Directed energy weapons have existed for nearly six decades. Despite periodically experiencing surges in interest, persistent technological and operational shortcomings have historically prevented their widespread deployment on the battlefield. At present, these weapons, especially high-energy lasers and high-power microwaves, are once again receiving heightened attention and investment.

This renewed interest stems from their potential as a countermeasure to the unprecedented proliferation of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) across global conflicts. As the cost imbalance between UAS and the traditional missile systems used to intercept them came into the spotlight, directed energy weapons have re-emerged as a potential defence solution offering a lower cost per shot compared to conventional alternatives. Speakers will critically assess the state of play of these weapons and the potential gaps between their promise and practical reality in the context of counter-UAS defence.

Agenda

The list of speakers will be made available in due course.

When and where

Wednesday, 24 June 2026 | 16:00 – 17:30 CEST | Online.

Check your local time here.

RSVP

Please register here by Tuesday, 23 June 2026. Access to the event will be shared with registered participants one day prior to the session.

Further information

For questions, please contact sectec-unidir@un.org.

Funded by

The post Directed energy weapon developments in counter-UAS defence first appeared on UNIDIR.

As AI capabilities accelerate and are increasingly integrated across the security lifecycle, the international community faces an urgent need to ensure that governance approaches remain anchored in human dignity, international law and responsible practice. Faith-based ethics and moral traditions have long played an important role in the formulation of multilateral norms. An inter-faith exchange at this critical juncture of global security can help guide discussions towards a potentially unifying narrative that transcends borders and reinforces trust, responsibility and restraint in the development, deployment and use of AI in high-stakes security environments.

In the lead up to UNIDIR’s Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics 2026, this dialogue seeks to explore pathways towards developing shared values and norms across faiths that can inform and support ongoing multilateral discussions on governance of AI in the military domain. It aims to lift the debate around AI, security and ethics beyond state-focused, technical discussions and to strengthen inclusive, multistakeholder engagement in these timely debates.

Agenda

14:00 – 14:15 | Welcome and opening remarks

• Robin Geiss, Director, UNIDIR

14:00 – 14:15 | Inter-faith panel discussion

• Father Paolo Benanti, Third Order Regular Franciscan; Associate Professor, LUISS University; Vatican Consultant on AI (TBC)
• Leon Saltiel, Director of Diplomacy, UN Geneva and UNESCO, World Jewish Congress
• Mohamed Levrak, President, Interreligious Platform of Geneva; Deputy Director, Islamic Cultural Foundation of Geneva
• Sakyadeeta Nishanie, Buddhist Nun / Meditation Teacher, Buddhist Community Montenegro
• Swami Vedanishthananda, Spiritual Head and Director, Centre Védantique Genève

Moderated by Yasmin Afina, Researcher, Security and Technology Programme, UNIDIR

When and where

Friday, 12 June 2026 | 14:00 – 15:30 CEST | In person (Geneva*).

Check your local time here.

*Location details will be communicated in due course.

Participants

The event is open to representatives of States, international organizations, religious groups and civil society, as well as experts working on AI in the military domain and members of the general public.

RSVP

For in-person participation, please register here.

The post Inter-faith dialogue on artificial intelligence, security and ethics first appeared on UNIDIR.

Against this backdrop, UNIDIR convenes the Outer Space Security Conference 2026 as a platform for meaningful exchange across policymakers, defence actors, industry, academia, and civil society. Through focused panel discussions on technical, legal and policy dimensions, participants will explore practical pathways to strengthen the security and sustainability of outer space, ensuring it remains stable and accessible for all.

Agenda

​Further details will be added in due course.

When and where

Tuesday, 8 September, and Wednesday, 9 September 2026 | Palais des Nations in Geneva and online.

Further information

For any questions, please contact sarah.erickson@un.org.

The post Outer Space Security Conference 2026 first appeared on UNIDIR.

Building on the work carried out in Latin America and the Caribbean, including the delivery of capacity-building activities for WPS Focal Points, research and practical tools such as UNIDIR’s Toolkit Addressing Weapons-Related Risks in Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan, the event will provide a platform to share experiences, lessons learned and good practices.

Panellists will reflect on the following questions for discussion:

• How can stronger linkages be fostered between SALW control and the WPS Agenda at policy, institutional and operational levels?
• What lessons learned, tools, good practices and opportunities can support the integration of SALW control into the WPS Nation Action Plans and related national and regional initiatives, and vice versa?

Panellists

• Hana Salama, Researcher, Integrated Approaches, Gender and Disarmament Programme, UNIDIR
• Ana Sofía Carranza, Gender and Youth Programme Coordinator, UNLIREC
• Dragan Bozanic, Gender and Research Project Analyst, UNDP, South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons
• Soledad Urruela, Director, UNLIREC

When and where

Wednesday, 3 June 2026 | 13:15 – 14:30 EDT | Conference Room A, UN Headquarters, New York.

Participants

This event is open to all interested stakeholders holding valid UN grounds passes.

Further information

For any questions, please contact gender-unidir@un.org.

In partnership with

Sponsored by

The post Advancing the integration between small arms and light weapons control and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda: Opportunities and good practices first appeared on UNIDIR.

The UNROCA is the only universal and global transparency instrument on international transfers and acquisitions of conventional arms. Since the early 1990s, through a UN General Assembly resolution, Member States have continuously reaffirmed the importance of transparency in armaments and their commitment to UNROCA. The instrument supports efforts to prevent excessive and destabilizing accumulations of conventional arms and facilitate dialogue among Member States to avoid misperceptions regarding arms acquisitions and thus contribute to international peace and security. In a time of increasing uncertainty and international and regional tension, the value of transparency and confidence-building mechanisms such as the Register is increasingly important.

