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 Arms 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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All engineering systems are developed across a lifecycle which generally consists of stages which include planning, development, implementation, operation and maintenance, and decommissioning.

The latter is an integral part of the systems engineering lifecycle process. The current opacity around decommissioning practices for AI systems, particularly military AI systems, leaves a gap in the understanding of their complete lifecycle. All systems ultimately have an end-of-life; that is, a point at which they are no longer fit for purpose and continuing to operate a system beyond this point presents both safety and legal risks.

This project will specifically focus on the decommissioning phase of AI-enabled military systems.

Unpacking decommissioning

What distinguishes decommissioning considerations of AI-enabled systems from that of conventional engineering counterparts is their software-driven nature. While many are cyber-physical systems (having both software and hardware components), it is the software component which introduces unique points of consideration.

Software is intangible and not subject to physical degradation or erosion over time. Its malleability and amorphousness also mean it changes with time. These factors impact when, why and how these systems are decommissioned.

The increasingly intertwined relationship between civil and military technology sectors, evident through data sharing and capacity building, adds an additional layer of complexity to decommissioning. The overlapping uses and applications of AI-enabled technologies and their infrastructure across these two domains also impacts when, why and how these systems are decommissioned.

The journey ahead

UNIDIR’s project will investigate the end-of-life of AI systems, presenting a framework to determine when a software-enabled system is no longer fit for purpose. It will also explore how these systems can be subsequently decommissioned.

Over the next two years, this research initiative will focus on:

1. Determining what constitutes the end-of-life of software.
2. Exploring different forms of decommissioning.
3. Understanding repurposing as a form of decommissioning.

In addition, the decommissioning of AI-systems project will convene multidisciplinary expert workshops across different regions to inform and advance this research.

Led by UNIDIR Fellow Associate Professor Zena Assad, the research is conducted in collaboration with UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme. To learn more about the project or to get involved, please contact zena.assaad@anu.edu.au.

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Arms control and disarmament measures are often absent from multilateral discussions concerning the WPS Agenda. Yet at the national level, States are increasingly connecting these policy areas through their National Action Plans (NAPs) on WPS.

UNIDIR’s recently released Closing Gaps report analyzed 197 NAPs on WPS, revealing that over 70% include at least one mention to arms control and disarmament issues. However, most of these references appear only in introductory sections, rather than under proposed actions. To support States with moving from recognition to implementation, UNIDIR gathered concrete examples of actions and indicators that can advance the WPS Agenda and prepared a practical toolkit for addressing weapons-related risks in NAPs. These resources formed a key foundation for discussions throughout the workshop.

A diverse group of engaged actors

The event brought together more than 30 experts from a dozen European countries – including Albania, Austria, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia and Ukraine. Participants represented a wide range of stakeholders, including officials from ministries, gender equality agencies, military and academic institutions, national cybersecurity authorities, civil society and international organizations.

The workshop opened with high-level remarks from Slovenian officials Neva Grašič, State Secretary, and Darja Bavdaž Kuret, Ambassador-at-Large for Women, Peace and Security. Both highlighted the urgency of addressing evolving security risks — including weapons proliferation, hybrid warfare and emerging technologies — through a gender-responsive lens. They also stressed the importance of full, meaningful and equal participation of women in all areas of international security, which is one of the main pillars of the WPS Agenda.

Gendered dimensions of weapons, technology and security

The programme included thematic sessions outlining how gender-related considerations shape demand for, as well as impacts of, firearms in the region. Participants discussed options to strengthen arms control and disarmament measures that also seek to prevent the occurrence of sexual and gender‑based violence, in line with the WPS Agenda.

Given current developments concerning the use of landmines, the workshop also featured experts working with mine action in a number of contexts. They shared common challenges and good practices to foster inclusive participation in demining, risk education, victim assistance and international cooperation.

Participants also had an opportunity to discuss cybersecurity and military applications of artificial intelligence. They explored how these technologies intersect with the WPS Agenda and how national actors can integrate these topics into their work, including in WPS NAPs. This can help to ensure that the WPS framework remains relevant in the digital age, and efforts around addressing challenges and opportunities created by new technologies are not undertaken in silos.

Learning by doing

One of the highlights of the programme was a hands-on simulation, where participants split into two groups, taking on distinct roles in a drafting exercise focused on developing a WPS NAP that included specific arms control and disarmament measures. This exercise aimed at providing national actors with concrete ideas on how to integrate arms control and disarmament into their WPS design, drafting process and implementation, as well as monitoring and evaluation efforts.

The workshop concluded with renewed commitment from participants and new networks that will foster regional cooperation on arms control, disarmament and the WPS Agenda. UNIDIR and its partners will continue supporting States in advancing an inclusive approach to arms control and disarmament – one that ensures that gender equality and the WPS Agenda are not seen as add-on considerations, but rather central elements of international security.

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The proliferation of illicit conventional arms and ammunition in West Africa continues to pose a significant threat to State and human security, undermining both stability and development across the region. Recognizing these challenges, Guinea undertook a nationally led WAM baseline assessment, utilizing UNIDIR’s reference methodology to systematically review institutional and operational capacities, processes and practices, in line with regional and international standards. The assessment also identified needs and national priority areas for improvement, and fostered ownership of the arms control agenda among national stakeholders.

A nationally led WAM baseline assessment

The opening ceremony, held under the auspices of ComNat-ALPC, featured remarks from senior government officials, including General David Haba, Chief of Cabinet of the Minister of Defense. Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Defense and high-level national authorities, he highlighted the vital importance of this initiative for the country’s security and stability. Joseph Ahoba, Director of the Small Arms Division at ECOWAS, formally opened the ceremony on behalf of the regional organization.

Building foundations for the future

Over the course of the week, participants engaged in high-level and technical discussions to establish a clear baseline of Guinea’s institutional and operational capacities across ten key functional areas of WAM. These include:

• National coordination mechanisms
• The legal and regulatory framework
• Transfer controls
• Stockpile management of weapons and ammunition
• Marking
• Recordkeeping
• Tracing and profiling
• Processing of illicit arms and ammunition
• Weapons collection
• Disposal of weapons and ammunition

The assessment provided a platform for stakeholders to share experiences, identify challenges and validate practical recommendations for strengthening the national WAM framework.

Driving an integrated and sustainable approach

The assessment process required active engagement to guide discussions and extract actionable findings. The workshop culminated in the substantive consolidation of key outputs including the drafting of a national roadmap. In exercising ownership of the assessment process, Guinean stakeholders led the validation of this roadmap during the final plenary session, facilitated by UNIDIR experts. In closing, national stakeholders confirmed that Guinea will utilize the validated options and recommendations to strengthen the national WAM framework. They emphasized the critical role of safe, secure and sustainable WAM for peace, security and development.

The path forward

As a next step, UNIDIR’s Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme remains closely engaged with ECOWAS and the ComNat-ALPC. UNIDIR hopes to draw upon the assessment findings to produce a publicly available WAM Country Insight publication, intended to inform targeted international assistance as well as future policy development.

Crucially, this national WAM baseline assessment undertaken by Guinea also strengthened ECOWAS’ regional ownership and leadership in utilizing UNIDIR’s reference methodology in support of its Member States. Concurrently, it directly contributed to the strengthening of Guinea’s national framework through actionable, guided, expert recommendations.

UNIDIR remains committed to supporting Member States in building resilient and effective national and regional frameworks for weapons and ammunition management. Recent similar work in Senegal demonstrates UNIDIR’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness and monitor WAM progress made across West Africa. The Institute’s reference methodology will also soon be made available in Portuguese, unlocking new avenues for support and cooperation across the region.

The post Strengthening Guinea’s framework for weapons and ammunition management first appeared on UNIDIR.

Through a series of dedicated sessions, UNIDIR shepherded discussions reflecting its ongoing work on AI and international peace and security. The Institute led on exchanges to advance the operationalization of responsible AI principles – a priority identified in the summit’s outcome document.

A longstanding commitment to responsible AI

UNIDIR’s participation at REAIM 2026 builds on sustained contributions to the initiative. The Institute has played an advisory role to successive host States (the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, and Spain) – well before 2023, helping inform REAIM’s evolution.

This leadership has extended beyond intergovernmental settings, through the design and delivery of the 2025 REAIM Regional Consultations. It also facilitated structured multi-stakeholder engagement, as well as expert contributions to the Global Commission on Responsible AI in the Military Domain.

Rooted in independence, technical depth, and constant engagement, UNIDIR continues to translate evidence into policy-relevant pathways and solutions – particularly as States face governance challenges around the military implications of AI.

Regional dialogue and partnerships at the forefront

In the margins of REAIM 2026, UNIDIR Director Robin Geiss met with Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Defense, Hon. Soipan Tuya, reaffirming and deepening cooperation between the Institute and Kenya on responsible AI in the military domain. The exchange reflected a shared commitment to advancing responsible approaches to military AI and underscored the importance of trust-based, inclusive partnerships at both regional and global levels.

Kenya’s leadership was also evident as the host of the 2024 and 2025 REAIM Regional Consultations for Africa, which highlighted the value of inclusive regional dialogue and locally grounded perspectives in shaping global governance debates on emerging technologies and international security.

In this vein, UNIDIR launched its summary report capturing the perspectives shared at the 2025 REAIM Regional Consultations. The Global Prism of Military AI Governance presents existing national policies and best practices for the governance of AI in the military domain, as well as views from discussions held with multi-stakeholder communities across regions.

The report looks into the operationalization of responsible AI principles across the life cycle of AI-enabled military capabilities through lenses of procurement, incident response, crisis management and risk reduction. It offers quantitative data on assurance prioritization for the purchase of different military AI capabilities. The publication also lays out States’ reflections on the REAIM journey – three years from the inaugural summit. It concludes by identifying substantive priority areas that States wish to see further pursued, both within REAIM and beyond, before presenting a series of concrete recommendations for the road ahead.

UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme also met with representatives from the Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS) of Tsinghua University. The discussions highlighted the value of partnerships with leading academic institutions and built on ongoing collaboration through UNIDIR’s Roundtable for AI, Security and Ethics (RAISE). The meeting also constituted an opportunity to exchange on good practices of confidence-building measures on AI in the military domain, emphasizing the work of CISS Tsinghua University’s US-China Track-2 Dialogue on AI and International Security with the Brookings Institution, and offered pathways for further cooperation with UNIDIR.

Engaging industry on military AI

Industry engagement was another central focus for UNIDIR at REAIM 2026, reflecting the increasingly decisive role of private sector actors in shaping AI-enabled military capabilities. From system design and data practices to testing, deployment and post-deployment support, industry decisions have a direct impact on reliability, predictability, accountability and the risk of harm in real-world contexts. As governance efforts in the military AI domain advance, effective collaboration with industry has become critical to translating shared principles into practice.

At the summit, UNIDIR – in partnership with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) – launched the Framework of Responsible Industry Behaviour for AI in the Military Domain. This sets out a practical and actionable set of voluntary guidelines aimed at providing a common baseline for responsible industry conduct. The framework offers governments and other stakeholders greater clarity on responsible AI procurement and public-private partnerships.

Ahead of the launch, UNIDIR and the OHCHR convened a closed-door roundtable with industry representatives attending the summit. They were joined by framework collaborators from Microsoft, the Japan Defense Technology Foundation and Hitachi America, Ltd. The exchanges, held under the Chatham House rule, provided space for the private sector to share perspectives on substantive and project-oriented themes. They explored risk perceptions and practical strategies to address them, misuse pathways and assurance gaps, priority areas for governance, and the value of the framework at this point in time.

What’s next for military AI governance

During his remarks at the high-level plenary session, UNIDIR Director echoed what many participants at the summit have noted: REAIM is at an inflection point. The summit has been instrumental in catalyzing global momentum on responsible military AI. The 2024 and 2025 REAIM Regional Consultations, in particular, have translated international debate into regional and national relevance.

Yet, as UN processes are now growing, future efforts for the governance of AI in the military domain must be approached with coherence in mind. Coherence will be key for the effectiveness and optimization of available resources, and to ensure that ultimately, the development and deployment of AI will foster international peace and security – not undermine it.

With proper governance in place, military AI could help reduce harm to civilians by improving situational awareness, highlighting uncertainty, and supporting more careful use of force.

Robin Geiss, UNIDIR Director

UNIDIR’s participation at REAIM 2026 marks the beginning of much work to build on the discussions held in A Coruña, with a host of opportunities for States, the private sector and the wider multi-stakeholder community to contribute meaningfully to the Institute’s work.

UNIDIR is actively on the lookout for collaborators to support the development of the Framework of Responsible Industry Behaviour for AI in the Military Domain. Collaboration does not imply endorsement or entail binding commitments, but industry participation in the development process will be critical to the framework’s ultimate utility and effectiveness.

Looking ahead, UNIDIR will organize the second edition of its Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics on 18-19 June 2026. This will be held consecutively to the informal exchange in Geneva on AI in the military domain and its implications for international peace and security, organized pursuant to the UN First Committee Resolution 80/58. UNIDIR welcomes the submission of proposals to hold thematic deep-dives, lightning talks and poster presentations, the details of which will be released in late February.

The post UNIDIR highlights regional and industry engagement at REAIM 2026 first appeared on UNIDIR.

Held from 12 to 16 January, the week-long interactive training aimed at enhancing cyber resilience in Pakistan by fostering greater cohesion and collaboration among national stakeholders. This workshop is part of UNIDIR’s broader commitment to supporting States in implementing the UN cyber norms and responding to the call for more localized and responsive capacity-building, as emphasized by the UN Open-Ended Working Group on ICT Security.

Strengthening cyber resilience in Pakistan

The training opened with high-level remarks capturing the strategic importance of cybersecurity for national resilience and international stability. The session featured addresses by Ambassador Amna Baloch, Foreign Secretary of Pakistan; Ambassador Tarik Ali Khan, High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan; Dr Robin Geiss, UNIDIR Director; and Mohamed Yahya, UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan.

Rapid technological change is unfolding amid an increasingly complex geopolitical context. UNIDIR serves as a trusted, neutral partner to help states like Pakistan build more secure, stable and resilient digital future.

Robin Geiss, UNIDIR Director

The training brought together over 70 experts, representing a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from government ministries, critical infrastructure providers, academic institutions, private sector, civil society, and national and provincial computer emergency response teams. Sessions were tailored to the specific cybersecurity context of Pakistan, addressing key topics such as threat evolution, emerging risks and opportunities posed by artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, cloud, IoT and 5G, incident management, and international cyber governance.

The programme introduced UNIDIR’s Foundational Cyber Capabilities framework. This model outlines essential components for national cyber resilience, including strategic planning, legal and institutional development, operational capabilities, and trusted partnerships.

One of the highlights of the week was various dynamic scenario-based exercises to apply UNIDIR Taxonomy of Malicious ICT Incidents to real-world scenarios. This scenario-based activity allowed participants to practice real-time decision-making, coordination, and response strategies in a controlled setting—reinforcing the importance of strategic thinking, preparedness and collaboration.

Aligning policy decision-making with technical response capabilities

The training featured parallel policy and technical tracks designed to strengthen whole‑of‑government cybersecurity preparedness. The UNIDIR-led policy track equipped participants with strategic insights on cyber diplomacy, international law, the UN framework for responsible State behaviour, and national‑level decision‑making during cyber crises, including coordinated responses to ransomware and disinformation.

In parallel, the technical track led by the International Telecommunication Union provided practical exercises and expert briefings for practitioners on incident detection and response, and protection of critical information infrastructure. Together, the two tracks promoted integrated, cross‑sectoral approaches to cyber resilience by linking technical response capabilities with policy, legal and diplomatic frameworks.

Advancing regional cyber resilience

This training in Pakistan forms part of a growing regional series of bilateral trainings – also held in the Philippines, Indonesia, Lao PDR and Thailand – aimed at reinforcing national and regional cybersecurity capacities. Strengthening digital resilience is crucial for preserving open, peaceful, safe and secure cyberspace in the years ahead. UNIDIR remains dedicated to supporting governments with tailored tools and training, enabling them to respond effectively to today’s fast-evolving cyber challenges.

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 and Pakistan boost national cyber capacity first appeared on UNIDIR.

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Ces dernières années, les conflits se sont intensifiés et la violence armée a augmenté en Afrique de l’Ouest, fortement influencée par la montée de l’extrémisme violent ainsi que la disponibilité des armes et des munitions conventionnelles. La violence extrême et la demande d’armes partagent des causes sous-jacentes. Agir sur les liens entre ces causes profondes communes et les sources d’armes illicites peut contribuer à prévenir la violence armée de manière plus durable.

L’atelier conjoint UNIDIR-UNREC-DFAE a marqué l’aboutissement d’une étude empirique sur les bonnes pratiques en Afrique de l’Ouest pour relier la prévention de l’extrémisme violent (PEV) et la gestion des armes et des munitions (GAM). Cette étude a été demandée lors d’un séminaire ouest-africain, organisé par les trois partenaires en 2023, afin d’examiner « ce qui fonctionne » dans la région pour agir à la fois sur l’offre illicite d’armes et sur les causes profondes de la violence.

Appel à briser les cycles de violence

En ouvrant l’atelier, Kadja Hodabalo-Pitemnéwé, Secrétaire général du Ministère de la sécurité du Togo, a souligné la pertinence de l’événement : « L’approvisionnement continu en armes alimente un cercle vicieux : plus il y a d’armes, plus l’extrémisme violent se renforce, stimulant à son tour la demande supplémentaire d’armes. » À cet égard, Bintah Sanneh, Coordinatrice résidente par intérim des Nations Unies au Togo, a déclaré que les réponses sécuritaires, bien que nécessaires, ne suffisent plus. S.E. Simone Giger, Ambassadrice de Suisse au Ghana, au Bénin et au Togo, a ajouté que les tensions ne peuvent être résolues par la force des armes, mais plutôt par la volonté d’agir sur les causes profondes de la violence, en mettant l’accent sur le dialogue et la coopération transfrontalière.

Compte tenu de la propagation de la violence armée en Afrique de l’Ouest, Adedeji Ebo, Adjoint au Haut-Représentant des Nations Unies pour les affaires de désarmement, a souligné le besoin de plus en plus évident d’apporter des réponses holistiques : « C’est précisément là que convergent la GAM et la PEV. » S’exprimant au nom de la Commission de l’Union africaine, Richard Apau a mis en avant les nombreux efforts régionaux déployés pour traiter ces questions, tels que la Feuille de route de l’UA pour faire taire les armes ou la Convention de la CEDEAO sur les armes légères et de petit calibre. Enfin, pour Ursign Hofmann, Chercheur principal à l’UNIDIR, l’atelier ouvre la voie à la mise en œuvre du Pacte pour l’avenir des Nations Unies et à la valorisation des bonnes pratiques ouest-africaines.

