Displayed during the global campaign for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, DISARMING SILENCE invites reflections about on the power of visibility and collective voice in confronting gender-based violence.

The art installation will feature large fabric panels made from more than 600 women’s shirts and dupattas collected by the artist and her collaborators in various parts of the world, including Chile, China, Germany, India, Mauritius, the Seychelles, Switzerland and Zimbabwe. Each garment carries handwritten testimonies of gender-based violence, creating a collective record of women’s experiences.

Much like UNIDIR’s research, this artwork exposes the ubiquity of violence against women, which is an issue of concern to the UN and the diplomatic community. We know that weapons are used to facilitate gender-based violence and to commit femicides. Arms control and disarmament must be a part of the solution to this problem.

Renata Hessmann Dalaqua, Head of the Integrated Approaches – Gender and Disarmament Programme at UNIDIR

In connection with the art installation, UNIDIR will host a high-level event on 8 December. In partnership with the Global Survivors Fund, the event will bring together experts and practitioners working with survivors to discuss the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and art in mobilizing action against gender-based violence.

UNIDIR’s Integrated Approaches Programme works to ensure that youth and gender perspectives strengthen arms control, disarmament and peacebuilding efforts. Through its dedicated research and policy engagement, the programme supports practical actions that promote equality, inclusion and human security.

For further information, please contact Claudia Marquina, UNIDIR Head of Communications at claudia.marquina@un.org.

About UNIDIR

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is a voluntarily funded, autonomous institute within the United Nations. One of the few policy institutes worldwide focusing on disarmament, UNIDIR generates knowledge and promotes dialogue and action on disarmament and

security. Based in Geneva, UNIDIR assists the international community to develop the practical, innovative ideas needed to find solutions to critical security problems. For more information, visit unidir.org.

About the artist

Franziska Greber is a Swiss artist and psychotherapist whose work addresses societal and political tensions such as exclusion, participation, silence and resistance. She has worked for over three decades on projects against violence, discrimination and gender stereotypes. Her artistic practice is informed by her experience as a psychotherapist specializing in trauma and the abuse of power.

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From cognitive enhancement tools to direct brain–computer interfaces, neurotechnologies are advancing at a pace that raises profound questions for international security, human rights, and arms control. The Innovations Dialogue 2025 aims to bring those questions into sharper focus: What happens when neurotechnology enters the military domain? How do we prevent misuse while promoting innovation? What governance models do we need to minimise risks?

We are entering an era where the human mind itself is becoming a domain of technological contestation. Neurotechnologies hold extraordinary promise, but they also carry risks for conflict if misused. Our work seeks to understand how to harness technology’s potential responsibly, so that innovation protects societies, instead of destabilizing them.

Robin Geiss, UNIDIR Director

This year’s programme features leading voices in neuroscience, law, ethics and security policy. Experts will explain what neurotechnologies are, where the field stands today, and how it might evolve in the coming years. Speakers will look at the risks these technologies may pose to people and how such risks could affect international peace and security.

The discussion will examine how neurotechnologies are already being explored for military use, why they may be attractive to defence actors, and what that could mean for global stability. It will also address what responsible governance might look like – how existing rules apply and what new approaches may be needed to manage the security and disarmament challenges these emerging technologies present.

The Innovations Dialogue is organized by UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme, which works to address global security challenges posed by emerging digital technologies, and is co-sponsored by the Czech Republic, the European Union, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and Microsoft. Since 2019, this flagship event has served as a unique multistakeholder forum examining developments in science and technology that have significant implications for international peace and security.

For further information, please contact Claudia Marquina, UNIDIR Head of Communications at claudia.marquina@un.org.

About UNIDIR

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is a voluntarily funded, autonomous institute within the United Nations. One of the few policy institutes worldwide focusing on disarmament, UNIDIR generates knowledge and promotes dialogue and action on disarmament and security. Based in Geneva, UNIDIR assists the international community to develop the practical, innovative ideas needed to find solutions to critical security problems. For more information, visit unidir.org.

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As outer space becomes increasingly critical to global security, economic development and daily life, so too do the risks — from the development of counterspace technologies, the growth of dual-use technologies, and emergence of more robust space policies.

This two-day conference will bring together leading policymakers, diplomats, scientists, industry executives, academics and civil society representatives to examine how the international community can respond effectively to these challenges and safeguard peace and security in space.

This year’s programme will feature a dynamic mix of keynote speeches, expert panels and interactive discussions, covering topics such as:

• The impact of emerging technologies on outer space security
• Threats to space systems and their consequences for both space and Earth
• Evolving legal and normative approaches to space security
• The roles and responsibilities of commercial actors in a changing space environment

Space is an essential part of the infrastructure that powers our lives and underpins global peace and security. Yet this shared domain is under growing strain. This conference brings together key actors who can help shape the rules, partnerships and responsible practices needed to keep space open, safe and sustainable for all.

Dr Robin Geiss, UNIDIR Director

For the second consecutive year, young people were also invited to submit short videos exploring their vision for the future of outer space security. Selected entries from the youth video challenge will be showcased during the conference and promoted through UNIDIR’s platforms, ensuring youth voices from around the world are represented in the conversation on space security.

Organized by UNIDIR’s Space Security Programme, the Outer Space Security Conference is a vital platform for multi-stakeholder engagement on approaches and tools to building space security. It supports inclusive, cross-sector dialogue to develop technical, legal and normative policy solutions to help ensure outer space remains peaceful, secure and accessible.

For further information, please contact Claudia Marquina, UNIDIR Head of Communications at claudia.marquina@un.org.

About UNIDIR

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is a voluntarily funded, autonomous institute within the United Nations. One of the few policy institutes worldwide focusing on disarmament, UNIDIR generates knowledge and promotes dialogue and action on disarmament and security. Based in Geneva, UNIDIR assists the international community to develop the practical, innovative ideas needed to find solutions to critical security problems. For more information, visit unidir.org.

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Taking place from 12-16 May in Geneva, Switzerland, the event will bring together key stakeholders from the cybersecurity, diplomacy, international development cooperation, and technology sectors to address emerging digital challenges and opportunities.

Cybersecurity is a central pillar of international peace and security. As our digital world becomes increasingly interconnected, the challenges posed by cyber threats require a collective, global response. Geneva Cyber Week provides a critical platform for multilateral dialogue, collaboration and practical action. At UNIDIR, we are proud to co-host this forum and bring together voices from across sectors and regions to help shape a more secure and resilient future.

Dr Robin Geiss, UNIDIR Director

Geneva Cyber Week will feature events such as:

• the UNIDIR Cyber Stability Conference – a flagship event addressing evolving cyber threats to strengthen international peace and security, which will take place on 12 May;
• the Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building organized by the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise and hosted by the FDFA, which will convene high-level experts on cyber capacity building to strengthen cyber resilience through and in digital development cooperation on 13 and 14 May; and
• several other partner-led events throughout the week.

Organizations, institutions and partners from across Geneva’s cyber and digital ecosystem are invited to contribute by organizing events as part of the Geneva Cyber Week 2025 programme.

