The 2025 Innovations Dialogue (#ID25) will provide a timely platform to explore the international peace and security considerations surrounding the development, deployment, and potential militarization of neurotechnologies – as well as how this could impact the future of warfare.
Launched in 2019 and organized by UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme, the Innovations Dialogue is one of UNIDIR’s annual flagship events. It serves as a unique multi-stakeholder forum for examining developments in science and technology that have significant implications for international peace and security.
While neurotechnologies remain an emerging set of technologies, they are rapidly advancing and gaining prominence. These technologies have a clear dual-use nature. Outside civilian applications, military research labs are actively exploring ways to enhance soldiers’ cognitive, sensory and physical capabilities, including through direct brain-machine interfacing with uncrewed systems. Their potential military use raises significant security concerns and could profoundly alter the conduct of warfare, raising complex disarmament, ethical and legal challenges.
This year’s Innovations Dialogue will build on existing international efforts and provide a neutral space where this topic will be addressed through the lens of arms control, disarmament and international security. The event will bring together diverse voices from governments, the scientific and technical community, civil society, and international organizations, to examine the current state of neurotechnologies, consider associated risks and opportunities for international peace and security, and explore pathways toward responsible governance.
Poster exhibition
The 2025 Innovations Dialogue will feature a poster exhibition focused on “Promoting responsible neurotechnology in the military domain”. Posters will be showcased in a dedicated exhibition space outside the conference room and provide participants with a platform to exchange their research and ideas.
UNIDIR invites participants to submit poster proposals to be showcased as part of the exhibition by 7 September.
When and where
Monday, 24 November 2025, 9:00-17:40 CET, Centre International de Conférences Genève (CICG), Geneva, Switzerland and online.
A post-conference reception will be hosted for participants attending in person.
If attending online, please consult this website to find your local time.
Participation
Participation is open to representatives of Member State delegations, as well as experts from academia, civil society, industry, and international organizations.
RSVP
You are kindly requested to specify if you will be attending in person or connecting remotely. Registered participants will receive by email the link to join online one day prior to the event.
Further information
For further information, please contact sectec-unidir@un.org.