This training workshop aims to build capacity among Member States to support their participation in UNROCA and its use. During the workshop, experts will provide background information on the Register, demonstrate how to prepare submissions to the Register and showcase the online UNROCA reporting tool. Subsequently, participants will have the opportunity to engage with the experts on technical questions related to UNROCA reporting.

Agenda

• Introductory remarks and brief presentation on the UNROCA instrument by UNODA
• Practical demonstration of how to prepare submissions to UNROCA by UNIDIR
• Walk-through of the online UNROCA reporting tool by UNODA
• Q&A session

When and where

In order to accommodate different time zones and allow UNROCA national points of contact to attend, identical training workshops will be held during three different time slots and in three different languages.

• Tuesday, 5 May 2026 | 10:00 – 11:30 EDT / 16:00 – 17:30 CEST | English

• Tuesday, 5 May 2026, 13:00 – 14:30 EDT / 19:00 – 20:30 CEST | Spanish

• Wednesday, 6 May 2026, 9:00-10:30 EDT / 15:00 – 16:30 CEST | French

Participants

The training workshop is open to First Committee and disarmament experts at Permanent Missions, national points of contact for UNROCA, and other government officials responsible for reporting to the Register and other related international transparency mechanisms.

Please register for only one of the workshops here.

Further information

For questions, please contact randall.tilson@un.org.

In partnership with

The post Virtual training on preparing national submissions to the UN Register of Conventional Arms first appeared on UNIDIR.

In this context, a key to supporting States in fulfilling their commitments and obligations to international instruments on conventional arms is to assist them in strengthening their national capacities and processes for reporting.

UNIDIR, in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence of Angola, is organizing a two-day national capacity-building training course on reporting under international instruments on conventional arms and ammunition control. The course aims to:

• Strengthen Angola’s understanding on reporting commitments and obligations under international instruments on conventional arms and ammunition control;
• Start the process for preparing the national report on the implementation of the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms/International Tracing Instrument (PoA/ITI), Angola’s initial overview on measures to implement the Global Framework on Through-Life Conventional Ammunition Management (GFA), and Angola’s transparency report to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms (UNROCA);
• Support Angola in strengthening efficient and effective national procedures for reporting;
• Identify national priorities for international cooperation and assistance.

Agenda

Day 1 – Introduction to reporting on national control of conventional arms, including small arms and light weapons

• Opening ceremony
  • Welcoming remarks by Dr Paul Holtom, Head of Programme, Conventional Weapons, UNIDIR
  • Introductory notes by Ruben Nicolin, Associate Researcher, Conventional Weapons, UNIDIR
  • Opening remarks by the Ministry of Defence, Angola (TBC)
• Session 2: Introduction to reporting commitments and obligations under international instruments on conventional arms
  • Presentation by Ruben Nicolin and Dr Paul Holtom on international instruments on conventional arms and Angola’s reporting commitments thereunder, including the PoA/ITI, UNROCA, the GFA and the ATT
  • Discussion
• Session 3: The role of the Angolan National Arms Control and Disarmament Authority (ANCAD) in the process of drafting national reports under international instruments on conventional arms
  • Presentation by ANCAD
• Session 4: Reporting to the UNROCA
  • Presentation by Dr Paul Holtom
  • Group exercise on national reporting procedures and to prepare the 2026 UNROCA report
• Session 5: Review of 2022 national report on implementation of the PoA/ITI and preparation of the 2026 national report
  • Presentation of Angola’s 2022 national report by ANCAD
  • Group exercise on national reporting procedures and to prepare the 2026 national report
• Session 6: International cooperation and assistance priorities for SALW control
  • Group presentations

Day 2 – Introduction to the Global Framework on Through-Life Conventional Ammunition Management and Voluntary Reporting on its Implementation

• Session 7: Recap of day 1
• Session 8: Introduction to the Global Framework on Through-Life Conventional Ammunition Management (GFA)
  • Presentation by Ruben Nicolin of the GFA and its objectives
  • Discussion
• Session 9: Introduction to the draft template for the GFA initial overview
  • Presentation by Dr Paul Holtom
• Session 10: Preparing Angola’s initial overview for implementing the GFA
  • Group exercise on national reporting procedures and to prepare the 2026 GFA initial overview
• Session 11: International cooperation and assistance priorities for through-life conventional ammunition management
  • Group presentations
• Session 12: International instruments for conventional arms control: Implications of national commitments and obligations / way forward
  • Presentation by Angola’s legal office and ANCAD
• Session 13: Closing remarks and presentation of certificates
  • Recap of day 2
  • Congratulatory notes by Dr Paul Holtom
  • Certificate presentation by the Ministry of Defence, Angola (TBC) and Dr Paul Holtom
  • Closing remarks by the Ministry of Defence, Angola (TBC)

When and where

Tuesday, 5 May, and Wednesday, 6 May 2026 | Luanda, Angola.

Participants

The event will bring together national experts and authorities from Angola. The event is by invitation only.

Language

This event will be held in English, with interpretation in Portuguese.

Further information

For further information or questions, please contact Ruben Nicolin at ruben.nicolin@un.org.

In cooperation with

The post Capacity-building training on reporting under international instruments on conventional arms and ammunition control first appeared on UNIDIR.