Geneva Cyber Week provides a platform for policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and civil society representatives to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration. The event leverages Geneva’s unique position as a hub for multilateral diplomacy, international cooperation, digital governance, and cybersecurity expertise to facilitate in-depth discussions on pressing cyber issues. To learn more, visit the Geneva Cyber Week website.

For further information, please contact Claudia Marquina, UNIDIR Head of Communications at claudia.marquina@un.org.

About UNIDIR

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is a voluntarily funded, autonomous institute within the United Nations. One of the few policy institutes worldwide focusing on disarmament, UNIDIR generates knowledge and promotes dialogue and action on disarmament and security. Based in Geneva, UNIDIR assists the international community to develop the practical, innovative ideas needed to find solutions to critical security problems. For more information, visit unidir.org.

The post UNIDIR and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs launch global platform for cyber dialogue first appeared on UNIDIR.

This landmark event will bring together nearly 500 diplomats, policymakers, military leaders, industry experts, academics, and civil society representatives – both in-person and online – to address the complex challenges and opportunities of AI in global security and defense.

As part of UNIDIR’s Roundtable for AI, Security, and Ethics initiative, the conference aims to foster multilateral cooperation and ethical governance of AI, ensuring its responsible development and deployment in security and defence contexts. Key themes will include AI’s role in military applications, cybersecurity, international law, human rights, and disarmament.

The rapid advancement of AI demands a truly global conversation—one that transcends geopolitical divides and strengthens international collaboration to address its security and ethical implications. This conference serves as a critical platform for policymakers, experts, and industry leaders to shape responsible AI policies that not only enhance global security but also safeguard human rights and ethical principles.

Dr Robin Geiss, Director, UNIDIR

The two-day programme will feature high-level panels with UN and tech leaders on AI’s role in peace and security. Sessions will explore AI-induced destabilization, military applications, and security risks, as well as deep dives into AI lifecycle management and data practices.

A regional perspectives panel will explore AI governance across different geopolitical contexts. Discussions will also focus on human oversight in AI-driven security, knowledge building and trust, including presentations on AI in UN peacekeeping.

AI is transforming the security landscape and this conference reflects the growing need for collaboration across governments, industry, and civil society. Microsoft is proud to support UNIDIR and the RAISE initiative in fostering open dialogue and practical solutions that bridge sectors, disciplines, and geopolitical perspectives.

Amy Hogan-Burney, Corporate Vice-President, Customer Security & Trust, Microsoft

Organized by UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme, the Global Conference on AI, Security, and Ethics is co-sponsored by Microsoft and serves as a unique forum for inclusive, cross-sectoral engagement in AI governance within security and defence.

For further information, please contact Claudia Marquina, UNIDIR Head of Communications at claudia.marquina@un.org.

About UNIDIR

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous institution within the United Nations that conducts independent research on pressing global challenges related to disarmament, arms control and international security. Our research expertise promotes an inclusive dialogue to find creative and effective solutions. Our work aims to provide the foundations for meaningful collective action towards a more secure world. For more information, visit unidir.org.

The post UNIDIR brings global leaders together to tackle AI governance first appeared on UNIDIR.

Under the theme Quantum Technologies and their Implications for International Peace and Security, the event will bring together leading scientists, policy experts and industry representatives to address the transformative impact of quantum technologies on international security. It will provide a platform for in-depth discussions on the peaceful use of quantum technologies and the importance of collaborative international frameworks to prevent misuse.

Quantum technology has the power to redefine the boundaries of global security, presenting both incredible opportunities and significant risks. Its rapid advancement compels us to confront new ethical and governance challenges that go beyond traditional frameworks. By teaming up with GESDA, we aim to bring together diverse voices and build bridges between innovation and diplomacy – setting the stage for responsible innovation for the benefit of all.

Dr Robin Geiss, UNIDIR Director

As technological advancements continue to reshape the global landscape, quantum technologies are emerging at the forefront of innovation. Following last year’s UNIDIR multistakeholder dialogue on quantum, the 2024 Innovations Dialogue will allow experts to assess the state of quantum technology, examine its implications for strategic stability and explore opportunities for multilateral engagement on risk management and regulation. Through interdisciplinary discussions, participants will address critical questions around the ethical dimensions, potential misuse and governance needs surrounding quantum technology in the context of global peace.

Quantum computing stands at the frontier of technological innovation, with the potential to revolutionize our approach to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including those related to global security. Through the GESDA’s ‘Quantum for All’ initiative—encompassing the Open Quantum Institute, the XPRIZE in partnership with Google and efforts to activate the private sector—GESDA focuses on unlocking this transformative power to responsibly integrate quantum technologies into solutions that benefit humanity. We are delighted to join forces with UNIDIR on this year’s Innovations Dialogue: it will offer a vital platform to deepen the discussions on leveraging quantum technology for global security issues.

Sandro Giuliani, GESDA CEO

The Innovations Dialogue is organized by UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme, which works to address global security challenges posed by emerging digital technologies, and 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.

For further information, please contact Claudia Marquina, UNIDIR Head of Communications at claudia.marquina@un.org.

For further information about GESDA and its Quantum for All initiative, please contact Jean-Marc Crevoisier, Director of Marketing & Communication at jean-marc.crevoisier@gesda.global.

About UNIDIR

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous institution within the United Nations that conducts independent research on pressing global challenges related to disarmament, arms control and international security. Our research expertise promotes an inclusive dialogue to find creative and effective solutions. Our work aims to provide the foundations for meaningful collective action towards a more secure world. For more information, visit unidir.org.

About GESDA

The Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) is an independent non-profit foundation under Swiss law and a private-public partnership with the Swiss and Geneva authorities. Created in 2019, it aims at strengthening the impact and innovation capacity of the international community through science and diplomacy anticipation. For more information, visit gesda.global.

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The exhibition will provide a raw and unfiltered look at the experiences and aspirations of children and youth navigating conflict, from reintegration challenges to dreams of a peaceful future. It is the culmination of an innovative programme equipping conflict-affected children and youth from Iraq, Nigeria and Colombia with photography and basic action research skills.

“This is a powerful showcase highlighting the resilience and strength of young people whose lives have been shaped by conflict. Through the programme, participants were able to explore their emotions, tell their stories using an artistic lens, and advocate for themselves and their peers in a global arena where they are often left unheard,” said Siobhan O’Neil, UNIDIR Head of the MEAC project.

The closing reception will feature the premiere of a video co-created by the young participants, allowing them to voice their experiences directly to decision-makers in attendance. This final gathering aims to catalyze conversations on child- and youth-centred approaches to peacebuilding and social reintegration, amplifying the voices of children and youth who rarely have access to such forums.

“Until we take time to listen, our appreciation of the issues facing children and youth affected by conflict will always be inadequate. Participatory approaches are a powerful way to work with young people in identifying and understanding the complexity of the challenges they face and, most importantly, what is needed to move past them,” said Sophie Bray-Watkins, Senior Youth Advocacy and Participation Adviser for War Child Alliance.

