAN Member States regarding inter-agency cooperation.

The workshop forms part of UNIDIR’s broader efforts to support States in strengthening national systems and processes for reporting on international conventional weapons instruments. Through its Conventional Arms Programme, UNIDIR continues to deliver tailored advice and training to help States build sustainable, nationally owned capacities for effective and transparent reporting.

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Describing the report as both “timely and necessary,” Dr Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary at Kenya’s Ministry Interior and National Administration, emphasized its clear analysis of achievements and remaining gaps. “It provides a clear-eyed view of where we stand and what needs to be done,” he noted during the launch.

Presenting the key findings, Dr Paul Holtom, Head of UNIDIR’s Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme, called the study a “milestone for combating the scourge of illicit small arms and light weapons and their misuse in eastern Africa.” He contrasted the region’s nascent national SALW control systems in 2005 with significant progress made by States by 2025.

In his remarks, Douglas Kanja, Inspector General of the Kenya National Police Service and President of the AFRIPOL General Assembly, highlighted the measurable gains in legislative and regulatory frameworks, stockpile management, marking, recordkeeping systems, and inter-agency coordination mechanisms.

Progress by the numbers

In 2005, no State in the region marked their weapons. By 2025, five States could confidently report that they had marked all State-owned SALW, with the remaining seven States assessed in the study making good progress.

We can say with confidence that the RECSA region has made remarkable and measurable progress.

Jean Pierre Betindji, RECSA’s Executive Secretary

Table: Progress made in marking and recordkeeping for SALW, 2005-2025

Despite the notable progress, persistent challenges remain. Dr Omollo cautioned that “the study equally and clearly captures persistent gaps.” Dr Holtom also highlighted continued challenges in implementing the Nairobi Protocol – especially concerning the mobilization of adequate resources, the operationalization of tracing mechanisms, border controls, law enforcement cooperation, and regional information exchange.

The proliferation of SALW in the region continues to fuel conflicts, to undermine development, and to threaten safety and security of our communities.

Felix Namurahonye, Inspector General of Police in Rwanda and Chair of RECSA’s Technical Advisory Committee

A roadmap for renewal

The report launch represents an important opportunity for States and key stakeholders to renew their commitment to addressing the illicit SALW trade in the region. It provides recommendations to revise the Nairobi Protocol’s provisions to:

• strengthen cross-border cooperation or national coordination mechanisms;
• align the protocol with relevant international and regional arms control frameworks; and
• take into account emerging weapon technologies posing a threat to peace and security in the region, including improvised explosive devices and armed uncrewed aerial vehicles.

RECSA has incorporated the report’s recommendations into its next five-year plan (2026-2031). It will present proposals to update the Nairobi Protocol and its best-practice guidelines to the Technical Advisory Committee, which will meet in Kigali, Rwanda next June. This represents an important first step toward translating the report’s findings into practical measures to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit manufacturing, trafficking, possession and use of SALW in the region.

Revitalizing partnerships

Looking ahead, Dr Ivor Fung of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs and Francis Wairagu of the Small Arms Survey both highlighted that to realize the new vision for the protocol, cooperation with international and regional organizations, civil society, academia and industry will need to be revitalized and enhanced. In this regard, Nerys Smith of the United Kingdom’s High Commission to Kenya expressed encouragement for these renewed efforts, stating: “We have a shared commitment to reduce human suffering and build a safer future in the region and the continent.”

The report on the Nairobi Protocol on SAWL at 20 is the final output of the joint UNIDIR-RECSA project, funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The report is intended to support RECSA Member States and Secretariat in responding to the call of RECSA’s 11^th Council of Ministers Meeting to review the Nairobi Protocol.

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