Points à retenir de l’atelier

Sur la base des conclusions de l’étude, les participants à l’atelier ont partagé les bonnes pratiques et les opportunités inexploitées pour intégrer la PEV et la GAM dans les cadres stratégiques, les institutions et les pratiques opérationnelles aux niveaux local, national et régional. Les participants ont notamment souligné que :

• Pour prévenir durablement la violence armée, il faut agir à la fois sur les symptômes et sur les causes. Cela implique d’aller au-delà des réponses fragmentées et kinétiques ;
• Aucun acteur ne peut relever seul les défis. Le renforcement des structures nationales et la coopération entre tous les acteurs concernés sont nécessaires pour mettre en œuvre des approches intégrées ;
• Les cadres stratégiques existants doivent évoluer. Il est essentiel de reconnaître et d’agir sur les liens entre la PEV et la GAM dans ces cadres afin d’opérationnaliser la coopération institutionnelle et les activités intégrées ;
• Les mécanismes de dialogue formels et informels sont des moyens essentiels pour intégrer la PEV et la GAM. Ils restent insuffisamment utilisés ;
• Les efforts visant à intégrer la PEV et la GAM doivent se concentrer sur les communautés. Les acteurs locaux (par exemple, les chefs religieux et communautaires, les femmes, les jeunes) doivent être reconnus comme agents du changement afin de mener cette intégration et être mis en réseau ;
• Une approche régionale harmonisée et la coopération sont essentielles pour des réponses concertées. Elles devraient cibler les zones les plus vulnérables, en particulier les zones frontalières ; et
• La mise à jour des cadres institutionnels et stratégiques peut constituer une première étape vers l’intégration des approches. Elle peut être suivie d’une adaptation des structures et de formations spécifiques.

Intégrer la PEV et de la GAM n’est plus une option, mais un impératif stratégique.

Feedback d’une participante

La voie à suivre

Les participants ont souligné l’urgence de passer de reconnaître les liens entre la PEV et la GAM à leur opérationnalisation, adaptée aux contextes. Ils ont salué les mesures pratiques de mise en œuvre présentées dans l’étude. Il est essentiel que les responsables politiques de haut niveau priorisent cette question, tandis que les structures nationales ont été encouragées à exploiter l’espace disponible au niveau programmatique. L’engagement des parlements et des acteurs de la sécurité est particulièrement important. Mobiliser les ressources nationales est indispensable. Les partenaires internationaux ont également été appelés à apporter leur soutien. Enfin, les participants ont reconnu la contribution de la recherche dans la mise à disposition de savoir-faire.

Afin de faire progresser les approches intégrées, les participants ont formulé des actions concrètes qu’ils aspirent à entreprendre ou promouvoir dans le cadre de leurs capacités respectives ou collectivement.

Au niveau national :

• Diffuser les résultats de l’étude et plaider en faveur d’approches intégrées auprès des décideurs et des parties prenantes nationaux, y compris les parlementaires ;
• Créer des plateformes d’échange nationales afin de renforcer la coopération programmatique et opérationnelle entre toutes les parties prenantes concernées ;
• Étudier la création d’une structure institutionnelle nationale ou de canaux de communication entre les structures nationales de PEV et de GAM ;
• Appliquer l’étude pour renforcer un projet pilote de gouvernance du secteur de la sécurité (GSS) au Togo et amplifier les expériences de projets menés dans d’autres pays, en utilisant la GSS holistique comme point d’entrée clé pour l’intégration ;
• Connecter la PEV et la GAM dans les actions prévues dans les stratégies nationales relatives aux armes légères et de petit calibre, dans les activités de sensibilisation et dans la collecte de données. L’étude a également été jugée opportune pour la révision du cadre de PEV du Ghana et de la stratégie antiterroriste de la Côte d’Ivoire ;
• Intégrer les approches de la PEV et de la GAM dans les programmes de promotion de la paix et de réconciliation ;

Au niveau régional :

• Promouvoir des approches intégrées et l’utilisation de l’étude dans toute la région via des réseaux régionaux, tels que le Réseau des parlementaires africains membres des commissions défense et sécurité et le Réseau d’action sur les armes légères en Afrique de l’Ouest ;
• Réaliser une auto-évaluation par des organisations régionales et continentales, y compris la revue des cadres stratégiques, afin de déterminer comment renforcer des approches intégrées au sein de ces entités, et mettre en place des équipes multisectorielles pour opérationnaliser les conclusions pertinentes de l’étude ; et
• Renforcer les indicateurs liés à la PEV et aux armes dans le mécanisme d’alerte précoce des conflits d’un réseau régional de la société civile, l’alerte précoce étant une voie essentielle pour l’intégration.

Du dialogue à l’action

Les participants ont proposé d’utiliser les forums existants en Afrique de l’Ouest et sur le continent pour alimenter le débat politique. Ils ont appelé l’UA et les organisations régionales à favoriser l’intégration de la PEV et de la GAM dans leur travail et dans des lignes directrices ou plans d’action existants ou nouveaux. La coopération entre les organisations doit rester vive. L’atelier a notamment mis en avant l’initiative « Faire taire les armes » de l’UA.

Les participants ont également recommandé de maintenir la plateforme de dialogue multipartite pour les experts en matière de PEV et de GAM, fournie par l’UNIDIR, l’UNREC et le DFAE (l’« Initiative de Lomé »), afin de suivre les progrès de mise en œuvre et de promouvoir les échanges et l’apprentissage au niveau régional. Les trois partenaires ont aussi été invités à soutenir la diffusion de l’étude auprès des États et des partenaires régionaux, et à élargir le dialogue à d’autres régions.

À l’horizon février 2026, l’UNIDIR, l’UNREC et le DFAE publieront et lanceront l’étude, proposant des mesures efficaces pour une mise en œuvre opérationnelle en Afrique de l’Ouest. Elle contribuera également de manière tangible à la 9ème révision de la Stratégie antiterroriste mondiale des Nations Unies et à la 9ème réunion biennale des États du Programme d’action sur les armes légères. L’étude sera un exemple concret d’opérationnalisation de l’appel lancé par le Pacte pour l’avenir des Nations Unies en faveur de la prévention de la violence armée, et inspirera, espérons-le, d’autres régions africaines à intégrer efficacement la PEV et la GAM.

The post Tracer des voies pour renforcer la prévention de la violence armée en Afrique de l’Ouest first appeared on UNIDIR.

Pour version en français, cliquez ici.

In recent years, conflicts have intensified and armed violence has increased in West Africa, strongly driven by the rise of violent extremism and availability of conventional arms and ammunition. Extremist violence and demand for weapons share underlying causes. Acting upon the linkages between these common root causes and the sources for illicit weapons can help prevent armed violence more sustainably.

The joint UNIDIR-UNREC-FDFA workshop concluded an empirical study on West African good practices for linking the prevention of violent extremism (PVE) and weapons and ammunition management (WAM). This study was requested during a West African seminar, convened by the three partners in 2023, to examine “what works” in the region to address both illicit weapons supply and the root causes of violence.

Call for breaking cycles of violence

Opening the workshop, Kadja Hodabalo-Pitemnéwé, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Security of Togo, stressed the relevance of the event: “The continuous supply of weapons fuels a vicious circle: the more weapons there are, the more violent extremism grows, which in turn stimulates further demand for weapons.” In this regard, Bintah Sanneh, UN Resident Coordinator ad interim in Togo, shared that securitized responses – although necessary – are no longer sufficient. H.E. Simone Giger, Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, Benin and Togo, added that tensions cannot be resolved by force of arms, but rather by a willingness to tackle the root causes of violence, with dialogue and transborder cooperation at the core.

In light of the spillover of armed violence in West Africa, Adedeji Ebo, Deputy to the UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, pointed to the ever more evident need for holistic responses: “This is precisely where WAM and PVE converge.” Speaking on behalf of the African Union Commission, Richard Apau underlined the many regional efforts to tackle the issues such as the AU’s Master Roadmap of Practical Steps to Silence the Guns or the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons. Finally, for UNIDIR Senior Researcher Ursign Hofmann, the workshop leads the way in implementing the UN’s Pact for the Future and showcasing good West African practices.

Workshop takeaways

Based on the study’s findings, workshop participants shared good practices and unexploited opportunities for integrating PVE and WAM across policy frameworks, institutions and operational practices at the local, national and regional levels. Participants notably highlighted that:

• Sustainably preventing armed violence requires tackling both the symptoms and their causes. This implies moving beyond fragmented and kinetic responses;
• No single stakeholder can overcome the challenges alone. Strengthening national structures and cooperation between all relevant actors are necessary to implement integrated approaches;
• Existing policy frameworks need to evolve. Recognizing and acting upon PVE-WAM links in them is key for operationalizing institutional cooperation and integrated activities;
• Formal and informal dialogue mechanisms are an essential means for integrating PVE and WAM. They remain insufficiently used;
• Efforts to integrate PVE and WAM should focus on communities. Local actors (e.g., religious and community leaders, women, youth) should be empowered as agents of change to drive integration and be networked with one another;
• A harmonized regional approach and cooperation are essential for joined-up responses. They should be targeted at the most vulnerable hot spots, particularly in border areas; and
• Updating institutional and policy frameworks can be a first step to integrate approaches. This may be followed by adapting structures and by dedicated training.

Integrating PVE and WAM is no longer an option, but a strategic imperative.

Participant’s feedback

The path forward

Participants stressed the urgency of moving from acknowledging the links between PVE and WAM to operationalizing them, adapted to contexts. They praised the practical implementation steps laid out in the study. High-level political prioritization is critical, while national structures were encouraged to harness available space at the programmatic level. Particularly key is engagement with parliaments and security actors. Securing national resources is a must. International partners were also called upon to support. Finally, participants recognized the contribution by research in providing knowhow.

Moving ahead on integrated approaches, participants put forward concrete actions that they seek to undertake or promote in their respective capacity or collectively.