The event is bolstered by two new reports offering deeper insights into the lives of these youth:

• Shifting the Focus: Insights from Conflict-affected Children and Youth on Peacebuilding and Recovery provides a comprehensive look at the participatory photography and research programme conducted with conflict-affected youth across Nigeria, Iraq, and Colombia; offering lessons learned for other practitioners seeking to integrate these methodologies into their work.
• Picturing Conflict: Child Perspectives from Their Time with Boko Haram and Their Exit Journeys captures the experiences of children formerly associated with Boko Haram in Nigeria and their reintegration journeys, spotlighting their challenges, resilience and post-exit needs as they transition to civilian life.

UNIDIR’s MEAC project and its partners call for deeper engagement with the realities of conflict-affected children and youth and recognition of the transformative potential of involving them directly in peacebuilding processes.

“This programme underscores the profound impact of equipping young people with tools for visual storytelling. Oftentimes, when words are not enough, the opportunity to process and share their experiences through their own lens becomes a vital outlet. It’s crucial that we not only listen to their narratives but also invite them to express their emotions and tell their stories in a safe, structured environment. Youth have shown us their desire to be heard and recognized as agents of change in shaping community narratives and policy around peacebuilding and resilience,” said Angela Popplewell, 100cameras CEO.

For further information, please contact Claudia Marquina, UNIDIR Head of Communications at claudia.marquina@un.org.

About UNIDIR

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous institution within the United Nations that conducts independent research on pressing global challenges related to disarmament, arms control and international security. Our research expertise promotes an inclusive dialogue to find creative and effective solutions. Our work aims to provide the foundations for meaningful collective action towards a more secure world. For more information, visit unidir.org.

About 100cameras

100cameras engages youth through photography and storytelling. Our innovative programmes and methodology foster emotional intelligence, resilience and community engagement. We provide customizable curricula that enhance self-expression and leadership skills, partnering with local organizations to maximize our impact. Serving youth aged 10-18 in communities in the USA and worldwide, our programmes offer creative outlets to help young people navigate anxiety, isolation, and uncertainty, enabling them to voice their unique experiences and connect more deeply with their peers and communities. For more information, visit 100cameras.org.

About War Child

No child has ever started a war. Yet, some 200 million children worldwide continue to live in the midst of armed conflict. The War Child Alliance works on strengthening the resilience and wellbeing of children forced to grow up in this environment, acting in partnership with youth and their communities to deliver interventions. Our specific focus is on education, mental health and psychosocial support, and child protection as well as rapid assistance in emergency situations. Through creative activities, sports and play-based learning, we help children to learn, process their experiences and regain confidence. We understand children’s needs, respect their rights and put them at the centre of solutions. We also advocate – alongside children – to demand that their rights be respected and for changes to policies and practices. Born out of a belief that non-government organizations supporting governments and communities need to earn their place in children’s lives, we test our practices rigorously – putting into action what works with a team of core researchers. What started three decades ago as music workshops in the shelters of Kosovo has now grown into an evidence-led non-profit active in more than 14 countries around the world. Find out more at warchild.net.

The post Empowering conflict-affected youth through participatory photography at the UN Headquarters first appeared on UNIDIR.

Large-scale surveys and qualitative research carried out by UN researchers in each location revealed that, aside from being widely felt and experienced, climate change is making it increasingly difficult for people to maintain their livelihoods farming, herding, and fishing. Without a source of income, there are indications that people are turning to armed groups.

In Iraq, ranked the fifth most at-risk country for climate breakdown, climate change is widely felt across the country. Certain localities are particularly hard-hit, with serious implications for conflict dynamics. In Tal Afar, of those respondents who knew people whose livelihoods were impacted by climate change, 29 per cent knew of people who had joined a range of armed groups as a result. This included not only ISIL (which has historically exploited grievances linked to drought and agricultural loss) but also potentially groups that mobilised to combat ISIL.

In Colombia, increased deforestation, mining, and other forms of human-induced environmental degradation were reported in surveys across the country’s diverse geography. Of respondents who had experienced economic difficulties due to these changes, 14 per cent knew of someone who had joined an armed group as a result. In a survey of 139 former members of armed groups including the FARC-EP, ELN, and AUC, 19 per cent of those who reported that human-induced environmental degradation had increased in frequency or severity in their communities said these were among the reasons that they themselves had become involved with an armed group.

In Nigeria, ongoing large-scale surveys across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states found that of those respondents who knew people that experienced livelihood challenges due to climate change, 15 per cent knew someone who joined Boko Haram as a result. Indeed, when former associates of Boko Haram themselves are asked about the impact of climate change on their trajectory into the group, 16 per cent of those who acknowledge climate change-related difficulties, said these were part of the reason they became involved.

Reflecting on the research and its implications, Dr Siobhan O’Neil, Program Manager of the MEAC Initiative, commented: “The evidence suggests that to be effective, efforts to prevent and respond to armed conflicts must be climate-sensitive. Climate change is not just an international security issue, it is a human security issue that requires an urgent, holistic, and multi-sector response.”

MEAC is a multi-year, multi-partner collaboration that aims to develop a unified, rigorous approach to examining how and why individuals exit armed conflict and evaluate the efficacy of interventions meant to support their transition to civilian life. MEAC gathers data to inform evidence-based policy and practice. MEAC was never intended to be a climate security research project, but to truly understand trajectories into and out of armed groups in the countries where it works, it is impossible not to consider climate change’s effects. More information on the project, its UN partners, and donors, can be found on the UNIDIR and UNU-CPR websites.

Photographs from the Geneva Peace Week event: 1, 2, 3, 4

ABOUT UNIDIR 
UNIDIR is a voluntarily funded, autonomous institute within the United Nations. One of the few policy institutes worldwide focusing on disarmament, UNIDIR generates knowledge and promotes dialogue and action on disarmament and security. Based in Geneva, UNIDIR assists the international community to develop the practical, innovative ideas needed to find solutions to critical security problems. Since 2019, the Institute has a dedicated Security and Technology Programme that supports policy- and decision-makers with accessible insights into the impact of technological innovation on international security. For more information about UNIDIR, visit: www.unidir.org

Follow UNIDIR on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

The post Managing Exits from Armed Conflict Project Shares Emerging Evidence of a Connection Between Climate Change and Armed-Group Recruitment first appeared on UNIDIR.

The UNIDIR-UNITAR cooperation will leverage each institution’s unique expertise to design and create innovative training programmes that will address a growing need for capacity-building at the intersection between emerging technologies, international security and disarmament. 

“At a time when new threats are challenging traditional forms of conflict prevention, we aim to make strides towards a more secure world through strategic partnerships and fresh, creative thinking”, said the Head of UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme, Dr. Giacomo Persi Paoli. “We are thrilled to crystallize our relationship with UNITAR.”

UNITAR’s expertise in the field of training design and facilitation will enable UNIDIR to channel its subject-matter expertise into innovative and interactive learning solutions.

