Disarmament Orientation Course

The Disarmament Orientation Course provides knowledge and deeper understanding of key concepts of disarmament and arms control as well as the 21st century global security landscape.

To support the Geneva diplomatic community in its disarmament and arms control efforts in an increasingly complex security environment, the annual Disarmament Orientation Course introduces newly arrived diplomats to the Geneva disarmament fora and the topics at stake. The course is jointly offered by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) and the Geneva Branch of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA).

The course aims to promote an enhanced understanding of relevant disarmament and arms control concepts, issues and mechanisms; to increase levels of participation in Geneva-based processes and discussions; and to foster relationships of trust within the Geneva-based disarmament community.

Anna Lebedeva (Kazakhstan) shares her experience of the course (subtitles EN)
Over the course of two weeks, six in-depth modules address current trends and developments in key thematic topics, including the Conference on Disarmament, Biological Weapons Convention, conventional weapons, outer space security, information and communications technology, artificial intelligence in the military domain, lethal autonomous weapon systems and cybersecurity, as well as cross-cutting topics such as gender perspectives, youth, and human-centered disarmament.

The course is open to diplomats or officials with responsibilities for disarmament and arms control matters who have recently arrived in Geneva. The next edition is expected to take place in September 2026.

For any questions or queries, please contact: doc@un.org

Infographic on the UNIDIR-UNODA Disarmament Orientation Course [click to expand]

Click to expand the infographic.

*The 2025 agenda and select course material are now available below.

2025 Disarmament Orientation Course Modules

Key learning objectives

Understand the relationship and interactions between the global political and security environment, disarmament diplomacy and efforts of the Geneva based disarmament community.
Introduce the key components of the multilateral disarmament machinery including Geneva based structure/bodies, roles, dynamics, procedures, as well as the substantive and organizational support provided by the Secretariat.

Topics

The global security context: An overview of current and recent developments and their implications for arms control and disarmament.
The role, history, evolution and current status of the disarmament machinery.
Institutional, substantive and organizational support provided by both the Secretariat and UNIDIR.
Introduction to practical tools for the benefit of Geneva-based diplomats and cross-cutting agendas.

Key learning objectives

Understand the history, mandate, rule of procedures and functioning of the CD.
Understand the agenda of the CD.
Take stock of the recent work of the subsidiary bodies and implementation of continuity in the work of the Conference.

Topics

Cessation of the nuclear arms race and nuclear disarmament.
Prevention of nuclear war, including all related matters.
Prevention of an arms race in outer space.
Effective international arrangements to assure non-nuclear weapon States against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons.
New types of weapons of mass destruction and new systems of such weapons; radiological weapons – comprehensive programme of disarmament – transparency in armaments.

Key learning objectives

Understand the key issues and emerging challenges for multilateral governance of outer space.
Take stock of recent developments, ongoing processes and provide reflections for moving forward in multilateral negotiations.
Understand the key and developing issues in outer space security governance and the status of the Open-Ended Working Group on PAROS in all its aspects.

Topics

PAROS: The Open-Ended Working Group on the prevention.
Differing approaches to space security.
Advances in dual-use space technologies.

Key learning objectives

Understand the BWC and its key provisions.
Analyse past and current efforts to strengthen the BWC, including through the current Working Group.
Identify opportunities and risks from recent scientific and technological advances for the BWC and its States parties.

Topics

Introduction to the BWC and its key provisions.
The history of the BWC.
The Working Group to strengthen the Convention and current discussions.
Opportunities and challenges of scientific and technological advances for the BWC.
Tools and resources on confidence building measures, international cooperation and national implementation of the Convention.

Key learning objectives

Understand key issues and current developments relating to international humanitarian disarmament treaties prohibiting or restricting the use of certain types of conventional weapons.
Taking stock and preparing for ongoing multilateral negotiations and discussions on legally binding instruments and political declarations (CCW, APMBC, CCM, EWIPA).
Understand the key issues and current developments relating to international treaties and processes that regulate the transfer and use of conventional weapons and ammunition.

Topics

Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW).
Anti-personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC).
Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM).
Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA).
The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and other processes that regulate the transfer and use of conventional weapons and ammunition.
Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management.

Key learning objectives

Introduce the different processes and concepts; participants will be familiarized with the main concepts surrounding these topics, milestones and significant upcoming events.
Take stock of recent developments, ongoing preparatory processes and provide reflections for moving forward in multilateral negotiations.

Topics

Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) Group of Governmental Experts on LAWS, the main concepts relating to LAWS, an overview of proposals made to date on LAWS governance and information on upcoming processes at the CCW and General Assembly Group of Governmental Experts on LAWS.
The integration of AI in the military domain beyond LAWS, including the nascent efforts at the national and international level to move towards responsible approaches and behaviours.
The recent and successful conclusion of the Open-Ended Working Group on information communication technology security (2021-2025) and next steps for the commencement of the new Global Mechanism in 2026.