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is playing an increasingly important role in defence and military contexts, with major implications for conventional arms production, arms control and international security. While additive manufacturing is not new, recent advances in machine capabilities and lower production costs have accelerated its integration into military supply chains, operational environments and industrial production.

As a dual-use cyber-physical technology, additive manufacturing offers strategic advantages but also creates new risks of proliferation and diversion. These risks require closer attention from policymakers and the arms control community.

This event will examine how international instruments address the risks posed by additive manufacturing. Specifically, speakers will explore the role of export control mechanisms in regulating access to this technology, as well as the Programme of Action on small arms and light weapons and how it addresses the illicit trade of these weapons in their 3D-printed form.

Agenda

Opening remarks

• Klemen Polak, Head of Political Section for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, EU Delegation to the UN and other international organizations in Geneva

Presentation on additive manufacturing

• Sarah Grand-Clément, Senior Researcher, Conventional Weapons Programme and Security and Technology Programme, UNIDIR

Speakers

• Claudio Medeiros Leopoldino, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Brazil to the Conference on Disarmament
• Rueben Dass, Senior Analyst, International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research, S. Rajatnaram School of International Studies

Moderated by Dr Giacomo Persi Paoli, Head, Security and Technology Programme, UNIDIR

When and where

Thursday, 21 May 2026 | 13:15 to 14:30 CEST | Online.

Check your local time here.

RSVP

Registration is mandatory, please register here.

Access to the event will be shared one day prior to the session.

Further information

For questions, please contact sectec-unidir@un.org.

Funded by

The post Additive manufacturing and arms and transfer control first appeared on UNIDIR.

While the success of NPT Review Conferences has often been judged by the adoption of a consensus Final Document, the form and focus of successful outcome documents have varied considerably. This side event will explore how these foundational understandings have fared across past review cycles, where their limits have emerged, and what they suggest for the future direction of the NPT in the years ahead.

Agenda

Opening remarks

• Kazumi Matsui, Mayor of Hiroshima and President of Mayors for Peace
• Izumi Nakamitsu, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs
• Kimitake Nakamura, Director-General and Assistant Minister of Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Science Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

Presentations

• Peaceful uses of nuclear energy by Shun Oshita, Senior Lecturer of Hiroshima Peace Institute, Hiroshima City University
• Nuclear non-proliferation by Chen Zak Kane, Head of Project, Middle East WMD-Free Zone, UNIDIR
• Nuclear disarmament by Randy Rydell, Honorary Advisor, Mayors for Peace

Moderated discussion

Audience Q&A

When and where

Wednesday, 29 April 2026 | 10:15 – 11:45 EDT | Conference Room A, UN Headquarters, New York

In partnership with

The post Taking stock of the NPT: Achievements, persistent challenges and emerging opportunities first appeared on UNIDIR.

This side event will take stock of these developments, identify areas of convergence, and explore practical measures that could inform the Conference’s outcomes. It will also examine how to ensure that nuclear risk reduction remains a sustained and actionable priority within the NPT review process.

Agenda

Opening remarks

• Amb. Julien Thoeni, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the Conference of Disarmament 

Panellist

• Abigail Bailey, Team Lead, Security Policy Department, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
• Amb. Shen Jian, Ambassador for Disarmament Affairs, Deputy Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations Office in Geneva
• Kgaugelo Mogashoa, Director for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa
• Sahil V. Shah, Senior Advisor and Member, Swiss Delegation to the NPT
• Sarah Ruth Opatowski, Associate Researcher, Weapons of Mass Destruction Programme, UNIDIR

Moderated by Andrey Baklitskiy, Senior Researcher, Weapons of Mass Destruction Programme, UNIDIR

When and where

Wednesday, 6 May 2026 | 13:15 – 14:30 EDT | Room CR.8, UN Headquarters, New York

In partnership with

The post Ensuring sustainable progress for nuclear risk reduction first appeared on UNIDIR.

UNIDIR, the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the UN Women Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean are co-organizing a regional course on integrating firearms control into WPS National Action Plans, with a focus on Caribbean perspectives. This activity is supported by funds from the Government of Canada.

The event will include interactive discussions and simulations of drafting processes. It aims to:

• Raise awareness of the use and impact of firearms from a gender perspective, including their differentiated effects on women, men, youth, boys and girls.
• Examine the convergence between the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons, the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap, and the WPS agenda, identifying entry points for integrating firearms control frameworks into the implementation of UNSCR 1325 in the subregion.
• Identify and test practical options to operationalize UNIDIR research on how to integrate arms control and disarmament measures into National Action Plans on UNSCR 1325.
• Strengthen networks, fostering knowledge exchange and cooperation among WPS focal points in the Caribbean, in alignment with the Firearms Roadmap.

Participants

The regional course is by-invitation only.  

Further information

For any questions, please contact gender-unidir@un.org.

In partnership with

The post Integrating firearms control into Women, Peace and Security National Action Plans: Caribbean perspectives first appeared on UNIDIR.

The sixth and final event in this series will focus on transparency and accountability, which are essential to building confidence in international agreements, including the NPT. All nuclear‑weapon States (NWS) have provided information regarding their obligations under Article VI and related commitments, including those contained in the 2010 NPT Action Plan. Over the course of the current review cycle, however, calls have grown for NWS to demonstrate greater transparency and accountability in the fulfilment of these obligations and commitments. This event will bring together experts to examine the role of transparency and accountability in the context of NPT disarmament obligations and commitments, and to consider potential steps for strengthening these practices at the upcoming conference and beyond.

Event recording

A recording of this event is available on our YouTube channel and below.