“International security and multilateral diplomacy are indivisible. Not only are they both based on fundamentals of international law, but they carry and support the international legal framework”, said Mr. Rabih El-Haddad, Director of the Division for Multilateral Diplomacy, UNITAR. “This strategic partnership will nurture targeted action for innovative capacity-building in these crucial areas. In this view, UNITAR and UNIDIR’s combined forces will strengthen the confidence of today’s diplomatic leaders to shape a safer world for tomorrow.”

The UNIDIR-UNITAR cooperation will contribute to a growing global network of leaders conversant with the latest developments in international security, fostering links of cooperation and establishing new partnerships for peace.  
  
ABOUT UNIDIR 
UNIDIR is a voluntarily funded, autonomous institute within the United Nations. One of the few policy institutes worldwide focusing on disarmament, UNIDIR generates knowledge and promotes dialogue and action on disarmament and security. Based in Geneva, UNIDIR assists the international community to develop the practical, innovative ideas needed to find solutions to critical security problems. Since 2019, the Institute has a dedicated Security and Technology Programme that supports policy- and decision-makers with accessible insights into the impact of technological innovation on international security. For more information about UNIDIR, visit: www.unidir.org 

Follow UNIDIR on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

ABOUT UNITAR 
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is an autonomous body within the United Nations that was established in 1965 pursuant to a UN General Assembly resolution. UNITAR’s mission is to develop the individual, institutional, and organizational capacities of countries and other United Nations stakeholders by providing innovative learning solutions and high quality learning solutions to enhance global decision-making and support country-level action for overcoming global challenges. For more information about UNITAR, visit: www.unitar.org

MEDIA CONTACT
Aaron J. Buckley 
Head of Communications
+41 76 691 10 74
buckleya@un.org

The post UNIDIR and UNITAR Announce New Partnership for Training in Emerging Tech first appeared on UNIDIR.

Small arms trafficking is a “defining factor in undermining peace and security”, the Director of the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) told the Security Council on Monday during a ministerial debate. 

Robin Geiss said that that diversion and trafficking of arms “destabilizes communities and exacerbates situations of insecurity, including by committing serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, as well as violence against women and children in various contexts”.  

The Council met under the chairmanship of Mexican Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard as one of the signature events of Mexico’s November presidency.

Diversion and trafficking

As the unrestricted flow of weapons continues to fuel violence, it is a shared global responsibility to seek solutions, according to the concept note.

Throughout the lifecycle of arms and ammunition – from the production stages to their final use – moments exist when they can be diverted or trafficked to non-State armed groups, criminals and terrorist actors. 

Mr. Geiss upheld that this “destabilizes communities and exacerbates situations of insecurity, including by committing serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, as well as violence against women and children in various contexts”. 

While direct effects include deaths, injuries, displacement, and psychological harm, there are also long-term socio-economic consequences, such as access to health and education, the delivery of humanitarian services, and the protection of civilians. 

For Mr. Geisss, this illicit trade is also dynamic and multi-faceted.  

“When loopholes and gaps are closed in one domain, vulnerabilities are exploited in another”, he said. “States affected by patterns of recurring armed violence, therefore, face many challenges to prevent the diversion and misuse of arms”.

Research-backed solutions

A UNIDIR review of 200 documented cases highlighted the importance of preventing diversion, not only from national stockpiles, but also from the country that manufactured and exported them.  

“National ownership is fundamental” in this area, said Mr. Geiss, but “will not achieve success without international cooperation and assistance”. 

Between 2015 and 2020 the UNIDIR supported 11 States in conducting assessments on weapons and ammunition management, known as WAM.  

Today, the Institute’s chief said, the issue is increasingly recognized as a fundamental component of conflict and armed violence prevention.  

He cited as examples, the Secretary-General’s small arms reports, which regularly feature a section on it and also that it is increasingly reflected in resolutions adopted by the Security Council. 

Mr. Geiss described now as “an opportune moment” for an international dialogue to strengthen multilateral, regional, and national policies and practices. 

“Advancing a United Nations strategic approach to WAM could further enhance multilateral efforts to deliver peace, security, stability, and development around the world”, he argued.  

Civil Society

Council Members also heard from María Pía Devoto, who represented Argentina’s Coalición Armas Bajo Control – a coalition of 150 civil society organizations created to implementat the Arms Trade Treaty. 

She upheld that the “devastating impact” of this problem “is felt most acutely among communities in conflict-affected regions, where these weapons perpetuate a vicious cycle of violence and insecurity.” 

Ms. Devoto also said that mandatory Security Council arms embargoes are being undermined by violations carried out by non-State actors and even UN members.  

“The most egregious recent example is the Libyan embargo, which, in March this year, was described by the Panel of Experts as ‘totally ineffective’”, she recalled, urging Council Members to act, including through sanctions. 

“Mr. President, you and your colleagues have at your disposal the tools, knowledge and experience to combat the illicit trafficking and diversion of small arms and light weapons. It’s about finding the political will to do it”, concluded Ms. Devoto.

View original.

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The paper released today, “Identifying Collaborative Actions to Reduce Today’s Nuclear Dangers“, showcases key propositions, findings, and recommendations from this one-year UNIDIR dialogue. It includes a list of key actions centred on the following themes: consolidating the non-use of nuclear weapons, recrafting strategic arms control for the 21st Century, revitalising pursuit of nuclear disarmament and implementing confidence-restoring measures.

Together, the paper’s points “offer a promising vision and the elements from which to craft an agenda for enhanced global collaboration to reduce today’s nuclear dangers”. A diverse group of international experts, who participated in the Dialogue in their personal capacities, have agreed to associate themselves with the vision of the document.

“UNIDIR is very proud of being able to continually serve as a space to bring together diverse expertise and thinking about the future of the nuclear challenge, and this Dialogue is a paramount example”, UNIDIR’s Director Robin Geiss said.

The document is available in English and will be released in all UN languages shortly (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish). Download the paper at: https://www.unidir.org/DDACFindings
 

ABOUT UNIDIR
UNIDIR is a voluntarily funded, autonomous institute within the United Nations. One of the few policy institutes worldwide focusing on disarmament, UNIDIR generates knowledge and promotes dialogue and action on disarmament and security. Based in Geneva, UNIDIR assists the international community to develop the practical, innovative ideas needed to find solutions to critical security problems. UNIDIR has been at the forefront of awareness raising and policy research on the links between gender and disarmament, including on the gendered impact of use of weapons and gender imbalance in multilateral disarmament forums. Since 2018, the Institute has a dedicated Gender and Disarmament programme that supports the diplomatic community in bridging gender and disarmament frameworks.

Follow UNIDIR on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

MEDIA CONTACT
Aaron J. Buckley 
Strategic Communications Officer
+41 76 691 10 74
buckleya@un.org

Wilfred Wan
Lead Researcher, WMDOSW Programme
wilfred.wan@un.org

The post Key Actions to Reduce Nuclear Dangers first appeared on UNIDIR.