At the national level:

• Disseminate study findings and advocate for integrated approaches to national decision-makers and stakeholders, including parliamentarians;
• Create national exchange platforms to strengthen programmatic and operational cooperation among all relevant stakeholders;
• Explore establishing a national institutional umbrella or communication channels between national PVE and WAM structures;
• Apply the study to enhance a security sector governance (SSG) pilot project in Togo and scale project experiences from other countries, using holistic SSG as a key entry point for integration;
• Join up PVE and WAM in planned actions in national small arms and light weapons strategies, sensibilization activities and data collection. The study was also considered timely for the revision of Ghana’s PVE framework and Côte d’Ivoire’s Counter-Terrorism strategy;
• Integrate approaches to PVE and WAM in peace promotion and reconciliation programmes;

At the regional level:

• Promote integrated approaches and use of the study across the region via regional networks, such as the Network of African Parliamentarians for Defense and Security Committees and West African Action Network on Small Arms;
• Conduct a self-assessment by regional and continental organizations, including reviewing policy frameworks, to help determine how integrated approaches can be fostered within these entities, and establish multi-sectoral teams to implement relevant study findings; and
• Strengthen PVE and weapons-related indicators in a regional civil society network’s conflict early warning mechanism, early warning being a key avenue for integration.

From dialogue to action

Participants proposed using existing venues in West Africa and in the continent to shape the policy debate. They called upon the AU and regional organizations to foster integration of PVE and WAM in their work and in existing or new guidelines or action plans. Cooperation between organizations should remain vivid. The workshop highlighted the AU’s Silencing the Guns initiative in particular.

Participants also recommended sustaining the multi-stakeholder dialogue platform for PVE and WAM experts, provided by UNIDIR, UNREC and FDFA (the “Lomé Initiative”), to monitor implementation progress and promote regional exchange and learning. The three partners were also invited to support dissemination of the study to States and regional partners, and widen dialogue to other regions.

Looking ahead, in February 2026, UNIDIR, UNREC and FDFA will publish and launch the study, offering effective steps for operational uptake in West Africa. It will also contribute tangibly to the 9th review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the 9th Biennial Meeting of States of the Programme of Action on Small Arms. The study will be a concrete example of actioning the UN’s Pact for the Future’s call for armed violence prevention, and will hopefully inspire other African regions to effectively integrate PVE and WAM.

The post Charting pathways to strengthen armed violence prevention in West Africa first appeared on UNIDIR.

The rapid pace of scientific and technological innovation is reshaping the global security landscape, presenting both opportunities and risks for disarmament efforts. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, additive manufacturing, and autonomous systems are blurring traditional boundaries between civilian and military applications, creating new challenges for weapons control and verification regimes.

In a response to scientific and technological advancements surpassing global disarmament frameworks, UNIDIR hosted the Watchtower project launch as a side event to the 80th session of the UN General Assembly First Committee. The launch underscored the urgent need to bridge the gap between innovation and international security.

What experts are saying

The launch event spotlighted some of the most pressing implications of science and technology for disarmament regimes. In the realm of conventional arms and ammunition, Rueben Dass, Senior Analyst with the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at the S. Rajatnaram School of International Studies noted that “additive manufacturing (3D printing) enables the rapid, decentralized production of weapons components, potentially undermining export controls and fuelling illicit proliferation.”

Blockchain and cryptocurrency innovations, while promising for supply chain transparency, could also facilitate anonymous funding for arms trafficking. For nuclear weapons, Dr Manpreet Sethi, Science and Technology Advisor at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, highlighted that “cyber vulnerabilities in command-and-control systems and the rise of small modular reactors introduce dual-edged risks: enhanced energy security alongside proliferation concerns if safeguards lag.”

Key risks and opportunities

Emerging biotechnologies, such as gene editing and synthetic biology, blur lines between beneficial medical research and chemical or biological weapon development. This is exacerbated by AI tools that democratize access to hazardous designs. Quantum computing further threatens encryption protecting sensitive disarmament data, while AI-driven autonomous systems could erode human oversight in conflict escalation.

Yet, these technologies also hold opportunities for stronger monitoring. AI algorithms could revolutionize safeguards verification by analyzing satellite imagery for undeclared nuclear activities, and mobile apps might empower citizen science for radiation detection. Challenges in science and technology monitoring, however, loom large. The sheer velocity of breakthroughs demands agile, inclusive data-sharing; geopolitical tensions hinder cross-border collaboration; dual-use ambiguities complicate risk assessment; and bridging the divide between scientific communities and policymakers requires sustained trust-building and geographical diversity to ensure equitable representation.

The Watchtower project will provide a systematic horizon-scanning function, track emerging innovations, and assess their potential implications for international peace and security. It will also foster dialogue between policymakers, scientists and disarmament experts to bridge technical and policy perspectives.

What’s next

In January, UNIDIR is gearing up for the launch of the Expert Networks across three disarmament areas:

• Conventional Arms and Ammunition (co-chaired by Rueben Dass and Josephine Dresner);
• Nuclear Weapons (co-chaired by Dr Manpreet Sethi and Dr Hassan Elbahtimy); and
• Chemical and Biological Weapons (co-chaired by Dr Jonathan Forman and Dr Una Jakob).

These Expert Networks will serve as a collaborative platform to exchange insights, pilot methodologies for technological monitoring, and publish periodic assessments.

The Watchtower project builds on UNIDIR’s ongoing research on emerging technologies and their security implications, including recent analyses under the Security and Technology Programme. Previous publications have examined the role of AI in arms control verification, neurotechnology in the military domain, and trends in biotechnology and material science relevant to non-proliferation. The project will complement and expand this body of work, helping ensure that international disarmament policy evolves in step with scientific progress.  

The post UNIDIR launches Science and Technology Watchtower for global security first appeared on UNIDIR.

A panel of youth and experts selected six outstanding submissions from Bangladesh, France, Malawi, Mongolia, Nigeria and Ukraine for their originality, thematic relevance, and thoughtful visual storytelling. 100cameras awarded these young photographers with digital cameras and online photography training to support their continued creativity and advocacy for peace. These are their visions of peace:

Tumenkhuslen, Mongolia

Above noise and chaos
There is this serenity in ordinary things.
Clear vision on the sky
Longed for so long
Still scene of vast steppe.

Lynda, France

On the heights of Fort Gouraya, a Barbary macaque watches over the city of Bejaïa as the sun sets.

For me, this moment represents peace. The beauty of nature rising above human life, reminding us that the natural world is timeless, protective, and greater than us.

Peace is found when we let nature breathe, when we live in harmony with it, and when we remember that it quietly watches over us all.

Roshan, Malawi

Peace is the quiet of a long road with no rush! The empty, open road gives a feeling of freedom, no pressure, no noise just a quiet space to breathe.

Tall trees lined up perfectly literally shows that peace is nature standing still! It gives a sense of stability, grounding and more importantly sense of order!

All in all, peace is the journey not the destination. Just like a quiet drive where your mind finally goes silent, yet you can hear your own thoughts clearly!

And yes peace. Peace is the soft light and clear skies because it relaxes your chest instantly!

Anastasiya, Ukraine

This image comprises the full spectrum of colours that influence not just the mood but also the thoughts they evoke.

The white-lit St Catherine Church has always been a sanctuary for peace in all places and for all people. Standing in the darkness alone, it silently sends and invitation to anyone in need of refuge – both for body and soul – offering a physical shelter and a place to be heard.

It is one of the very few places in this small Ukrainian border town where people come with hope that the light of peace will prevail over the embers of war.

Musa, Nigeria

This place once echoed with fear and silence. Insurgency had stripped it of laughter, trust and life.

Today, standing by the still waters where wildflowers bloom, I see a different story unfolding.

A promise that peace can return, that what was broken can be rebuilt, and that tomorrow can hold shade, fruit and joy.

Imran, Bangladesh

This Rohingya woman is collecting discarded plastic inside the refugee camp. She sells these scraps to earn a small income. This everyday action represents resilience, responsibility and strength in a place where opportunities are limited. The barbed wire fence behind her reminds us of displacement and a life defined by borders. Yet she continues forward, with purpose. Her act may seem small, but it symbolizes dignity and determination.

This image shows how strength is shaped not only by big moments, but by the quiet, persistent effort to care for oneself and one’s family even when life is difficult.

Amplifying youth voices in peacebuilding

The Youth Visions of Peace campaign reflects UNIDIR’s continued commitment to meaningful youth participation in conversations about peace, security and disarmament. It meets young people where they are – through photography, storytelling and social media – amplifying underrepresented perspectives that are often overlooked.

UNIDIR and its Managing Exits from Armed Conflict Project remain committed to engaging young people through participatory research and creating spaces where their voices directly shape the policies and processes that affect their present and future.

The post Global youth envision peace through photography first appeared on UNIDIR.

In recent years, improvised weapons have become a pervasive threat to international security – from the role of weaponized commercial drones in conflicts in Myanmar, Sudan and Ukraine, to the use of DIY firearms by criminals and terrorists in Africa, the Americas and Europe. With production and use growing beyond State control, participants at the UNIDIR conference Inside the networks: How knowledge-sharing drives improvised SALW, IEDs and UAS production highlighted the urgent need for enhanced national, regional and international responses to this emerging threat.

Capabilities that were once limited to States and industrial arms manufacturers are now within reach of individual hobbyists, criminal networks, and terrorist organizations. It is a moment to rethink traditional approaches to arms control.

Ambassador Thomas Göbel, Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Conference on Disarmament

One of the driving forces behind the proliferation of improvised weapons is the diffusion of knowledge on their production and use. One of the conference’s experts highlighted that “groups from across contexts copy the tactics and the expertise, not only the hardware.” Increasingly detailed guidance for acquiring, assembling and using improvised weapons is shared through online and offline knowledge networks. Therefore, it is a timely moment to raise awareness, foster information-sharing, and enhance joint efforts to counter the illicit production and use of improvised SALW, IEDs and UAS.