Agenda

Please include the following list of speakers:

• Nobumasa Akiyama, Professor, Graduate School of Law,  Hitotsubashi University
• Alice Spilman, Policy Fellow, British American Security Information Council
• Dmitry Stefanovich, Research Fellow, Center for International Security at the Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Moderated by James Revill, Head of the WMD Programme, UNIDIR.

When and where

Thursday, 23 April 2026 | 13:15 – 14:45 CEST | Online

Check your local time here.

Participants

The event is open to State representatives and experts working on or interested in issues pertaining to the NPT.

Further information

For any questions, please contact Victor Calero at victor.calerogranda@un.org.

The post Transparency and accountability in the Non-Proliferation Treaty review process first appeared on UNIDIR.

When the same voices gather around the same table, the same conclusions tend to follow. Advancing progress on disarmament and non-proliferation requires broadening that conversation, drawing in younger generations, experts from different regions, and a genuine integration of gender considerations in nuclear diplomacy.

Against this backdrop, the event discussion will address the following questions:

• How are youth-led movements shaping the agenda on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation?
• What role can youth meaningfully play in advancing the goals of the NPT?
• How can gender and humanitarian considerations contribute to rethinking nuclear diplomacy?
• How can processes, working methods and institutional cultures be improved to achieve more effective results in the nuclear domain?

Agenda

Speakers

• H.E. Natasha Meli, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Malta to the UN in New York
• H.E. Matteo Fachinotti, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization in Vienna
• Kseniia Pirnavskaia, Network and Engagement Specialist, Open Nuclear Network
• Aurchita Hashemi, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellow, IAEA
• Mohammed Alkurashi, Youth Advisor, Nuclear Age Peace Foundation

The event will be moderated by Dr Renata H. Dalaqua, Head of the Integrated Approaches Programme, UNIDIR.

When and where

Monday, 4 May 2026 | 13:15 – 14:30 EDT | Conference Room 8, UN Headquarters, New York, Webcast via UN Web TV.

Participants

The event is open to Member States representatives, civil society and academics. Kindly note that UNIDIR is not able to grant access to the UN Headquarters for those who are not already in possession of the UN accreditation.

Further information

For queries, please contact renata.hessmanndalaqua@un.org.

In partnership with

The post Nuclear policymaking across generations: Ensuring inclusive, peaceful processes for a sustainable future for all first appeared on UNIDIR.

UNSCR 1325 affirms women’s equal right to participate and lead across all areas of international peace and security. The WPS framework also addresses conflict prevention, and the prevention of and protection from all forms of violence affecting women and girls. These considerations are relevant to all pillars of the NPT, and has been reflected in strong cross-regional engagement throughout the review cycle, with State Parties calling for support on initiatives to further develop gender analysis in nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. 

Against this backdrop, this event will feature a moderated discussion on the following topics:

• What efforts have proven effective in promoting equality, fairness and justice within nuclear policy communities?
• How can convergences between the NPT and the WPS Agenda be strengthened?
• What are some approaches to respond to pushback against gender equality?
• What synergies exist between gender-related approaches and victim- and survivor-centric approaches to nuclear disarmament?
• What outcomes at the 2026 NPT Review Conference, and in future review cycles, could advance gender equality, diversity and inclusion, while strengthening the treaty regime as a whole?

The discussion will draw on ideas and suggestions put forward in two NPT Working Papers: Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the women and peace and security agenda (NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/WP.37) and Taking forward gender mainstreaming efforts in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT/CONF.2026/PC.I/ WP.25).

Agenda

Speakers

• Mary Robinson, Member of The Elders and former President of Ireland (video)
• H.E. Amb. Do Hung Viet, President of the NPT Review Conference (tbc)
• H.E. Amb. Nuala Ní Mhuircheartaigh, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the UN in New York
• Dr Renata H. Dalaqua, Head of the Integrated Approaches Programme, UNIDIR
• Jet Olfato, Director for the Division on International Peace and Security, Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines

The event will be moderated by Dr Wilfred Wan, Director of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Programme, SIPRI.

When and where

Friday, 8 May 2026 | 13:15-14:30 EDT | Conference Room 8, UN Headquarters, New York.

Participants

The event is open to Member States representatives, civil society and academics. Kindly note that UNIDIR is not able to grant access to the UN Headquarters for those who are not already in possession of the UN accreditation.

Further information

For queries, please contact renata.hessmanndalaqua@un.org.

The post Strengthening synergies between the NPT and UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security first appeared on UNIDIR.

Technological advances, particularly in artificial intelligence, have accelerated chemical and biological research in recent years. Although still largely in their early stages of development, quantum technologies – notably quantum-enabled simulation and modelling – are expected to further transform these fields and play an increasingly important role in driving future scientific progress.

Owing to their underlying quantum properties, quantum-based approaches are uniquely suited to simulating and modelling highly complex chemical and biological processes. This capability could open new avenues for technological innovation in areas such as molecular design, drug discovery and life sciences. However, alongside these opportunities, the integration of quantum technologies may introduce additional layers of complexity and new challenges for chemical and biological security and risk reduction efforts, with potential non-proliferation and disarmament implications.

By examining how quantum advances could reshape scientific capabilities in ways that may affect the development and detection of chemical and biological agents, this technology briefing will seek to support informed discussions within relevant disarmament fora.

