At the 2026 Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference, UNIDIR will convene a dynamic series of side events addressing today’s most pressing nuclear policy challenges. Organized in partnership with the Permanent Mission of Malta, this event brings together experts across generations and regions to advance fresh thinking in nuclear policymaking and diplomacy.
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