If we continue to treat improvised SALW, IEDs and UAS as separate challenges, we will fall short – because their uses and users are now inseparably connected.

Matilde Vecchioni, Associate Researcher, Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme, UNIDIR

Countering the spread of knowledge

Organized by UNIDIR’s Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme, the conference on improvised weapons brought together over 80 participants from permanent missions in Geneva, international and regional organizations, national law enforcement agencies, civil society, and academia. The expert gathering  addressed the role of knowledge transfer in the illicit proliferation of improvised weapons.

Stakeholders discussed key trends and linkages in improvised production of SALW, IEDs and UAS, and unpacked the role of different knowledge networks in acquisition, production and use across conflict and non-conflict settings. The programme also addressed regional and national perspectives, exploring the use of improvised weapons in case studies from different geopolitical contexts – including Brazil, Myanmar, Somalia and Ukraine.  

Addressing improvised weapons proliferation

In the final roundtable session, participants shared best practices and challenges for addressing the illicit proliferation and misuse of improvised weapons observed in their work. Potential measures and some concrete next steps emerged to improve national, regional and international responses, focusing on three main areas for further developments and cooperation:

• Legislative approaches and policy frameworks:

Existing policy frameworks – international, regional and national – should be revised to keep pace with emerging trends in improvised weapons production. New legislative approaches also merit exploration, including the criminalization of possessing or using blueprints for the purpose of manufacturing weapons. Several countries, including Canada, North Macedonia, Singapore, and the State of New South Wales in Australia, have already adopted such measures. Monitoring their impact and effectiveness will be especially important for understanding how these policies may help prevent the misuse of 3D-printing technologies.

Existing regulations – such as those on readily convertible blank-firing firearms – can also inspire similar approaches for other improvised weapons, offering a practical pathway for controlling items and components with high misuse potential.

• Operational practices and investigations:

Improvisation is a process – and each step offers valuable opportunities to strengthen the prevention and disruption of illicit weapons production. Several national good practices from the UK, Brazil, Cambodia and others highlighted ways to enhance countermeasures by:

1. tracking the materials, technologies and hardware used in weapons manufacturing;
2. monitoring the individuals involved, including foreign fighters; and
3. following the flow of online knowledge – not only on the dark web, but also across open-source platforms.

Civil society actors involved in field and open-source investigations can also play a crucial role in mapping flows, hotspots and tendencies related to improvised weapons production.

• Information sharing and data collection:

Those involved in improvised weapons production – whether hobbyists, criminal networks, or actors in active conflict – constitute an inventive, fast-adapting, and continuously evolving community. As one participant put it: “If the international community cannot move as quickly or as collaboratively as they do, we will always be one step behind.“

Improving information sharing among all relevant stakeholders – national authorities, law enforcement, border control, civil society organizations, and through postal and shipping services and social media platforms – is therefore essential. This effort must also be grounded in stronger data collection: ensuring that those responsible for gathering information are trained to identify and record different types of improvised weapons accurately. This is critical for understanding emerging developments and identifying common trends. Civil society actors can provide innovative solutions to enhance data collection efforts.

Shaping a community for collective action

By bringing together policymakers, law enforcement officials, regional and international organizations, as well as civil society and academia, the conference helped bridge sectoral knowledge gaps and foster dialogue on potential cooperative solutions. This represents only a first – but significant – step towards more coordinated and effective action to counter the growing threat posed by the improvised production of SALW, IEDs and UAS.

The mix of law enforcement and national and international experts created a uniquely productive environment. The networking and cooperation opportunities offered during the event have been invaluable.

Participant’s feedback

UNIDIR remains committed to building on these discussions and advancing collective efforts to curb the spread of improvised weapons.

The post Facilitating cooperation to counter improvised weapon production first appeared on UNIDIR.

Millions of illicit small arms and light weapons are used in armed conflict, terrorist and criminal activities across Eastern, Central, Great Lakes Region, and Horn of Africa countries. Addressing the sources of supply for illicit arms and ammunition, and their drivers of demand, is therefore vital to reducing human suffering.

National Focal Point Coordinators on SALW met to review the implementation of the Nairobi Protocol for the Prevention, Control and Reduction of Small Arms and Light Weapons, considering amendments and updates to its best-practice implementation guidelines. This was followed by a stakeholders’ conference attended by representatives from government of RECSA Member States, regional organizations, civil society organizations, international partners, and UN agencies. Both meetings highlighted SALW control progress, persistent challenges and threats, new and emerging opportunities relating to new technologies, climate-induced conflicts and evolving transnational crime and terrorism dynamics.

The event represented a significant milestone for the joint UNIDIR-RECSA project to review and strengthen the implementation of the Nairobi Protocol. Funded by the UK and launched in June to coincide with RECSA’s 20^th Anniversary, the initiative will deliver the first comprehensive review of the protocol implementation and proposals to address persistent SALW-related challenges and emerging threats to peace, security, stability and sustainable development.

Proposals to amend the protocol

Kenya’s Inspector-General of the National Police Service, Douglas Kanja Kirocho, emphasized that “over the past two decades, the Nairobi Protocol has transformed from a visionary agreement into a practical framework for action.”

The National Focal Point Coordinators examined implementation trends and explored potential alignment between the Nairobi Protocol and the Arms Trade Treaty, the Global Framework for Through-life Management of Conventional Ammunition, and the International Tracing Instrument. Proposals to amend the protocol include:

• Explicitly apply to SALW parts and components and conventional ammunition, as well as armed uncrewed aerial systems (drones) and improvised explosive devices;
• Enhance controls on the manufacture of arms and ammunition, including prohibiting the manufacture of improvised explosive devices and 3D-printed weapons;
• Strengthen national coordination mechanisms and strategic planning for SALW control, with a “whole-of-government” approach that is integrated into national security and development architectures;
• Better cross-border cooperation mechanism and greater use of technology in border controls;
• Mainstream gender-responsive SALW control measures and emphasize preventing gender-based violence, as well strengthen the meaningful participation of youth in arms control efforts; and
• A periodic/regular review mechanism.

A holistic approach for illicit arms control

Paul Holtom, Head of UNIDIR’s Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme, explained that the research and meetings in Nairobi has sent him a strong message that “to be effective, we need to take a holistic approach to tackle not only the sources of supply for the illicit proliferation of arms and ammunition, but also the drivers of demand that lead to misuse and human suffering.” National authorities and partners in civil society, international and regional organizations, academia and the private sector need to work together to address both supply sources and demand drivers to ensure success in addressing the scourge of illicit arms in the next 20 years, which will be defined not by what is said, but by what is implemented.

In March 2026, a joint UNIDIR-RECSA report and scorecard will present the findings of the implementation review and considerations for further strengthening the implementation of the Nairobi Protocol.

The true measure of our success will be seen in safer streets, empowered communities and a region free from the scourge of illicit arms flows.

Jean Pierre Betindji, RECSA Executive Secretary

The post Marking 20 years of the Nairobi Protocol first appeared on UNIDIR.

Across the world, the use of explosive weapons in populated areas inflicts severe and enduring harm on people and communities, claiming countless lives and resulting in widespread destruction of livelihoods and infrastructure. Three years following the adoption of the declaration in Dublin in November 2022, the San José Conference provided a platform to promote global universalization and reaffirm States’ commitment to reducing civilian harm in increasingly urbanized armed conflicts.

Using data to reduce civilian harm

Drawing on its extensive research, UNIDIR participated in Session 3 of the conference on harm reduction and protection through data collection and sharing, alongside speakers from UNICEF, Airwars, the Netherlands Ministry of Defence, and the Explosive Weapons Monitor. UNIDIR’s Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme presented insights from its recent report on the role of data in strengthening the protection of civilians from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas and advancing the implementation of the Political Declaration.

UNIDIR called for robust systems and processes to collect, analyse and use data to inform policies and practices to reduce civilian harm during military operations in populated areas. It also highlighted how data-driven approaches can help better understand and mitigate the severe, long-lasting reverberating effects of the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, pointing to tools and methodologies that can support these efforts.

Evidence of the devastating direct and reverberating effects of EWIPA use on civilians continues to grow, deepening our understanding of the nature, extent and foreseeability of these effects. At the same time, advances in technology have expanded the tools and methods available to anticipate and mitigate them in ways that were not possible maybe 20 or 30 years ago. And here the principle should hold: if these effects can be anticipated – if they are foreseeable – then they can be prevented or at least mitigated. But doing so requires acknowledging this as a priority – which should come with the endorsement of the declaration – and importantly, committing the necessary resources.

Barbara Morais, UNIDIR Researcher

For several years, UNIDIR has been working closely with States and a wide range of partners from international and civil society organizations to improve the understanding and documentation of these effects. Its activities help inform policies and practices to strengthen the protection of civilians in today’s increasingly complex and urbanized armed conflicts. This includes research and dialogue, as well as the development of tools to support the collection and sharing of data on the indirect or reverberating effects of the use of explosive weapons in populated areas on civilian populations.

Looking ahead

The outcome statement of the San José Conference, issued by the Trio of EWIPA Champion States – Costa Rica, Ireland and Norway – includes a specific recommendation encouraging endorsing States to improve data collection and monitoring to document the indirect or reverberating effects and inform operational adjustments accordingly. It also calls on States to share examples of practical approaches and methodologies ahead of the next international Conference. UNIDIR stands ready to continue supporting States and other relevant stakeholders in these efforts.

This research is supported by the governments of Germany and Norway.

The post UNIDIR promotes civilian protection at global conference on explosive weapons in populated areas first appeared on UNIDIR.