Speakers

• Prof. Keunhong Jeong, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Sogang University; Member, Scientific Advisory Board, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
• Dr Sonali Mohapatra, Quantum Innovation Sector Lead, UK National Quantum Computing Centre
• Dr Salil Gunashekar, Senior Research Leader and Deputy Director, Science and Emerging Technology, RAND Europe; Director, Quantum Technology Observatory for Policy and Society

Moderated by Wenting He, Associate Researcher, Security and Technology Programme, UNIDIR

When and where

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 | 13:30 – 14:30 CEST | Online.

Check your local time here.

Participants

The technology briefing is primarily intended for Member State representatives working on disarmament, arms control and emerging technologies.

It also welcomes members of the broader multi-stakeholder community, including representatives from industry, academia, civil society and intergovernmental organizations.

RSVP

Please register here by Monday, 18 May 2026. Access to the event will be shared with registered participants one day prior to the session.

Further information

For questions, please contact sectec-unidir@un.org.

Funded by

The post Quantum innovation and chemical–biological security: Emerging insights for disarmament first appeared on UNIDIR.

Interest in nuclear energy across the Middle East and North Africa region is gaining renewed momentum amid a global push to expand nuclear energy in the coming decades to achieve energy security, supply assurance and economic growth. The event will present UNIDIR’s latest research paper on the drivers of nuclear energy expansion and findings. It will also explore how these may affect the regional non-proliferation outlook, ongoing discussions on the establishment of a Weapons of Mass Destruction- Free Zone in the Middle East, and models of risk mitigation and peaceful cooperation.

Agenda

Opening remarks

• Amb. Stephan Klement, EU Special Envoy for Non-Proliferation and Disarmament

Panelists 

• Amb. Ihab Moustafa, Permanent Representative of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the UN and Head of Delegation to the Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
• Shota Kamishima, Senior Coordination Officer, Director General’s Office, International Atomic Energy Agency
• Dr Zia Mian, Co-Director of the Programme on Science and Global Security, Princeton University
• Almuntaser Albalawi, Researcher, Middle East WMD-Free Zone Project, UNIDIR

Moderated by Dr Chen Zak Kane, Head of UNIDIR Middle East WMD-Free Zone Project

When and where

Monday, 27 April 2026 | 13:15-14:30 EDT | Conference Room 1, UN Headquarters, New York

Check your local time here.

Participants

The dialogue is primarily intended for Member States representatives working on nuclear disarmament, arms control and emerging technologies. It also welcomes members of the broader multi-stakeholder community, including representatives from industry, academia, civil society and intergovernmental organizations.

RSVP

Delegates attending the conference at the UN Headquarters are invited to attend in person and do not need to register. Members of the broader multi-stakeholder community, including representatives from industry, academia, civil society and intergovernmental organizations are invited to attend virtually by registering here.

Further information

For questions, please contact mewmdfz-unidir@un.org.

The post Navigating a new era for nuclear energy in the Middle East first appeared on UNIDIR.

This year’s event follows on from previous collaborations between UNIDIR and GIMUN for the 2025 edition on Women, Peace and Security, and the 2024 edition on preventing non-state armed groups from acquiring weapons.

Agenda

Opening remarks

• Amb Robert in den Bosch, Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Geneva
• Mélanie Régimbal, Chief of Service, United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs Geneva
• Elina Lampi, President of GIMUN

Debate sessions

When and where

Monday, 20 April 2026 | 10:00 – 17:30 CEST | Room IX, Palais des Nations, Geneva.

Participants

The event is open to university students. Accreditation is managed by the GIMUN.

Further information

For queries, please contact andrea.masciadri@gimun.org.

In partnership with

The post Model UN 2026: Regulating the use of certain conventional weapons in urban settings first appeared on UNIDIR.

In the latest Action Plan of the CCM, adopted in Lausanne, Switzerland, States Parties committed to practical steps that integrate gender perspectives and the diversity of populations into all aspects of mine action and programming. As the Action Plan enters its final year of implementation, this event will take stock of progress and discuss ideas to inform the next Action Plan, to be adopted by the Third Review Conference of the CCM, in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The event will feature a presentation of the new UNIDIR report Vientiane Calling, which will be followed by a discussion with experts and practitioners.

Agenda

Speakers

• Amb. Daovy Vongxay, Permanent Representative of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to the UN in Geneva
• Renata H. Dalaqua, Head of the Integrated Approaches programme, UNIDIR  
• Hana Salama, Researcher, UNIDIR
• Zehrudin Sukanovic, Chief of Mine Action Programme, UN Mission in South Sudan/ UN Mine Action Service South Sudan
• Paul Serges Ntamack, CCM Gender Focal Point and Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Cameroon

Moderated by Julia Eberl, CCM Gender Focal Point and Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Austria.

When and where

Wednesday, 22 April 2026 | 16:30-17:30 CEST | Room F, Centre International de Conférences Genève (CICG), Geneva.

Participants

This event is open to participants attending the 29th Annual Meeting of Mine Action National Directors and UN Advisers.

Further information

For any questions, please contact gender-unidir@un.org.

In partnership with

The post From Lausanne to Vientiane: Strengthening gender considerations and diversity of populations in the Cluster Munitions Convention first appeared on UNIDIR.

Quantum technologies are rapidly moving from research laboratories to real-world applications, with growing implications for international security.

As these technologies mature, they have the potential to both reinforce and disrupt nuclear disarmament and arms control regimes. For example, the prospective development of fault-tolerant quantum computers could undermine widely used cryptographic methods, putting critical information and systems at risk, including nuclear command, control and communications.

