Our impact

Advancing disarmament, arms control and global security through research.

Mitigating global risks

UNIDIR mitigates risks for humanity and the planet. We focus on existential risks arising from weapons of mass destruction and rapid advancements in space, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence.

Helping to save lives

UNIDIR’s work on conventional arms and ammunition helps to save lives worldwide. We drive initiatives to integrate conventional arms control into conflict prevention and sustainable development.

Building trust and transparency

UNIDIR acts as a bridge-builder in a fraught global security environment.

Shaping disarmament policy

We provide insight, ideas and advice on all major arms control and disarmament instruments and processes.

Promoting inclusion and diversity

We mainstream gender across all our work and integrate disarmament into the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.

68,000+ downloads of our publications per year

25 countries applying our counter-IED and weapon management tools in Africa, Latin America and Asia

55,000+ followers on social media

Testimonials

Ambassador Maritza Chan, Costa Rica, on UNIDIR’s Digital Tools for Security and Technology

2 October 2023

Major General Anlaini Daniel Chinoko, Nigerian NCCSALW, on the 2023 Global Symposium on Weapons and Ammunition Management

17 January 2024

Ambassador Richard Kadlčák, Special Envoy for Cyber Space and Director of Cyber Security, Czech Republic, on UNIDIR’s AI Policy Portal

21 September 2023

UNIDIR and the Secretary-General’s Disarmament Agenda

The UN Secretary-General’s Agenda for Disarmament is more relevant than ever. It seeks to reinvigorate dialogue, stimulate new ideas, and create new momentum on international disarmament to achieve a safer and more secure world for all – UNIDIR is a key partner in advancing this agenda.

Read the Secretary-General’s Disarmament Agenda

A New Agenda for Peace

The Secretary-General’s policy brief on A New Agenda for Peace outlines his vision for multilateral efforts for peace and security in preparation for the Summit of the Future.

Developed in close consultation with Member States and relevant partners (including UNIDIR), the New Agenda for Peace focuses on the principles of trust, solidarity, and universality at the heart of the Charter, translating them into 12 concrete actions in five priority areas: addressing strategic risks and geopolitical divisions, preventing conflict and violence and sustaining peace, strengthening peace operations and addressing peace enforcement, novel approaches to peace and potential domains of conflict, and strengthening international governance.

Find out more about A New Agenda for Peace

The UN Sustainable Development Goals

The 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a unique opportunity to revisit the relationship between disarmament and development. Adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, the 17 SDGs provide a blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.

Find out more about the UN SDGs

How UNIDIR Contributes to the SDGs

UNIDIR’s work advances ideas and practical actions that contribute to the implementation of the SDGs.

SDG 3

Arms control advances progress towards achieving SDG 3 on good health and well-being, since armed violence is the leading cause of premature death and a key source of injuries, disability, psychological distress and disease.
SDG 5

SDG 5 focuses on gender equality, and gender-responsive disarmament and arms control plays a role in eliminating violence against women and girls.
SDG 11

UNIDIR’s work seeking solutions to urban violence contributes to SDG 11 on the safety, resilience and sustainability of cities and human settlements as well.
SDG 16

SDG 16 on peaceful and inclusive societies, justice and strong institutions recognizes that durable peace and lasting conditions for security are necessary for long-term development.