The UNIDIR-WIIS CoLab will promote scholarship, dialogue and networking for women in the field of disarmament and international security. The issue of women’s participation and agency is of critical importance. The impacts of COVID-19 have brought additional challenges for gender equality and, in some cases, widened existing gender gaps.

Research shows that women are chronically underrepresented in discussions related to international security. “The policies being debated affect everyone”, said Dr. Renata H. Dalaqua, UNIDIR Programme Lead for Gender and Disarmament. “But women, people of colour, and minorities don’t have an equal opportunity to shape them.”

“Too often, women’s participation and the gender dimension of security remain on the sidelines of key debates in foreign and security policy – we need targeted action to change this and accelerate progress”, noted Julia-Silvana Hofstetter, President of WIIS Switzerland.

The UNIDIR-WIIS CoLab will host a Speaker Series that will kick-off in autumn and facilitate insightful conversations and networking opportunities. Details will be available soon on the UNIDIR and WIIS Switzerland websites.

ABOUT UNIDIR
UNIDIR is a voluntarily funded, autonomous institute within the United Nations. One of the few policy institutes worldwide focusing on disarmament, UNIDIR generates knowledge and promotes dialogue and action on disarmament and security. Based in Geneva, UNIDIR assists the international community to develop the practical, innovative ideas needed to find solutions to critical security problems. UNIDIR has been at the forefront of awareness raising and policy research on the links between gender and disarmament, including on the gendered impact of use of weapons and gender imbalance in multilateral disarmament forums. Since 2018, the Institute has a dedicated Gender and Disarmament programme that supports the diplomatic community in bridging gender and disarmament frameworks.

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ABOUT WIIS SWITZERLAND
WIIS Switzerland is an affiliate of Women In International Security (WIIS) Global, the premier organization in the world dedicated to advancing the leadership and professional development of women in the field of international peace and security. WIIS Switzerland aims to support, connect, and engage women working in international peace and security across Switzerland, to provide a platform for collaboration and exchange across sectors and to build bridges to the global community of WIIS. For more information about WIIS Switzerland, visit: www.wiis.ch.

Follow WIIS Switzerland on Twitter and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT
Renata Hessmann Dalaqua
Programme Lead Gender and Disarmament, UNIDIR
renata.hessmanndalaqua@un.org

Julia-Silvana Hofstetter
President, WIIS Switzerland
julia-silvana.hofstetter@wiis.ch

The post New CoLab for Women Working in International Peace and Security first appeared on UNIDIR.

Casualties caused by lethal cluster munitions continued to increase in 2020, despite progress in efforts to eliminate these weapons, a UN-backed civil society report said on Wednesday. 

The hair-trigger devices have caused at least 360 recorded casualties globally, either by cluster munition attacks (142) or due to remnants of these weapons (218), according to the Cluster Munition Monitor 2021, although it said that the true number is likely much higher. 

This represents a continued increase from 317 in 2019, and 277 in 2018. According to the Monitor, civilians remain the primary victims of cluster munitions at the time of the attacks and after the conflict has ended and accounted for all casualties recorded in 2020. 

Children represented nearly half (44 per cent) of all casualties where the age was known, and a quarter were women and girls, who in 2020 were less likely to survive an attack. 

“In the last year, cluster munition attacks killed and wounded civilians going about their everyday activities, and unexploded submunitions remain an enduring threat,” said Loren Persi, Impact Editor for the Monitor. 

Prohibition gaining strength’  

In 2020, victims of cluster munition remnants were recorded in Afghanistan, Cambodia, Iraq, Lao PDR, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen, as well as Nagorno-Karabakh. Globally, 26 countries and three other areas remain contaminated by submunition remnants. 

Researchers found that the largest number of casualties resulted from cluster munition attacks in Azerbaijan (107). Neither Armenia nor Azerbaijan have joined the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which has 110 States Parties and 13 signatories. 

The Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC) has urged nonsignatories to take steps to renounce the weapon and join the convention without delay. 

“The denials of cluster munition attacks in Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh and their widespread condemnation shows how the prohibition on these weapons is gaining strength,” said Mary Wareham, Ban Policy editor of Cluster Munition Monitor 2021 and Human Rights Watch (HRW) Arms Advocacy director. 

“All states should condemn any use of cluster munitions by any actor under any circumstances,” she added. 

Indiscriminate bomblets 

Cluster munitions are launched either from the ground or dropped from the air from containers that open and disperse hundreds of “bomblets” which scatter indiscriminately over wide areas. 

Many fail to detonate, leaving a trail of explosive remnants and submunitions that threaten lives and make farm land off-limits, creating barriers to socio-economic development. The report also documents the progress made in saving lives and livelihoods during the past year, despite additional challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Stockpiles destroyed 

Stockpile destruction is one of the convention’s major success stories. To date, a total of 36 States Parties have destroyed 99 per cent of all cluster munitions stocks declared. 

In the last year alone, Bulgaria, Peru, and Slovakia destroyed a total of 2,273 cluster munitions and more than 52,000 submunitions. In addition, in 2020, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and Slovakia destroyed their respective stocks of cluster munitions retained for research and training purposes. 

Only 10 States Parties now see a need to retain live cluster munitions for such permitted purposes. In 2020, States Parties reported clearance of approximately 63km2 of cluster munition-contaminated land and the destruction of nearly 81,000 submunitions. During the year Croatia and Montenegro also joined the list of 12 countries that have successfully completed clearance of their contaminated areas. 

Challenges of pandemic 

The report states that risk education remains a fundamental part of the response to the dangers posed by cluster munition remnants. 

Due to the pandemic, alternatives such as online messaging, and TV and radio broadcasts, replaced in-person outreach for disseminating life-saving information to affected communities.  

“Despite challenges, progress was reported in the work to clear and return land to communities, to provide focused risk education to those most under threat, and to deliver on the obligation of providing assistance to victims,” Mr. Persi said. 

The report comes as States Parties to the convention prepare to gather for the Second Review Conference, on 20–21 September, and where they will adopt a plan of action for the next four years.  

The post Civilian casualties rise, despite progress in eliminating cluster bombs first appeared on UNIDIR.

MEDIA CONTACT
Aaron J. Buckley 
Strategic Communications Officer
+41 76 691 10 74
buckleya@un.org  
 

Arthur Holland
Associate Ressearcher
+41 22 917 13 56

arthur.holland@un.org

The post UNIDIR Releases Major New Report on Data, Risk and Autonomous Systems first appeared on UNIDIR.

GINEBRA, 7 JUNIO 2021 — El Instituto de las Naciones Unidas de Investigación sobre el Desarme (UNIDIR) anuncia el lanzamiento de la traducción en español del Manual para Elaborar Perfiles de Municiones.  El Manual de UNIDIR ofrece a los usuarios una guía paso a paso para elaborar perfiles de municiones. Este Manual permite a los usuarios obtener una visión general de las municiones de armas pequeñas que han sido desviadas, traficadas y/o indebidamente utilizadas en entornos urbanos. 
 