At the same time, quantum communication technologies, most notably quantum key distribution, offer new opportunities to enhance the security and resilience of sensitive nuclear systems against quantum-enabled cyber threats. And beyond cybersecurity, emerging quantum sensing technologies may enable the detection and tracking of stealth military targets, such as nuclear-armed submarines, which can introduce new uncertainties for nuclear deterrence and strategic stability.

By bringing together experts from diverse technical and policy backgrounds, the event will examine emerging trends, assess risks and opportunities, and consider how nuclear disarmament fora have engaged with quantum-related issues, including current efforts and emerging perspectives.

Event recording

A recording of this event is available on our YouTube channel and below.

Agenda

Opening remarks

• Klemen Polak, Head of Political Section for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, EU Delegation to the UN and other international organizations in Geneva

Introductory presentation: Overview of key quantum technologies

• Wenting He, Associate Researcher, Security and Technology Programme, UNIDIR

Panel discussion

• Dr Michal Krelina, Associate Senior Researcher, Armament and Disarmament, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute; CTO and Co-Founder, QuDef
• Dr Stylianos Chatzidakis, Assistant Professor, School of Nuclear Engineering, Purdue University
• Christopher King, Chief, Weapons of Mass Destruction Branch, UNODA
• Shravishtha Ajaykumar, Associate Fellow, Centre for Security, Strategy and Technology, Observer Research Foundation

Moderated by Wenting He, Associate Researcher, Security and Technology Programme, UNIDIR

Closing remarks

• Dr Giacomo Persi Paoli, Head of the Security and Technology Programme, UNIDIR

When and where

Wednesday, 22 April 2026 | 14:15 to 16:00 CEST | Room XI, Building A, Palais des Nations, Geneva and online.

Check your local time here.

Participants

The dialogue is primarily intended for Member States representatives working on nuclear disarmament, arms control and emerging technologies. It also welcomes members of the broader multi-stakeholder community, including representatives from industry, academia, civil society and intergovernmental organizations.

RSVP

Registration is mandatory. Please register for in-person or online attendance by Tuesday, 21 April 2026.

For online participants, access to the event will be shared the day before the session.

Further information

For questions, please contact sectec-unidir@un.org.

Funded by

The post Quantum technologies in the context of nuclear disarmament and arms control: A multi-stakeholder dialogue first appeared on UNIDIR.

In this context, a key to supporting States in fulfilling their commitments and obligations to international instruments on conventional arms is to assist them in strengthening their national capacities and processes for reporting.

UNIDIR, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom of Cambodia, is organizing a two-day national capacity-building training course on reporting under international instruments on conventional arms and ammunition control. The course aims to:

• Strengthen Cambodia’s understanding on reporting commitments and obligations under international instruments on conventional arms and ammunition control;
• Identify national priorities for international cooperation and assistance;
• Start the process for preparing the national report on the implementation of the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms/International Tracing Instrument (PoA/ITI);
• Start the process for preparing the initial overview on measures to implement the Global Framework on Through-Life Conventional Ammunition Management (GFA).

Agenda

Day 1 – Introduction to reporting on national control of conventional arms, particularly small arms and light weapons

• Opening Ceremony
  • Welcoming remarks by Dr Paul Holtom, Head of Programme, Conventional Weapons, UNIDIR
  • Introductory notes by Joshua Bata, Associate Researcher, Conventional Weapons, UNIDIR
  • Opening remarks by H.E. Pol. Gen. Por Phak

• Session 1. Introduction to reporting commitments and obligations under international instruments on conventional arms
  • Presentation by Joshua Bata and Dr Paul Holtom on the PoA/ITI, the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms and the Arms Trade Treaty
  • Discussion

• Session 2. National processes for reporting
  • Presentation by Dr Paul Holtom
  • Presentation by NISEA
  • Group exercise
  • Discussion

• Session 3. Review of 2024 national report on implementation of the PoA/ITI and preparation of the 2026 national report
  • Group work to prepare the 2026 National Report

• Session 4. International cooperation and assistance priorities for SALW control
  • Presentation of each group

Day 2 – Introduction to the Global Framework on Through-Life Conventional Ammunition Management and voluntary reporting on its implementation

• Recap of day 1

• Session 5: Introduction to the global framework on GFA
  • Presentation by Joshua Bata
  • Discussion

• Session 6: Introduction to the draft template for the GFA initial overview
  • Presentation by Dr Paul Holtom
  • Group exercise

• Session 7: Preparing the Kingdom of Cambodia’s initial overview for implementing the GFA
  • Group work to prepare the Initial Overview

• Session 8: International cooperation and assistance priorities for through-life conventional ammunition management
  • Presentation of each group

• Recap of day 2

• Closing ceremony
  • Congratulatory notes by Dr Paul Holtom
  • Certificate presentation by H.E. Pol. Lt. Gen. Phath Sophanith and Dr Paul Holtom
  • Closing remarks by H.E. Pol. Lt. Gen. Phath Sophanith

When and where

Thursday, 2 April, and Friday, 3 April 2026 | Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia.

Participants

The event will bring together national experts and authorities from Cambodia, including experts from the region. The event is by invitation only.

Language

This event will be held in English, with interpretation in Khmer.

Further information

For further information or questions, please contact Joshua Angelo E. Bata at joshua.bata@un.org.

In cooperation with

The post Capacity-building training on reporting under international instruments on conventional arms and ammunition control first appeared on UNIDIR.

The fifth event in the series focused on the implementation of Article IV, which recognizes the inalienable right of States to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and promotes international cooperation in this area. Nuclear science and technology play an important role not only in energy production but also in a wide range of non-energy applications, including medicine, agriculture, water management and other areas that contribute to sustainable development. The discussion brought together officials and experts to assess the current situation and explore practical options for advancing the peaceful uses of nuclear energy at the upcoming conference and beyond.