Held from 17 to 21 November, the week-long interactive training aimed at enhancing cyber resilience in the Philippines by fostering greater cohesion and collaboration among national stakeholders. This workshop is part of UNIDIR’s broader commitment to supporting States in implementing the UN cyber norms and responding to the call for more localized and responsive capacity-building, as emphasized by the UN Open-Ended Working Group on ICT Security.

Building cyber readiness in Philippines

The training brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from government ministries, critical infrastructure providers, academic institutions and civil society. Sessions were tailored to the specific cybersecurity context of the Philippines, addressing key topics such as threat evolution, emerging digital technologies, incident management, and international cyber governance.

A central feature of the programme was the introduction of UNIDIR’s Foundational Cyber Capabilities framework. This model outlines essential components for national cyber preparedness, including strategic planning, legal and institutional development, operational capabilities, and trusted partnerships.

One of the highlights of the week was a dynamic tabletop exercise simulating a large-scale cyber incident. This scenario-based activity allowed participants to practice real-time decision-making, coordination, and response strategies in a controlled setting—reinforcing the importance of preparedness and collaboration.

Lessons from offshore gaming and cybercrime

An interesting pillar of the training was a comprehensive discussion on the evolution of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators and their impact on the online scam landscape in the Philippines. The discussion featured case studies and insights from law enforcement and cybercrime perspectives, fostering meaningful collaboration for addressing regional cybersecurity challenges.

Advancing regional cyber resilience

This training in Philippines forms part of a growing regional series of bilateral collaborations – also held in Indonesia, Lao PDR and Thailand, aimed at reinforcing national and regional cyber capacities. UNIDIR remains dedicated to supporting governments with tailored tools and training, enabling them to respond effectively to today’s fast-evolving cyber challenges. Strengthening digital resilience is crucial for preserving open, peaceful, safe and secure cyberspace in the years ahead.

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 drives cyber resilience and security in the Philippines first appeared on UNIDIR.

Q: You are an artist and a psychotherapist, working with survivors of domestic violence. How do you see the connection between these areas?

A: Art serves as a platform that amplifies my commitment to confronting discrimination and violence, while opening up transdisciplinary dialogues that reach beyond the clinical and into the societal and political sphere. The inclusion of those directly affected constitutes the core of my conceptual framework.

For me, art is a way to give voice to the marginalized, ignored or silenced. To give voice entails radical openness and an acceptance of the uncertainty inherent in what may come into being; it forms the very basis of listening.

My artistic practice addresses gender-based violence by creating forums for testimony and collective reflection, revealing the patterns of silence and power. Through participatory methods, contexts emerge in which listening becomes an act of recognition and resistance.

Q: Could you describe your creative process and how it led you to develop the art installation DISARMING SILENCE being displayed at the Palais des Nations?

A: The artwork comprises hundreds of garments — white shirts and dupattas — created in the countries where I have realized my international art project WOMEN IN THE DARK: Chile, China, Germany, India, Mauritius, the Seychelles, Switzerland, and Zimbabwe.

The selection of countries emerged from my travels and professional networks, reflecting an intention to engage with diverse continents and cultural perspectives.

Each piece of clothing bears personal testimonies of discrimination and violence, alongside expressions of hope and demands for change. Accompanying books present the original writings with English translations, while video installations render the participants visible and audible as they read or inscribe their words.

Q: How does the problem of violence against women appear in this artwork?

A: Violence against women manifests itself in this work through acts of testimony. The garments, inscribed with permanent red markers, carry the women’s own words.

This project does not speak about women — they raise their voices themselves.

Rather than representing violence, the work, in its multilayered and multimedia form, reveals individual experiences and transforms them into a collective, transnational presence. In doing so, it shifts the focus from the role of the victim to the agency of survivors, from invisibility to voice.

Q: What motivated you to collaborate with UNIDIR?

A: Firstly, the collaboration with UNIDIR is an opportunity to position artistic practice within the multilateral space where States come together to address security concerns, human rights and development issues that affect us all.

Secondly, UNIDIR’s research on the prevention of conflict-related sexual violence provides a strong base for interdisciplinary approaches that can support women’s empowerment, which is a key aspect of my own artistic work. The dialogue between UNIDIR’s research findings and the participatory, experience-based processes of artistic practice engenders new epistemic and affective forms of understanding.

Q: What impact do you hope this immersive installation will have on viewers?

A: In close collaboration with UNIDIR, the installations translate research insights into a sensory and affective experience that transcends political and cultural boundaries. Through its participatory and transnational structure, the project invites engagement with the realities of sexual and gender-based violence — not through representation, but through the immediacy of women’s own voices.

These voices move, unsettle and challenge — they ask, and they ask for a future beyond violence.

The exhibition seeks to deepen the understanding of survivors’ experiences and to foster the recognition that the prevention of violence requires not only political and legal measures, but also cultural transformation — a redefinition of how societies perceive and actively transform the lived realities of women for the better.

UNIDIR is grateful for the support received from Canada, Germany, Ireland, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Rotary Club Zürich-Bellevue, UN Action, and UN Women.

The post Franziska Greber discusses art as activism against gender-based violence first appeared on UNIDIR.

Over two days, participants engaged in discussions on the future of international disarmament and arms control, with a particular focus on the challenges related to nuclear weapons and emerging technologies. The conference marks 80 years since the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as well as 55 years since the adoption of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

What was it like to take part in the very first Youth4Disarmament Forum, and what stood out to you most about the experience?

Shimona: It was a distinct pleasure to be part of the first (of many, hopefully!) Youth4Disarmament Forum. As a disarmament enthusiast who has been involved with the initiative’s activities annually since 2022, it is heartening to see the level of interest from fellow young disarmament advocates around the world, as well as the immense support by several Member States that made the Forum possible. What stood out to me most was how knowledgeable and passionate the participants were.

The conference solidified my belief that we do not have a scarcity of ideas and possible solutions to pressing disarmament problems. We just need the right access, tools, networks and platforms to actionize them.

Victoria: What stood out to me most was the genuine recognition of the importance of including young leaders’ voices in disarmament discussions — bringing fresh perspectives, creativity, and a strong sense of urgency to address today’s global challenges. It was inspiring to connect with peers from around the world who share the same commitment to ensuring that nuclear disarmament remains relevant for future generations.

Looking back on the discussions, what are the most important lessons you are taking away from the Forum?

Shimona: All cogs in the disarmament machinery – including civil society, academia, research institutions, industry, national policy audiences, and international organizations – need to work in tandem with each other to avoid silos and create real, lasting change. One of the most important lessons from the Forum for me has been that young people can be effective bridges between these groups, and our passion can be a force multiplier that amplifies the gains made in disarmament across levels, geographies and communities of practice.

Victoria: The most important lesson to me is the urgency of addressing a reduced timeframe for decision-making, which increasingly risks outpacing human cognition. Still, I left the discussions with a sense of hope and responsibility – that technology should serve humanity, and that future innovations, led by a new generation of thinkers, may enable more effective verification mechanisms. The Forum also highlighted the importance of inclusive, intergenerational dialogue, where youth voices actively shape policy discussions alongside states, academia, civil society, and technology developers.

As a generation raised in a digital environment and deeply familiar with the transformative potential – and risks – of AI, young professionals bring crucial insight into how emerging technologies can be governed responsibly.

Addressing such complex and fast-evolving challenges demands both technical fluency and long-term vision – qualities that youth can uniquely contribute to the global disarmament agenda.

How can future disarmament dialogues better integrate gender perspectives, particularly when addressing nuclear disarmament and emerging technologies?

Shimona: Security-oriented conversations are often conceived and continued in male-dominated spaces, with little representation of women and people of diverse gender identities. This is also a separate but very relevant parallel issue in the tech industry, which means that disarmament dialogues that are specific to nuclear weapons and emerging technologies inherently doubly suffer from the lack of diverse perspectives. This is despite the fact that these technologies affect different populations differently, given unresolved issues such as gender biases in AI.

Future, and indeed even current, disarmament convenings need to ensure that they include women and people of diverse gender identities as well as gender perspectives within these discussions.

This will contribute to raising awareness of this lack of perspectives, capacity building of relevant audiences, and mainstreaming the gendered impacts of weapons and technologies in final documents produced by the disarmament community can assist concretely with this.

Victoria: Integrating gender perspectives in disarmament requires recognizing and supporting the expertise of women already contributing to nuclear and technology policy. Creating spaces for women to fill by encouraging mentorship, providing research opportunities, and aiming for equal participation in decision-making processes strengthens both the inclusivity and effectiveness of disarmament dialogues.

Izumi Nakamitsu, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, highlighted in the opening session that youth visions are important since they challenge the status quo and will shape the future of disarmament. What concrete steps are needed to ensure that youth engagement from this forum translates into lasting inclusion and impact?

Shimona: Ms Nakamitsu highlighted several measures to support youth participation in disarmament in her address, chief among which was that the Youth4Disarmament Forum should be convened regularly, ideally every other year, to take stock of progress and brainstorm fresh ideas. I believe this bi-annual occurrence of the Forum can be used as a checkpoint for young people to monitor and evaluate contemporary disarmament updates, propose new approaches and strengthen existing implementation of disarmament policy tools. However, to effectively incentivize and retain youth engagement, support must be provided to young people through regular funding to relevant initiatives, institutional support, and upskilling opportunities.  

Victoria: As emphasized by Ms Nakamitsu: “meaningful youth participation in multilateral discussions must become the norm, not the exception.” Achieving lasting inclusion requires building sustained and structured avenues for youth engagement that draw on their digital fluency and innovative perspectives on emerging security challenges.

