From 30 June to 3 July, UNIDIR Director Dr Robin Geiss undertook a week-long mission to Beijing where he met a wide range of stakeholders and discussed pressing questions concerning the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on global peace and security.
Mirroring a similarly diverse multi-stakeholder visit to Mongolia earlier this year, the visit deepened UNIDIR’s existing relationships in the People’s Republic of China and created opportunities to build new collaborations.
Strong partnerships are at the heart of effective multilateral dialogue and forward-looking research. They are one of four key enablers in UNIDIR’s strategy and essential for the work of the Institute. The Beijing mission illustrates what that commitment looks like in practice, spanning three distinct constituencies: Member State authorities, research institutions, and private sector actors working on emerging technology.
Partnering with Member State authorities
Sustained dialogue with UN Member States remains central to UNIDIR’s work. It reinforces the Institute’s unique role as a trusted partner and convening actor, especially in times of rising global tensions.
Beyond its regular exchanges with permanent missions in Geneva, UNIDIR places particular value on engagement with national stakeholders at the capital level, where policy is shaped.
In Beijing, UNIDIR Director held discussions with Ambassador Lu Kang, Vice Minister of the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee. UNIDIR also met with representatives of the Department of Disarmament Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, and engaged with the organizers of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum – a leading platform for international security dialogue.
Across these bilateral discussions, Dr Geiss highlighted UNIDIR’s recently launched Centre of Excellence on AI, Peace and Security as a concrete mechanism through which the Institute can support Member States’ capacity-building needs.
These conversations provided an opportunity to exchange on issues of shared concern and discuss pathways for strengthening international dialogue, themes that are also emphasized by the Global Governance Initiative.
Expanding the research partner network
Research institutes, think tanks, and academia form another essential pillar of UNIDIR’s partnership approach. The Institute’s work draws on in-house expertise and continuous exchange with a vast network of research partners to build on diverse perspectives. A key initiative reflecting this commitment is UNIDIR’s Global Disarmament Research Network, which brings together experts and institutions worldwide to address shared security challenges.
In Beijing, UNIDIR formalized its long-standing collaboration with the Centre for International Security and Strategy (CISS) by signing a partnership agreement with Tsinghua University. The agreement builds on an existing relationship through CISS Deputy Director Xiao Qian’s membership in UNIDIR’s Roundtable for AI, Security and Ethics – the sole multistakeholder platform convening experts from all permanent members of the Security Council and all UN regional groups.
This relationship is further reflected in UNIDIR’s hosting of Fellow Lefeng Zheng, an established form of engagement that was well received by Chinese counterparts throughout the mission.
During the visit, UNIDIR Director delivered a Global Vision Lecture on AI at the crossroads of peace and security, co-hosted by Tsinghua’s Office of International Affairs and CISS, engaging early-career scholars on current security challenges. Discussions continued at a youth dialogue with a smaller group of Tsinghua researchers and students. CISS and UNIDIR also jointly organized a symposium on AI and international security, examining associated risks, opportunities and persisting governance gaps.
UNIDIR also participated in the 14th World Peace Forum, where Dr Geiss took part in a panel on the use of unmanned systems in armed conflict, organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross Regional Delegation in East Asia. Yasmin Afina, Researcher in UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme, also moderated a closed-door panel discussion on AI and international security, for which Dr Geiss provided opening remarks.
Beyond Tsinghua University, UNIDIR Director met with the senior leadership of the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association, including Dai Huaicheng, Secretary-General and member of UNIDIR’s Board of Trustees, to discuss ongoing collaboration. A welcome dinner hosted by the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs provided further opportunity for exchange with its representatives.
Engaging the private sector
Private sector engagement is increasingly important to UNIDIR’s research, particularly on AI, cyberspace and other emerging technologies. As innovation accelerates, dialogue with industry provides valuable insights into developments shaping the future security landscape.
UNIDIR visited two Beijing-based AI companies for discussions on peace and security, ensuring the Institute’s research remains grounded in current technological realities.
Supporting forward-looking research
UNIDIR’s recent engagements in Beijing demonstrate how the Institute’s partnerships – with governments, research institutions and industry – inform research that is both evidence-based and responsive to a fast-changing security environment.
As AI and other emerging technologies continue to reshape questions of international peace and security, this kind of sustained, multi-stakeholder approach will remain at the core of UNIDIR’s ability to deliver relevant, forward-looking analysis.