Event recording

Agenda

Opening Remarks

• Amb Pekka Puustinen, Chair Designate of the Main Committee III of the 2026 NPT Review Conference

Panelists

• Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of World Nuclear Association

• Ingrid Kirsten, Senior Researcher at the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation

• Nuno Luzio, Deputy Director at International Atomic Energy Agency Liaison Office in New York City

Moderated by Andrey Baklitskiy, Senior Researcher, UNIDIR

When and where

Wednesday, 25 March 2026 | 13:15 – 14:45 CET | Online

Further information

For any questions, please contact Luiza Delaflora Cassol at luiza.delafloracassol@un.org.

In partnership with

The post Nuclear energy and the Non-Proliferation Treaty: Advancing peaceful uses first appeared on UNIDIR.

With AI systems rapidly evolving, their governance sits at the forefront of global policy agendas. AI is no longer a frontier question: its development, deployment and use actively shape national, regional and global security environments. As such, policymakers and regulators increasingly recognize the need for shared understandings, norms, coordinated approaches and cross-border cooperation.

Recent milestones – including General Assembly resolution 79/239, the Secretary-General’s report on AI in the military domain and resolution 80/58 – mark a shift toward implementation, practical measures and sustained engagement among States and stakeholders. As innovation accelerates across governments, industry and research institutions, aligning technological development with policy frameworks has become essential. The coming years will be pivotal in defining the trajectory of AI governance in the security domain and ensuring it remains grounded in international law, existing norms and responsible practice.

In this context, UNIDIR is convening the Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics 2026. Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event and the ongoing work of the Roundtable for AI, Security and Ethics, the conference will bring together diplomats and policymakers, as well as experts from the military, industry, academia, civil society and research labs.

Aiming to bridge technical and policy communities and strengthen cooperative approaches to AI-related security challenges, the conference agenda draws on global submissions aiming to advance technology solutions, governance frameworks, and practical use-cases for AI security and ethics. Together, the multi-stakeholder community will address the complex implications of AI for national, regional and global security and resilience. The conference will be held consecutively to the 2026 informal exchanges on AI in the military domain in Geneva, pursuant to resolution 80/58.

Call for financial contributions

UNIDIR welcomes voluntary financial contributions to support complementary efforts that enhance the conference’s accessibility, visibility and impact. Donors’ support will help expand the conference’s reach and effectiveness by enabling:

• Broader participation: Supporting the in-person attendance of diverse experts, thought leaders and emerging voices.
• Stronger discussions: Improving the quality of exchanges through increased visibility and communications support.
• Greater impact: Supporting the production of conference outputs that contribute to global efforts on AI governance in security and defence.

The Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics 2026 serves as a catalyst for action and donors’ generous support contributes to building a more secure world, together. There is no set minimum contribution, and all support is welcome.

The call for voluntary contributions is open until Sunday, 24 May 2026. Learn more about how to contribute.

Agenda

The full programme and speakers’ information will be shared in due course.

When and where

Thursday, 18 June and Friday, 19 June 2026 | In person at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, and online.

RSVP

Registration is mandatory. Please register for in-person or online attendance by Sunday, 7 June 2026.

For online participants, access to the event will be shared in due course.

Further information

For any questions, please contact Yasmin Afina at yasmin.afina@un.org.

The post Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics 2026 first appeared on UNIDIR.

Science and technology developments are key enablers of social and economic progress, but they are outpacing the capacity of normative and governance frameworks to manage the risks, as noted in the 2024 Report of the Secretary-General on current developments in science and technology and their impact on international peace and disarmament efforts. To keep abreast of innovation, it is of utmost importance to systematically identify relevant science and technology developments and analyze their potential positive and negative impacts on disarmament and international security in a timely manner.

In addition, technological fields are increasingly converging, yet they are often still treated in isolation from one another. As this convergence accelerates, technologies become more closely interconnected and entangled. In this context, our ability to mitigate technological risks and develop effective governance frameworks depends not only on addressing individual technologies, but also on our capacity to identify, understand and adapt to convergence between them.

Agenda

13:00 – 13:35 – Light lunch

13:35 – 13:40 – Opening remarks

• Dr Andrea Calderaro, Director EU Cyber Direct, EUISS

13:40 – 13:50 – UNIDIR’s Science and Technology Watchtower project overview

• Federico Mantellassi, Researcher, Security and Technology Programme, UNIDIR

13:50 – 15:20 – Session 1 – Science and technology monitoring in the context of disarmament

• Dr Una Jakob, Senior Researcher at PRIF in the Research Department International Security and head of the Research Group Biological and Chemical Disarmament and Security, Co-chair, Science and Technology Watchtower CWB Expert network
• Dr Hassan Elbhatimy, Senior Lecturer, King’s College London, Co-chair Science and Technology Watchtower Nuclear Weapons Expert Network
• Dr Antonio Calcara, Professor, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Head, Geopolitics and Technology Programme, Centre for Security, Diplomacy and Strategy

Moderated by Federico Mantellassi, Researcher, Security and Technology Programme, UNIDIR

15:20 – 15:40 Coffee break

15:40 – 17:10 – Session 2 – Technological convergence: Cross-domain challenges for international security, disarmament, arms control, and non-proliferation

• Dr Cindy Vestergaard, Project Lead for the Converging Technologies and Global Security Programme, Stimson Center
• Kolja Brockmann, Senior Researcher, Dual-Use and Arms Trade Control Programme, SIPRI

Moderated by Dr Andrea Calderaro, Director EU Cyber Direct, EUISS

17:10 – 17:15 Closing remarks

When and where

Monday, 23 March 2026 | 13:00-17:15 CET | EUISS Brussels Liaison Office, Justus Lipsius Building, EUISS Meeting Room (00-FG-10), Rue de la Loi 175, Brussels and online.