Beyond convening dedicated youth forums, this could involve integrating young professionals into national delegations and expert groups, establishing mentorship and exchange programmes between youth and senior practitioners, and providing targeted funding for youth-led initiatives and regional networks.

Ensuring equitable participation by further including the Global Majority would allow disarmament discussions to benefit from a truly diverse range of insights and contribute to a more inclusive and forward-looking global agenda.

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Fast forward to 2025, the world is different, yet no less dangerous. The threats are more diffuse, the technology more complex, and the politics more polarized. Conflict touches one in every four people on the planet. Nuclear tensions are rising. Military spending is climbing at record pace. There is a crisis everywhere we turn.

As UNIDIR marks its 45th anniversary, the Institute has introduced a new strategy designed to meet today’s demands and prepare for tomorrow’s uncertainties. In an era of AI-driven warfare, rising geopolitical tensions, and ongoing humanitarian crises, UNIDIR remains committed to shaping responses that reflect our times and anticipate the challenges ahead.

A unique UN platform

UNIDIR occupies a special place in the UN system. It is independent in its research, yet firmly anchored in the multilateral disarmament machinery. 

This allows the Institute to play a dual role: producing impartial analysis while serving as a trusted convener of governments, experts and civil society.

That combination of evidence-based research plus inclusive dialogue is UNIDIR’s trademark. For diplomats, it offers a neutral space to exchange ideas and explore solutions. For policymakers, it provides research that translates technical issues into actionable insights. And for a wider network of partners from across sectors and around the world, it is a bridge into UN diplomatic processes.

This diversity of stakeholders is one of UNIDIR’s true strengths, as a think tank working on global security, arms control and disarmament. By connecting governments, academia, regional experts, industry voices, community leaders, and youth activists, UNIDIR ensures policies are both technically sound and grounded in real-world experience. Its research, from the humanitarian toll of explosive weapons to the risks of AI-driven military decisions, reflects the complexity of today’s global security landscape.

Building a more secure world

The launch of UNIDIR’s 2026–2030 strategy comes at a time of heightened global uncertainty. Intensifying geopolitical tensions, rising nuclear dangers, and accelerating technological disruption are among the top threats to worldwide stability in the coming decade. In such times of uncertainty and transformation, demand for a trusted, forward-looking think tank is especially high.

UNIDIR’s new strategy lays out how the Institute plans to respond to these challenges. Its vision is simple but ambitious: a world where people are protected from armed conflict, existential risks, and technology-driven threats. To get there, UNIDIR focuses on five modes of action:

• Innovative research. Conducting research on the full spectrum of weapons-related security challenges.
• Constructive dialogue. Building bridges, trust and cooperation.
• Tailored advice. Leveraging our data-driven research ecosystem to offer tailored, evidence-based advice.
• Capacity-building. Building capacity around the world to empower stakeholders and drive informed policymaking.
• Strategic foresight. Anticipating and addressing the global security issues of the future.

In other words: not just analyzing today’s problems, but helping the international community stay ahead of tomorrow’s challenges.

Where UNIDIR makes a difference

UNIDIR’s work helps shape governance systems that can handle disruption, adapt to change, and advance peace and human security in a rapidly changing world. The Institute’s strategy focuses on three key areas of excellence where UNIDIR can make the biggest impact.

• Strengthening arms control and disarmament. UNIDIR drives action to tackle some of the world’s most pressing security threats. It seeks to prevent the development, spread and use of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, as well as their delivery systems. It also works to reduce the devastating impact that modern conflicts have on civilians, including through the illicit proliferation of conventional weapons in general and small arms and light weapons in particular.
• Preventing conflict to build brighter futures. UNIDIR prevents conflict at multiple levels – from mitigating geopolitical tensions and managing escalation risks to strengthening local resilience in communities affected by violence. It contributes to efforts that reduce misunderstanding and miscalculation between States, and places people at the centre of peacebuilding and security, strengthening inclusive approaches that empower communities and advance diverse perspectives.
• Advancing the governance of emerging technologies. UNIDIR endeavours to reduce the risks that come with advances in science and technology, as well as to amplify the opportunities, translating complex technological developments into actionable policy insights that support responsible governance. It promotes human-centred approaches grounded in international law and ethics, bridging technical and policy communities to strengthen transparency and trust.

To secure a safer future, UNIDIR’s work spans critical issues. From nuclear weapons, artificial intelligence, drones, cyber threats, and conventional weapons to space security and chemical and biological weapons, the Institute turns complex technology and policy into tailored advice. Its work on human security, exiting armed conflicts, and regional efforts such as the pursuit of a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction brings the voices of women, youth and local communities into decisions that affect their lives, building trust and reducing risks along the way.

This breadth reflects the Institute’s recognition that today’s security dilemmas are interconnected, and that responses must be adaptive and inclusive. Through its Global Disarmament Research Network, UNIDIR connects experts across regions and disciplines to bring diverse perspectives into global security debates.

Why does this matter? Because disarmament is not a challenge any single country, sector or community can solve alone. Building bridges, between North and South and among different stakeholder groups, is central to progress.

Humanity at the heart of UNIDIR’s research

Behind the research lies a purpose, and behind every data point is a human story. UNIDIR’s work reaches beyond policy briefs and reports, it connects data to people and insight to action.

Take small arms and light weapons. On average, more than 700 people die every day from their use. UNIDIR’s research does not just track the numbers. It looks at how arms flows destabilize communities, how weak regulation fuels conflict, and how better governance can save lives and help people exit armed groups.

This people-centered, forward-looking lens is what makes the Institute’s work resonate far beyond diplomatic circles.

Forty-five years on

As UNIDIR turns 45, the institute is hosting a high-level panel on 2 December to look ahead at the challenges and opportunities shaping global security in the decades to come.

From new approaches to nuclear arms control and disarmament to the risks of emerging technologies, the discussion will spotlight practical pathways towards a safer and more resilient future.

In an era of uncertainty, UNIDIR’s blend of research, foresight and inclusive convening power remains crucial. The security challenges of 2025 may look different and, in some ways, more complex and challenging from those of the 1980s, but the need for impartial analysis and bridge-building dialogue is as relevant as ever. 

An earlier version of this article was originally published in UN Today.

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On the first day, Kato Van Broeckhoven, Deputy Head of the Managing Exits from Armed Conflict Project, presented at the high-level event ‘From Violence to Healing: Moving Towards the Next Generation of DDR” hosted by the Permanent Representation of Germany to the UN in New York. The discussion convened practitioners, a former combatant, DDR specialists, and donors to highlight how inclusive, participatory approaches led by local stakeholders and communities have generated new, innovative and adaptive DDR models.

Drawing on the project’s research, Van Broeckhoven noted that effective DDR requires the systematic consultation of the target populations at the micro-level to understand the dynamics on the ground. To effectively reach the diverse populations of DDR participants, international actors do not only need to coordinate with their local partners, but also amongst themselves. Van Broeckhoven highlighted how the Managing Exits from Armed Conflict’s Assessment Framework provides both a rigorous and context-sensible approach to this challenge, allowing practitioners to comprehensively design and analyse surveys to assess the impact of DDR programming.

Addressing measurement challenges

Relatedly, the project also partnered with the International Organization for Migration and the UN Department of Peace Operations to organize a side event on DDR impact measurement. Despite recent commitments from the international community to develop a clear, evidence-based understanding of DDR’s role in creating lasting peace, practitioners and partners continue to face structural and operational challenges in assessing impact.

At the heart of this challenge is the operationalization of impact measurement: How is the impact of DDR programming conceptualized and measured given the different perspectives of donors, practitioners, national governments, and communities? Together, participants explored practical and ethical dilemmas in monitoring and evaluation in conflict-affected settings, and identified pathways to more adaptive, inclusive, and data-driven approaches for measuring DDR impact.

Through its ongoing research and partnerships, UNIDIR continues to advance the use of data and evidence to inform next-generation DDR practice, helping practitioners design programmes that are not only effective but also responsive to the lived realities of people transitioning from armed conflict to sustainable peace.

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On 16 October, leading practitioners, academics and diplomats gathered at the Delegation of the European Union in Geneva for a high-level salon on building peace for an uncertain future. Organized by UNIDIR’s Managing Exits from Armed Conflict Project, in partnership with Interpeace and the European Union, the event provided a space to generate innovative strategies for addressing today’s complex threats to peace.

The discussion was framed by a sobering reality: International governance is under strain. Legal norms are eroding, States are shifting their focus towards narrow national interests and transactional power brokering, rather than promoting collective action for sustainable peacebuilding. Conflicts are becoming more protracted and multifaceted, shaped by the proliferation of armed Non-State actors, blurred lines between civilians and combatants, the rise of private military companies, and the spread of destructive technologies. Traditional peacebuilding tools, participants noted, are often ill-suited to address these interconnected crises, and despite multilateral pledges to strengthen peaceful dispute resolution, there remains a lack of strategic vision, political will, and investment.

Leadership, innovation and inclusion in peacebuilding

The salon opened with a fireside chat moderated by UNIDIR Director Dr Robin Geiss, featuring two distinguished voices in the field: Dr Almut Wieland-Karimi, former Executive Director of the Center for International Peace Operations (ZIF) and current board member of the UN Peacebuilding Fund; and Itonde Kakoma, President of Interpeace, an NGO which works on violence prevention and peacebuilding through non-violent, non-coercive ways across multiple contexts in Africa, South America, Europe and Asia.

Following this exchange, participants engaged in an informal salon designed to encourage open dialogue. The conversation underscored the urgency of rethinking peacebuilding strategies while also pointing to opportunities for innovation and efficiency. Participants highlighted the importance of linking decision-makers with technical knowledge from the field, as well as closing the gap between high-level mediation and local stakeholders who are already negotiating access and local peace deals with armed actors.

