Improvised weapons manufacturing has never been more accessible, cost-effective and reliable. The uncontrolled ‘do-it-yourself’ nature of production of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), has led to their proliferation around the globe. A wide range of non-state actors are producing and using improvised weapons, which poses significant challenges for international and national security, as well as community safety.
How to acquire and use improvised weapons is no longer the knowledge of a few. Detailed guidance and ‘know-how’ on the technologies, tools and techniques are now globally accessible through decentralized knowledge networks – both online and offline. The dispersion of this knowledge has contributed to an increase in improvised weapon production. There is a pressing need to enhance international cooperation for effective prevention and response.
In response, in 2025, UNIDIR’s Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme is launching a new initiative: “Breaking the supply chain: Countering the illicit production of improvised SALW, IEDs and UAS”. It seeks to raise awareness and enhance efforts to counter the threat posed by improvised conventional weapons. As part of this initiative, UNIDIR is organizing a global knowledge exchange conference on “Inside the networks: How knowledge-sharing drives improvised SALW, IEDs and UAS production”.
This day long conference will focus on the unique role played by online and offline networks for sharing knowledge on improvised weapons production. It will provide a common space, beyond existing international frameworks to explore how networks are used to enable the production of improvised weapons. The conference is intended as a global platform for sharing good practices, challenges and potential effective measures that can contribute to improving responses to this emerging threat.
When and where
8 December 2025, in person in Geneva, Switzerland (venue TBC).
Participants
Participation is by invitation only. The conference will bring together representatives from permanent missions, international and regional organizations, as well as national law enforcement experts and other key stakeholders working in the domain of improvised conventional weapons. An invitation with RSVP details and further information will follow.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship opportunities will be available for a limited number of participants. Further details will be provided in the invitation.
Further information
For any questions, please contact Matilde Vecchioni at matilde.vecchioni@un.org or Theo Bajon at theo.bajon@un.org.