“Entender como las municiones llegan a manos de actores no autorizados es clave para combatir la violencia armada,” Alfredo Malaret Baldo, Investigador del Programa de Armas Convencionales de UNIDIR y coautor del Manual. “Entender este proceso es importante ya que cortar el flujo ilícito de municiones es como quitarles el oxígeno a las armas de fuego.”
 
El Manual para la Elaboración de Perfiles de Municiones de Armas Pequeñas en Entornos de Violencia Armada de UNIDIR ofrece sugerencias sobre cómo elaborar un perfil de las municiones a través de cuatro bases de datos: evidencias recogidas en las escenas de crímenes, registros de existencias, información sobre fabricación ilícita, y entrevistas con comunidades afectadas. El principal beneficio de utilizar este Manual es establecer una base de evidencia estandarizada para así informar esfuerzos locales destinados a frenar el flujo ilícito de municiones y reducir su impacto en la seguridad pública. Posteriormente, los datos acumulados y las lecciones aprendidas pueden canalizarse hacia instancias superiores para orientar procesos a escala multilateral.
 
El Manual brinda también la oportunidad de reconsiderar el rol que desempeñan la municiones en los actos de violencia armada: un rol sin duda decisivo, pero a menudo no estudiado suficientemente. Reducir la violencia armada está al alcance, pero, para dar con las soluciones adecuadas, resulta fundamental entender las circunstancias que facilitan estos encuentros letales, así como el flujo de municiones hacia usuarios no autorizados. La presente área de investigación del Programa de Armas Convencionales cuenta con el apoyo del Gobierno de Alemania. El Gobierno de España se ha comprometido también con esta área de investigación.
 
SOBRE UNIDIR
UNIDIR es un instituto autónomo dentro de las Naciones Unidas, financiado con contribuciones voluntarias. Es uno de los pocos institutos especializados del mundo que se centra en el desarme; generando conocimiento y promoviendo el diálogo y la acción en materia de desarme y seguridad internacional. Con sede en Ginebra, UNIDIR ayuda a la comunidad internacional a desarrollar las ideas prácticas e innovadoras necesarias para encontrar soluciones a problemas críticos de seguridad.

Para mayor información sobre UNIDIR, visite: www.unidir.org. 
 
Sigue UNIDIR en Facebook, Instagram, y Twitter.

CONTACTOS 
Aaron J. Buckley 
Oficial de Comunicaciones Estratégicas 
+41 76 691 10 74
buckleya@un.org
 
Alfredo Jose Malaret Baldo
Investigador, Programa de Armas Convencionales 
+41 22 917 13 56 
Alfredo.malaretbaldo@un.org

The post Manual de UNIDIR para ayudar a reducir la violencia armada en contextos urbanos first appeared on UNIDIR.

GENEVA, 5 MAY 2021 — The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) today announced the opening of a small liaison presence at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The UNIDIR Liaison Presence in New York will support Member States and other partners with knowledge and ideas, and will help to facilitate inclusive dialogue on arms control, disarmament, and international security issues. In so doing, it will facilitate engagement with and reinforce linkages between UNIDIR-led disarmament research, events and other activities in Geneva and New York. 

For over four decades, UNIDIR has supported the informed participation of all Member States in multilateral disarmament processes. In 2020, despite the ongoing pandemic, UNIDIR convened over 48 events and issued 52 publications (and over 25 translations) that explored practical ways to address contemporary disarmament and international security challenges. From identifying options to reduce the risk of use of nuclear weapons to exploring the risks and benefits of new military technologies and introducing gender perspectives in disarmament discussions, from new proposals to verify space security arrangements to developing tools to support national actors in dealing with the threats of IEDs, UNIDIR demonstrated its commitment to producing informed, impartial analyses to advance progress in multilateral disarmament. We have also recently expanded our engagement beyond Geneva to include work in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East and, as of this month, have opened a small liaison presence at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

“These are challenging times for international disarmament and for the global security environment at large. If anything, the past twelve difficult months have underscored the international community’s growing need and demand for independent, evidence-based research and innovative thinking that can support multilateral efforts in addressing some of the world’s most pressing security challenges,” said Dr. Robin Geiss, Director of UNIDIR. “We are looking forward to supporting Member States and other partners based in New York to address today’s critical disarmament and international security challenges.”

ABOUT UNIDIR

UNIDIR is a voluntarily funded, autonomous institute within the United Nations that was established in 1980 by the General Assembly for the purpose of undertaking independent research on disarmament and related problems, particularly international security issues. Based in Geneva, and as one of the few research institutes worldwide focusing on disarmament, UNIDIR assists the international community to develop the practical, innovative ideas needed to find solutions to critical security issues. In this respect, last year, the General Assembly recognized the continued “importance, the timeliness and the high quality” of the Institute’s work (A/RES/75/82).

For more information about UNIDIR, visit: www.unidir.org 
 
Follow UNIDIR on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

MEDIA CONTACT
Aaron J. Buckley 
Strategic Communications Officer
+41 76 691 10 74
buckleya@un.org  
 
UNIDIR LIAISON PRESENCE IN NEW YORK – CONTACT
Manuel Martinez Miralles
Liaison Officer
+41 22 917 13 56 
manuel.martinezmiralles@un.org
 

The post UNIDIR Opening Liaison Presence In New York first appeared on UNIDIR.

GENEVA, 22 SEPTEMBER 2020 — The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) today published “The Black Box, Unlocked,” a comprehensive study on an issue at the heart of ongoing discussions on the use of advanced artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons in warfare: predictability and understandability.

Despite the centrality of what is sometimes referred to as the “black box dilemma” of autonomous weapons and military AI, there continues to be significant ambiguity as to what exactly it means for an intelligent system to be “predictable” and “understandable”. Nor has there been sufficient clarity on the role of appropriate AI predictability and understandability in the adherence to existing international law, let alone proposed potential future rules, in the use of autonomy and AI in warfare—or how these appropriate thresholds could be measured and enforced.

“The aim of this study is not only to demistify these ambiguities and complex challenges by bridging the science with the policy,” said UNIDIR Associate Researcher Arthur Holland Michel, the report’s author, “but also to inspire cutting-edge new thinking on how to overcome them.”

“The Black Box, Unlocked” illustrates the technical fundamentals of AI predictability and understandability, illuminates the role of appropriate predictability and understandability throughout the lifecycle of all forms of military AI, and points to a variety of key avenues for action by policy groups, militaries, and technical communities seeking to address the black box dilemma of autonomous weapons and military AI.

“The Black Box, Unlocked” is a timely and accessible contribution to international discussions on lethal autonomous weapon systems and other forms of military AI, shedding new light on key issues and challenges to be addressed to ensure the safe and lawful use of AI across military activities,” said Dr. Renata Dwan, Director of UNIDIR.

ABOUT UNIDIR
UNIDIR is a voluntarily funded, autonomous institute within the United Nations. One of the few policy institutes worldwide focusing on disarmament, UNIDIR generates knowledge and promotes dialogue and action on disarmament and security. Based in Geneva, UNIDIR assists the international community to develop the practical, innovative ideas needed to find solutions to critical security problems. For more information about UNIDIR, visit: www.unidir.org. 