This entails working with local and non-traditional partners, investing in preventive diplomacy, and harnessing technology for peace rather than conflict. The need to balance realist approaches to mediation with the pursuit of universal values will be key to finding ways to build peace today. To find balance, one participant noted, it is necessary to develop nuanced and broad perspectives of conflict environments, rather than dichotomous reductions of evil and good.

The discussion featured calls for more public engagement and calculated risk taking. Courageous and visionary leadership is needed not only to mediate agreements to end fighting, but to convey to the public why investing in peace – and working through the multilateral system – is essential for building (and funding) a more stable and just world for all. The closing remarks of His Excellency, Ambassador Michele Cervone d’Urso, left the participants with a positive vision of their role in the peace of tomorrow.

Harnessing data for conflict transitions

A day prior to the salon, UNIDIR partnered with IOM, UNDP and DPO to organize a workshop addressing how a data-driven approach can be applied to support the return of conflict-affected populations and ex-associates of armed groups that are reintegrating back into civilian life.

In light of the 2020 Data Strategy of the UN Secretary-General for Action by Everyone, Everywhere, the international community has increasingly committed itself to evidence-based and data-driven programming. Yet, translating these commitments into practice remains inconsistent and inadequate, particularly in insecure contexts and with hard-to-reach populations. With shifting dynamics in several contexts, the UN community may be called to provide new programming or adapt current support to return and reintegration in places like Syria, Ukraine, Haiti and other contexts in the near future.

Turning data into action

This workshop offered practitioners, academics but also interested members of the public the possibility to exchange experiences and current best practices on data collection, analysis and data-driven policy. UNIDIR and its co-hosts provided opening remarks, describing the current state of affairs and setting framing questions for each working group. Key themes identified included the need to:

• Integrate data architecture for return and reintegration programming, and the challenge of siloing data in conflict-affected contexts.
• Map existing data and the ongoing data collection efforts within and outside the United Nations to enable cooperation and coordination.
• Place returnees and communities of return at the centre of the data collection process, ensuring local relevance and producing data that is inclusive and reflects local priorities and needs.
• Balance the long-term needs of reintegration programming and cross sectoral learning (e.g., longitudinal data on reintegration journeys) with the short-term cycles of funding and reporting.

The workshop demonstrated the importance of bridging the gap between research, data as a strategic asset, and its translation into programmatic and policy impact.

A converging vision

Together, these events reflected the dual imperative of Geneva Peace Week: To generate bold ideas for peace while grounding them in practical, evidence-based tools. The workshop showcased how data can transform strategy into action, while the salon called for the leadership and collaboration necessary to turn that vision into lasting impact.

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The 8th edition of the Paris Peace Forum was held on 29-30 October at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris. Under the theme ‘New Coalitions for Peace, People, and the Planet’, this year’s Forum highlighted the urgency of forging new alliances to tackle global challenges in a context marked by political fragmentation, ongoing conflicts, and rising tensions. As the world faces multiple crises – geopolitical rivalries, international instability, mistrust and transnational challenges – the event brought together leaders, policymakers, grassroots actors, and civil society to build concrete collective solutions.

UNIDIR’s engagement in the global AI discussion

UNIDIR Director Dr Robin Geiss joined the high-level panel ‘From Safety to Security: Governing Adversarial Use of AI’, moderated by Politico reporter Oceane Herrero. The discussion brough together leading global voices including former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, AI Pioneer Yoshua Bengio, President of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation Vilas Dhar, and Microsoft Director Nicholas Butts.

The panelists shared their perspectives on the current state of AI security risks and provided real-life evidence of the adversarial use of AI. These range from sophisticated AI-generated misinformation and cyberattacks to the dangers of adversaries leveraging dual-use technologies as well as chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear risks.

In his remarks, Dr Geiss emphasized the need for the international community to keep up with the pace of emerging threats, including the integration of AI into weapons systems and military decision making at scale that could undermine strategic stability.

AI is transforming the security landscape at a rapid pace. We are currently in the midst of a real-time experiment to understand the impact of AI on our societies. Failure to adapt to new threats, including the integration of AI into weapons systems and military decision-making processes at scale, could undermine strategic stability.

Dr Robin Geiss, UNIDIR Director

UNIDIR’s continuous participation at the Paris Peace Forum is a testimony of its commitment to advancing international cooperation, inclusive dialogue and responsible innovation to build a safer future.

The post What risks will artificial general intelligence and the race for tech domination pose? first appeared on UNIDIR.

Adopted by consensus by the UN General Assembly in 2024, the Convention represents the first UN treaty aimed at strengthening international cooperation to prevent and combat cybercrime. It provides a comprehensive legal framework for criminalization, procedural measures, and cross-border cooperation, including mutual legal assistance and 24/7 contact networks, to address cybercrime.

The Hanoi signing marks a milestone for multilateralism — the culmination of five years of negotiation and a shared commitment of UN Member States to building a safer, more resilient digital future.

UNIDIR’s role in shaping cooperation

Dr Geiss participated in the high-level roundtable on the UN Convention against Cybercrime: A Platform to Safeguard Sovereignty and Strengthen Multilateralism, moderated by Viet Nam and featuring senior representatives from  Palau, China and Iran. He underscored that UNIDIR’s work applies the UN General Assembly’s cyber capacity-building principles in practice, ensuring assistance remains demand-driven, context-specific, and rights-respecting, so that international cooperation reinforces sovereignty and institutional resilience.

In parallel, UNIDIR and Viet Nam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs co-hosted an expert-level side event, Smarter Threats, Smarter Defenses: AI Use Cases in Cybercrime and Cybersecurity, with speakers from Global Affairs Canada, Google, Mythos Labs, and the SecDev Group. The session explored how artificial intelligence can be harnessed responsibly to detect and counter cybercrime threats.

UNIDIR’s participation in the signing ceremony highlights its commitment to advancing international cooperation, capacity-building, and responsible innovation in the service of global cyber stability.

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Held from 13 to 17 October, this week-long interactive training served to enhance convergence of technical skills and policy-level understanding. This workshop is part of UNIDIR’s broader commitment to supporting States in implementing the UN cyber norms and responding to the call for more localized and responsive capacity-building, as emphasized by the UN Open-Ended Working Group on ICT Security.

Building cyber readiness in Indonesia

The training brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from government ministries, critical infrastructure providers, academic institutions and civil society. Sessions were tailored to the specific cybersecurity context of Indonesia, addressing key topics such as threat evolution, emerging digital technologies, incident management and international cyber governance.

A central feature of the programme was the introduction of UNIDIR’s Foundational Cyber Capabilities framework. This model outlines essential components for national cyber preparedness, including strategic planning, legal and institutional development, operational capabilities, and trusted partnerships.

One of the highlights of the week was a dynamic tabletop exercise simulating a large-scale cyber incident. This scenario-based activity allowed participants to practice real-time decision-making, coordination and response strategies in a controlled setting, reinforcing the importance of preparedness and collaboration.

Enhancing national leadership for cyber crisis

A critical pillar of the training was dedicated to advancing and testing crisis leadership in action, recognizing that cultivating strong leadership is essential for national cybersecurity and effective incident response and inter-agency coordination. Participants engaged in an in-depth discussion on strengthening existing national incident response frameworks, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to respond to evolving threats.

Advancing regional cyber resilience

Following on from similar initiatives in Lao PDR and Thailand, this training in Indonesia forms part of a growing regional series of bilateral collaborations that aim to reinforce national and regional cyber capacities. UNIDIR remains dedicated to supporting governments with tailored tools and training, enabling them to respond effectively to today’s rapidly evolving cyber challenges. Strengthening digital resilience is crucial to ensuring that cyberspace remains open, peaceful, safe and secure in the years ahead.

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 scales up cyber resilience in Indonesia first appeared on UNIDIR.

While most neurotechnology applications are developed for medical use and other commercial applications, they have clear dual-use potential. Military research labs are currently exploring enhancements of cognitive, sensory and physical abilities of soldiers as well as the direct interfacing of human brains with uncrewed systems.

Recent advances in various scientific and technological fields have rendered the growing integration of neurotechnologies into military contexts increasingly likely to become a reality in the near future. The potential militarization of neurotechnologies, however, raises significant international security risks, can have disruptive effects on warfare and raises complex disarmament, ethical and legal considerations.

Exploring emerging risks

This year’s Innovations Dialogue will bring together leading neuroscientists, legal scholars, policymakers and industry experts to discuss the implications of neurotechnologies. The event will feature interdisciplinary discussions with panels discussing:

1. What are neurotechnologies? What is the current state of development and what are the potential future developments going to be?
2. The risks to individuals linked to the development and use of neurotechnologies, and how these relate to international security.
3. The current and potential uses of neurotechnologies in the military domain, highlighting why and how, these technologies have military potential.
4. The implications of using these technologies in the military domain; from operational, strategic considerations, to legal and ethical implications of their deployment and use in armed conflicts.
5. The governance pathways for neurotechnologies, looking at the current landscape as well as potential novel architectures for addressing the international security and disarmament challenges posed by these technologies.

In addition, this year’s dialogue will feature a poster exhibition showcasing research and policy proposals across four sub-themes: Innovation, responsible use, risk mitigation, and governance. These aim to promote responsible neurotechnologies in the military domain.

A platform for responsible innovation

The Innovations Dialogue is organized by UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme, which works to address global security challenges posed by emerging technologies. The conference is co-sponsored by the Czech Republic, the European Union, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and Microsoft. This flagship event serves as a unique multistakeholder forum examining developments in science and technology that have significant implications for international peace and security.

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