Strategic framework 2026–2030Shaping the future
Shaping the future
of global security
Grounded in forward-looking research and expert analysis, UNIDIR's strategy charts a clear path to addressing some of the most pressing security challenges of our time.
Robin Geiss, UNIDIR Director
Our vision
A world in which States and peoples are protected from armed conflicts, existential risks and technology-related threats to global security.
Our mission
We provide the research, tailored advice and strategic foresight needed to navigate today’s complex global security landscape. Our work builds capacity, facilitates dialogue to bridge divides, and informs responses that contribute to a sustainable and peaceful world.
UNIDIR in action
Central to our work is a dynamic interplay between insight and impact.
Innovative research
Conducting research on the full spectrum of weapons-related security challenges.
Constructive dialogue
Building bridges, trust and cooperation.
Tailored advice
Leveraging our data-driven research ecosystem to offer tailored, evidence-based advice.
Capacity-building
Building capacity around the world to empower stakeholders and drive informed policymaking.
Strategic foresight
Anticipating and addressing the global security issues of the future.
Areas of excellence
UNIDIR’s work helps to build governance systems that are resilient, adaptive and capable of advancing peace and human security in a rapidly changing world.
01Arms control and disarmament
Strengthening arms control and disarmament
We drive action to tackle some of the world’s most pressing security threats. We seek to prevent the development, spread and use of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, as well as their delivery systems. We work to reduce the devastating impact that modern conflicts have on civilians, including through the illicit proliferation of conventional weapons in general and small arms and light weapons in particular.
02Conflict prevention
Preventing conflict to build brighter futures
We prevent conflict at multiple levels – from mitigating geopolitical tensions and managing escalation risks to strengthening local resilience in communities affected by violence. We contribute to efforts that reduce misunderstanding and miscalculation between States, and we place people at the centre of peacebuilding and security, strengthening inclusive approaches that empower communities and advance diverse perspectives.
03Governance of emerging technology
Advancing the governance of emerging technologies
We endeavour to reduce the risks that come with advances in science and technology, as well as to amplify the opportunities, translating complex technological developments into actionable policy insights that support responsible governance. We promote human-centred approaches grounded in international law and ethics, bridging technical and policy communities to strengthen transparency and trust.
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Programmes and projects
Our research strengthens multilateral disarmament, reduces arms-related violence, expands regional engagement and anticipates the global security issues of the future.
Weapons of Mass Destruction
Security and Technology
Conventional Arms
Space Security
Integrated Approaches
Managing Exits from Armed Conflict
Middle East WMD-Free Zone
Enablers
Progress towards UNIDIR’s vision and mission across our areas of excellence is made possible by four key enablers.
Partnerships
- Collaborating effectively worldwide
- Building bridges and connections between States and sectors
- Augmenting and applying leading-edge expertise
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Our extensive network of global partnerships enables us to fulfil our mission of advancing viable solutions to pressing global security challenges. We work with some 150 different partners across the globe, including UN partners, regional organizations, NGOs, think tanks, universities, companies and governments. Central to this strategy is the UNIDIR Global Disarmament Research Network, which applies the insights of experts from every region of the world to today’s key security dilemmas, ensuring that the full diversity of global and interdisciplinary perspectives is brought to bear.
Management
- Providing visionary leadership
- Attracting and retaining unrivalled global expertise
- Achieving research impact through lean, cost-efficient operational support
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Our leadership provides strategic direction through a clear institutional vision that is continuously refined through expert analysis of geopolitical developments, regular internal management meetings, guidance from our Board of Trustees, and engagement with permanent missions, ministries and multilateral forums. We attract highly qualified experts, including PhD-level researchers and young professionals, from all over the world and across the full range of relevant disciplines. We achieve operational efficiency by maintaining a lean institutional structure that leverages local partnerships, adopts hybrid formats, minimizes unnecessary travel, and makes the most of services available across the UN. Together, these principles ensure that UNIDIR remains agile, impactful and responsive to evolving disarmament and arms control priorities.
Communications
- Disseminating research to maximize reach and impact
- Engaging diverse audiences through tailored formats
- Strengthening visibility and strategic influence
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We use strategic communications to ensure our research reaches the right audiences, in the right formats, at the right time. By tailoring dissemination across digital platforms, media channels, and stakeholder networks, we amplify the visibility and relevance of our work. Data-driven insights help us refine our messaging and target outreach for maximum impact. Our website serves as a central hub for accessible, in-depth content. Social platforms foster dialogue and visibility. Videos bring our work to life, and direct outreach offers space for deeper engagement. Strategic partnerships and targeted campaigns further strengthen our ability to inform, influence and inspire action. By continuously refining our formats and channels, we ensure our work resonates across geographies and sectors.
Funding
- Diversifying funding sources
- Increasing flexibility and predictability
- Sharing responsibility for fundraising
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We aim to deepen, grow and secure contributions from a wide range of partners – including governments, multilateral organizations, philanthropic organizations and selected industry partners – to reduce reliance on any single source. A core objective is to increase the flexibility, duration, predictability and size of contributions, enabling UNIDIR to plan strategically and respond effectively to emerging topics and trends in the area of global security. By securing sustained and diversified resources, we can invest in forward-looking initiatives, strengthen our independent research capacity, and provide timely, evidence-based analysis that informs policy and advances international security.