Check your local time here.

RSVP

Registration is mandatory. To attend, please register here by Thursday, 19 March.

Please note that due to room capacity limitations, in person registration does not guarantee attendance. UNIDIR will confirm in person attendance via email a few days before the event.

Further information

For any questions, please contact sectec-unidir@un.org.

Funded by

In partnership with

The post Monitoring the frontiers of innovation: Converging technologies and their impact on disarmament and arms control first appeared on UNIDIR.

Arms control and disarmament measures are often absent from multilateral discussions concerning the WPS Agenda. However, at the national level, States are increasingly connecting these policy areas through commitments adopted in their action plans on WPS.

UNIDIR’s recent report, Closing Gaps: Strengthening the Women, Peace and Security Agenda through Arms Control and Disarmament, finds that more than 70% of these NAPs reference arms control and disarmament terms. Yet, these references are most often confined to introductory sections rather than the proposed actions.

To support further integration, UNIDIR has compiled concrete examples of actions and indicators that can effectively advance the WPS Agenda and developed a practical toolkit to address weapons-related risks within NAPs. Building on these findings, this side event will explore how stronger operational linkages can be achieved in practice. The discussion will examine how NAPs on WPS can support implementation of the ATT, and how ATT processes can, in turn, advance WPS objectives. It will also consider ways to reinforce the ATT’s role in preventing gender-based violence; share national experiences in drafting WPS NAPs that incorporate ATT-related actions; and highlight regional approaches to addressing weapons-related risks through the WPS framework.

Agenda

13:00-13:15 – Light lunch

13:15-14:45 – Side event

Opening remarks

• Amb María Bassols Delgado, Permanent Representative of Spain to the Conference on Disarmament

Panellists

• Dr Henri Myrttinen, Gender Associations
• Anastaesia Mondesir, Gender Associations
• Mariana Terreros Lozano, Independent consultant
• Domina Pia Salazar, Assistant Director, Philippines
• Rita Akaolo, Head of Division, Directorate of Defence and Security Affairs, Togo
• Callum Watson, Gender Coordinator, Small Arms Survey

Closing remarks

• Amb Francisca E. Méndez Escobar, Permanent Representative of Mexico to the UN in Geneva

Moderated by Dr Renata H. Dalaqua, Head of the Integrated Approaches, Gender and Disarmament Programme, UNIDIR

When and where

Wednesday, 18 March 2026 | 13:15 -14:45 CET | Room 3, Centre International de Conférences Genève (CICG), Geneva

Participants

The event is open to State representatives, civil society and experts working on or interested in arms control and disarmament.

Further information

For any questions, please contact gender-unidir@un.org.

In partnership with

The post Strengthening the Women, Peace and Security Agenda through Arms Trade Treaty implementation first appeared on UNIDIR.

In recent years, government attention to the security and resilience of subsea telecommunications cables has undoubtedly intensified. While these systems are largely owned and operated by private companies, a growing number of States now qualify or designate subsea cables as critical – if not strategic – infrastructure. Their security and resilience are vital to economic and societal well-being, national security and much else. Recognizing this, UNIDIR launched a research project on the topic, resulting in an in-depth report titled Achieving Depth: Subsea Cables as Critical Infrastructure.

The roundtable will bring together a host of stakeholders to present the recent UNIDIR report and discuss its findings and recommendations. Structured in a roundtable format, speakers will discuss:

• Physical and cyber threats to subsea cable infrastructure and other vulnerabilities identified in the report.
• Best practices for mitigation and protection of the systems identified, and proposed security and resilience framework.
• Pathways for addressing the report’s other recommendations. 

Agenda

Welcome remarks

• H.E. Fergal Mythen, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations

Panel discussion

• H.E. Helen Popp, Ambassador-at-Large for Cyber Diplomacy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Estonia
• H.E. Kriangsak Kittichaisaree, Judge, International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
• Larissa Schneider Calza, Head of the Cyber Defense and Security Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Brazil
• Kenneth Wong, Senior Director, Attorney-General’s Chambers, Singapore
• Kent Bressie, Legal Adviser, International Cable Protection Committee
• Dr. Camino Kavanagh, Research Fellow, UNIDIR

Moderated by Dr. Giacomo Persi Paoli, Head of the Security and Technology Programme, UNIDIR

When and where

Monday, 30 March 2026 | 13:15 – 14:30 EDT | Room 8, UN Headquarters, New York, and online.

Check your local time here.

A light lunch will be provided for participants attending in person.

Participants

We welcome delegations, cyber experts as well as members of the multistakeholder community including industry, civil society and intergovernmental organizations.

Kindly note that UNIDIR is not able to grant access to the UN Headquarters for those who are not already in possession of the UN accreditation.

RSVP

Please register here by Friday, 27 March 2026. Kindly specify if you will be attending in person or connecting remotely.

Early registration is encouraged.

For those joining online, the link to access the event will be provided by email to registered participants one day prior to the session.

Further information

For further information or questions, please contact sectec-unidir@un.org.  

In partnership with

The post Roundtable on subsea cables as critical infrastructure first appeared on UNIDIR.