Search ODA Publications

Dear Colleagues, We are very pleased to share the eleventh issue of the UNSGM newsletter, which covers the activities organized in support of the UNSGM for the second half of 2025. The UNSGM team at UNODA worked diligently to maintain the pace of activities in 2025. We are pleased to provide more details on these activities below, as well as an update on staffing for the UNSGM team to ensure the continued high standard of support going forward. …

Dear Colleagues,  We are very pleased to share the tenth issue of the UNSGM newsletter. 2025 has proven to be another busy year for the UNSGM team. The first half of the year has already seen several training courses, a regional outreach workshop, and many other activities to strengthen the UNSGM – more details on which can be found in this issue. …

This briefing paper provides an overview of the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management (GFA) and explores its relevance and implications for the Asia-Pacific region. Building upon discussions held during the Informal Regional Meeting in support of the GFA—organized by UNRCPD on 4–5 December 2024 in Kathmandu, Nepal—and based on desk research and a series of consultations, the paper identifies regional opportunities and challenges for GFA implementation. The paper begins with a brief history of the process leading to the elaboration and adoption of the GFA. It then outlines the 15 objectives with reference to the rationale provided in the Annex of the Framework. The paper also examines synergies with other international and regional arms control instruments. Finally, it presents key considerations for Asia-Pacific states, highlighting specific regional issues, and offers recommendations to support effective and sustainable implementation of the GFA in the …

First published in 2017 , the updated publication ‘The Biological Weapons Convention: An Introduction’ provides its readers with a comprehensive overview of the Biological Weapons Convention. The publication covers the history of the negotiations and the current state of implementation of the Convention. It also explains the significance of the Convention in the modern world. …

This publication has been developed by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), with the support of the European Union, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the entry into force of the Biological Weapons Convention. By bringing together different stakeholders, including, among others, experts and practitioners from the diplomatic field, academia and civil society, the publication highlights the achievements and obstacles encountered over the past fifty years, current discussions related to the strengthening of the Convention as well as future opportunities and …

Dear Colleagues, We are very pleased to share the ninth issue of our newsletter for the UNSGM with you. In this issue, we have provided a more comprehensive analysis of the current roster and some highlights from the activities organized in support of the UNSGM during the second half of 2024. This included an outreach workshop in Chile, as well as two basic training courses and skill training courses on "Biological Crime Scene Management", "Sampling and Transport of Toxic and Infectious Substances" and "Safe and Secure Approaches to Field Environments". As we begin the new year, we are pleased to share that the pace of activities will not only continue – but likely increase – depending on the availability of funds. More information about upcoming activities can be found in the final section of the newsletter. As always, UNODA is very grateful for the generous support extended by all our partners in order to facilitate these valuable skill training courses and other activities in …

Dear Colleagues, We are very pleased to share with you the eighth issue of our newsletter for the UNSGM. In the previous two issues, we have highlighted the recent increase in offerings of training activities for experts on the UNSGM roster – a trend that has continued in the first half of 2024. During this time, UNODA has also been able to offer two new courses for the UNSGM: one on ‘Investigative Interview Skills’ in February 2024 with support from the Institute for International Criminal Investigations (IICI), VERTIC, and the United States, and one on ‘Decontamination Skills’ in May 2024 with support from Portugal. In this issue, we share details on these new courses, as well as the second training course on ‘Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environments (SSAFE)’ which took place in May 2024, again with support from the United Nations Department for Safety and Security (UNDSS). In addition to training courses, UNODA has also been busy with other activities in support of the …

In December 2023, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management (GFA) through resolution 78/47. This Voluntary Guide has been developed to support stakeholders in understanding the political commitments set out in the Framework’s 15 Objectives and to help translate its enabling measures into concrete actions at the national, subregional, regional, and global levels. The Guide comprises 15 chapters—each corresponding to one of the Framework’s Objectives. Each chapter provides an overview of the Objective and presents practical examples and illustrative case studies to highlight possible approaches for implementing its enabling measures. In line with the structure of the Global Framework, the Guide also includes dedicated chapters on international cooperation and assistance, as well as on follow-up and review. This Guide has been jointly developed by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), the …

This working paper provides an overview of the Global Framework. After setting out a brief history of the process of its elaboration and adoption, the main objectives of the Global Framework are discussed. The 15 objectives are briefly summarised with reference to the rationale for each objective as set out in the Annex of the Global Framework. Synergies with other international and regional arms control instruments are examined. The paper then looks at some of the main opportunities and potential challenges for countries in the Latin American and Caribbean region and provides recommendations to support the implementation of the Global Framework in this …

In 2023, United Nations Member States adopted a new international instrument containing political commitments to prevent diversion, illicit trafficking, and misuse of ammunition; mitigate and prevent unplanned explosions at munition sites; ensure the safety and security of conventional ammunition throughout its life-cycle from the point of manufacture; and contribute to lasting peace, security and sustainable development. The Global Framework covers all types of ammunition: from small-calibre to the largest conventional ammunition. It contains 15 objectives and 85 concrete measures to promote the safety, security and sustainability of through-life conventional ammunition …