Follow UNIDIR on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

MEDIA CONTACT

The post Mystery Machines first appeared on UNIDIR.

An end of fissile material production can be reliably verified and prepare ground for more comprehensive measures.

GENEVA, 16 SEPTEMBER 2020 — A UNIDIR report published today suggests a new approach to resolving the key technical hurdle on the way toward an arrangement that would stop the production of fissile materials in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

The report, Freeze and Verify: Ending Fissile Material Production on the Korean Peninsula, explains that a freeze of fissile material production is widely seen as an essential element of any future agreement to constrain and roll back the DPRK nuclear program. “The key technical issue is how to ensure reliable verification of the freeze in a situation when inspectors do not have access all nuclear facilities in the State,” said Pavel Podvig, the author of the study. He added that while in the past the DPRK expressed readiness to close some of its nuclear sites, it is difficult to expect that it will disclose locations of its military facilities.

The arrangement described in the report shows that even in this case it is possible to build an effective verification programme. This programme would verify the end of production and would eventually account for all nuclear materials. The verification programme could support the political process leading to elimination of all nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula.

This project is part of a broader UNIDIR research programme that explores various aspects of nuclear disarmament verification. “Developing ideas that can help advance practical disarmament is the core of the Institute’s mission,” said Dr. Renata Dwan, Director of UNIDIR. “This report identifies pragmatic paths to overcome technical obstacles and help create greater political space to address the challenge of denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula.”

ABOUT UNIDIR

UNIDIR is a voluntarily funded, autonomous institute within the United Nations. One of the few policy institutes worldwide focusing on disarmament, UNIDIR generates knowledge and promotes dialogue and action on disarmament and security. Based in Geneva, UNIDIR assists the international community to develop the practical, innovative ideas needed to find solutions to critical security problems. For more information about UNIDIR, visit: www.unidir.org. 

Follow UNIDIR on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

MEDIA CONTACT

The post A Study Suggests New Approach to Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula first appeared on UNIDIR.

UNIDIR report illustrates roles that some technology companies are assuming to shape the behaviours of different actors and the IT market itself.

GENEVA, 28 JUNE 2019 — A UNIDIR report released today identifies current trends in ICT threats and vulnerabilities and highlights some of the worrying dynamics enabling the persistence of these threats and vulnerabilities and their exploitation.

The report, Stemming the Exploitation of ICT Threats and Vulnerabilities: An Overview of Current Trends, Enabling Dynamics and Private Sector Responses, illustrates roles that some technology companies are assuming to shape the behaviours of different actors and the IT market itself. The study questions whether self-regulation and the recent expansion of principled declaratory initiatives involving the technology sector are sufficient to manage the scope and scale of the challenges and risks at hand.

“Technology companies are playing an increasingly important role in national and global governance issues and some companies are gradually assuming the roles and responsibilities that come with increased influence and power,” said Dr. Camino Kavanagh, UNIDIR non-resident researcher and Visiting Fellow at the Department of War at Kings College London. “These roles and responsibilities are complementary to the responsibilities of States, the technology community and other actors. They do not replace them.”

At its 73rd Session, the General Assembly established two processes starting in 2019 examining the international security dimension of cyber and ICT related issues: an Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) open to all Member States and a Group of Governmental Experts limited to 25 States. The OEWG will be the first time that all Member States are invited to participate in discussions on international security and ICTs. The resolution establishing the OEWG specifically calls for consultations with the private sector as part of a multi-stakeholder approach. UNIDIR, in partnership with the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, will be supporting the work of both processes.

ABOUT UNIDIR

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous institution within the United Nations that conducts independent research on disarmament and related problems, particularly international security issues. UNIDIR supports Member States, the United Nations and policy and research communities in advancing ideas and actions that contribute to a more sustainable and peaceful world. For more information about UNIDIR, visit: www.unidir.org. Follow UNIDIR on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

MEDIA CONTACT

The post Stemming the Exploitation of ICT Threats and Vulnerabilities: An Overview of Current Trends, Enabling Dynamics and Private Sector first appeared on UNIDIR.

UNIDIR gathered a high-level panel at UN to launch its three-year Middle East WMD Free Project

NEW YORK, 10 October 2019 — UNIDIR held a launch event today for its Middle East Weapons of Mass Destruction Free Zone (ME WMDFZ) Project at the United Nations Headquarters, New York. Over 120 senior officials, diplomats, and experts attended the event. The event included welcome remarks by Ambassador Jacek Bylica, EU Special Envoy for Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, and Izumi Nakamitsu, UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs. A panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Renata Dwan, UNIDIR Director, and included two members of the project team, Ambassador Wael Al-Assad and Dr. Chen Zak, and two members of the project’s Reference Group, Ambassador Mikhail Ulyanov and Mr. Tom Countryman. 

Ms. Nakamitsu congratulated UNIDIR and expressed appreciation to the EU for their support on this important initiative. She noted that UNIDIR’s status and autonomy lends it a unique role in facilitating research and thinking, with the ability to foster inclusive dialogue among experts.

Panellists discussed the four overarching objectives of the project: addressing research gaps on how the issue of the ME WMDFZ has evolved, supporting new thinking on regional security issues and the zone, collecting ideas and developing new proposals on how to move forward,and initiating an inclusive dialogue that cuts across national boundaries, is gender balanced, and incorporates voices of the younger generation. They also discussed timeliness of the project. The need to reflect wider regional security concerns was highlighted by several speakers. 

Following the panel Dr. Dwan invited questions from the audience. Many participants welcomed the innovative approach of the project. The event ended with words of good wishes by Ambassador Sima Bahous, president-elect of the UNSG November 2019 Conference.  

The ME WMDFZ Project is carried out with funding by the European Union.

ABOUT UNIDIR

UNIDIR is a voluntarily funded, autonomous institute within the United Nations. One of the few policy institutes worldwide focusing on disarmament, UNIDIR generates knowledge and promotes dialogue and action on disarmament and security. Based in Geneva, UNIDIR assists the international community to develop the practical, innovative ideas needed to find solutions to critical security problems. Visit: www.unidir.org. 

Follow UNIDIR on Instagram, Facebook,and Twitter.

The post Launch of the UNIDIR Middle East Weapons of Mass Destruction Free Zone Project first appeared on UNIDIR.

GENEVA, 5 March 2020 — As part of the UNIDIR 2020 NPT Review Conference series, the Middle East Weapons of Mass Destruction Free Zone (ME WMDFZ) Project convened a day-long event at the Palais des Nations, on 6 February 2020. The event facilitated dialogue and generated ideas to help frame key issues and inform States about the Middle East Weapons of Mass Destruction Free Zone and its broader implications, including how it could feature in the upcoming 2020 NPT Review Conference. Participants included current and former government officials, academic and think tank experts, as well as civil society representatives. The event was generously supported by the Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva.

Speakers at the event felt that the constructive deliberations and positive conclusion of the first session of the 2019 Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and other Weapons of Mass Destruction could have a positive impact on the upcoming 2020 NPT Review conference by relieving some of the pressure that could be seen in previous NPT review cycles around the ME WMDFZ issue.

Other speakers presented lessons learned from four relevant arms control processes: the Arms Control and Regional Security process, the decision to convene a conference on the ME-WMDFZ agreed in the 2010 NPT Review Conference final document, the informal consultation process that took place in Glion and Geneva between 2013 and 2014, and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Event speakers also made concrete proposals for a prospective ME WMDFZ around three different themes: nuclear verification, Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) related to peaceful applications of nuclear technologies, and how to address chemical and biological weapons in the context of the Middle East.

A summary report on the discussion as well as the key findings from the event will be published in April 2020.

For more information, please contact: Tomisha Bino, tomisha.bino@un.org

ABOUT UNIDIR

UNIDIR is a voluntarily funded, autonomous institute within the United Nations. One of the few policy institutes worldwide focusing on disarmament, UNIDIR generates knowledge and promotes dialogue and action on disarmament and security. Based in Geneva, UNIDIR assists the international community to develop the practical, innovative ideas needed to find solutions to critical security problems. Visit: www.unidir.org. 

Follow UNIDIR on Instagram, Facebook,and Twitter.

The post ME WMDFZ Project reviews arms control processes in the Middle East and their impact on the upcoming 2020 NPT RevCon first appeared on UNIDIR.

Report highlights need for governments to agree on a “baseline” set of norms for activities in space.

GENEVA, 9 AUGUST 2019 — A UNIDIR Report published today suggests that UN Member States should focus on solvable space security issues, rather than trying to find a one-size-fits-all solution. By so doing, Member States might strengthen stability and transparency in space in incremental but substantive amounts.

The 2019 Space Security Conference, entitled Supporting Diplomacy: Clearing the Path for Dialogue, took place in Geneva amid growing geopolitical tension in space. Numerous signs emerged over the last year that suggest the potential for conflict in space is gradually increasing.

“The breadth of challenges is too broad to address in one agreement or treaty,” says Daniel Porras, Space Security Fellow at UNIDIR. “Each threat has its own technical and political complexities, so perhaps rather than trying to solve all the problems at once, we can work on specific issues where we have widespread agreement first.”

The Report describes the proceedings and presents key findings of the recent Space Security Conference. The meeting is an annual gathering of international experts from government, industry and academia. The discussions focus on space security challenges—such as the intentional destruction of space objects—and what steps might be taken to resolve these.

In addition to more focused discussions, the Report also suggests that one important task before the international community is to agree on a “baseline” set of norms for activities in space. This can provide greater certainty for peaceful actors and make it easier to spot threatening activities. “By setting rules of the road for peaceful actors, you can focus more on monitoring the few outliers,” said Porras. “This can help reduce some of the suspicions and fears that surround new space technologies.”

ABOUT UNIDIR

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous institution within the United Nations that conducts independent research on disarmament and related problems, particularly international security issues. UNIDIR supports Member States, the United Nations and policy and research communities in advancing ideas and actions that contribute to a more sustainable and peaceful world. For more information about UNIDIR, visit: www.unidir.org. Follow UNIDIR on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

MEDIA CONTACT

The post UNIDIR 2019 Space Security Conference – Supporting Diplomacy: Clearing the Path for Dialogue first appeared on UNIDIR.

UNIDIR report sheds light on obstacles hindering women’s participation in disarmament negotiations and calls for action to promote gender equality

GENEVA, 26 APRIL 2019 — A UNIDIR report released today finds women are still significantly underrepresented in multilateral forums dealing with weapons, nearly twenty years after the landmark Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. The study finds women comprise only a third of diplomats accredited to arms control and disarmament conferences. In smaller, more specialized forums, the average proportion of women drops to twenty percent.

The report, Still Behind the Curve: Gender Balance in Arms Control, Non-proliferation and Disarmament Diplomacy, surveyed participants from 84 multilateral meetings held during the last four decades. It shows progress towards gender balance has been slower in disarmament fora than in other areas of diplomacy, such as humanitarian, social and cultural affairs.

“More needs to be done to improve not only the numerical representation of women, but their substantive role in the field of disarmament,” said Dr. Renata Dwan, Director of UNIDIR. “Although Member States have acknowledged the importance of including the voices of women in international security deliberations, the report demonstrates that statements and resolutions have yet to translate into meaningful action.”

The report analyses obstacles hindering the full and equal participation of women in the field of disarmament and international security drawing on views gathered from diplomats and others. It calls for concerted action and identifies practical options to promote gender equality in disarmament diplomacy and argues that security discussions benefit from women’s participation.

ABOUT UNIDIR

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous institution within the United Nations that conducts independent research on disarmament and related problems, particularly international security issues. UNIDIR supports Member States, the United Nations and policy and research communities in advancing ideas and actions that contribute to a more sustainable and peaceful world. For more information about UNIDIR, visit: www.unidir.org. Follow UNIDIR on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

MEDIA CONTACT

The post Still Behind the Curve: Gender Balance in Arms Control, Non-proliferation and Disarmament Diplomacy first appeared on UNIDIR.

GENEVA, 20 APRIL 2020 — A UNIDIR report released today analyses intensified risk of potential nuclear weapons use across several regions, and links this trend to geopolitical competition, strategic mistrust, and other security developments. It calls for “drastic action” by States, and presents a series of concrete policy recommendations to reduce that risk, including the preservation of extant agreements such as the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), and the enhancement of crisis avoidance and management tools to prevent escalation.

The report, Nuclear Risk Reduction: Closing Pathways to Use, offers a range of expert insights on potential strategies to reduce risk of nuclear weapon use, across select geopolitical regions—the Euro-Atlantic, Northeast Asia, Southern Asia, and the Middle East—and in the context of technological developments and multipolar dynamics, including great power competition.

“Understanding the risks of nuclear weapon use in different situations can contribute to ideas and new thinking on practical ways to address them,” said Dr. Renata Dwan, Director of UNIDIR. “Many States have expressed their support for nuclear risk reduction efforts as means to enhance international security and reinvigorate arms control and disarmament. This study provides a blueprint for taking this important work forward.”

The report lists a host of actions that States could take in the short and long term to reduce nuclear weapon risk, including in the context of the postponed 2020 Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). It also calls for a widespread commitment by all stakeholders to develop practical, feasible, and contextually appropriate risk reduction measures.

ABOUT UNIDIR

UNIDIR is a voluntarily funded, autonomous institute within the United Nations. One of the few policy institutes worldwide focusing on disarmament, UNIDIR generates knowledge and promotes dialogue and action on disarmament and security. Based in Geneva, UNIDIR assists the international community to develop the practical, innovative ideas needed to find solutions to critical security problems. For more information about UNIDIR, visit: www.unidir.org. Follow UNIDIR on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

MEDIA CONTACT

The post “Drastic Action” Required to Address Increased Risk of Nuclear Weapons Use first appeared on UNIDIR.