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This paper examines the evolving role of consensus in multilateral disarmament negotiations from the tenth special session of the General Assembly (1978) to the present day. It aims to support Member States in considering how to balance progress on disarmament with the legitimacy associated with consensus-based outcomes. Rather than offering a legal definition or interpretation of consensus, the authors reflect upon historical examples of its practical application, particularly in the areas of nuclear disarmament and conventional arms. The case studies presented do not imply approval or disapproval of positions taken by …

The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) stands as a landmark achievement in the history of disarmament. For half a century, it has embodied the international community’s collective determination to ensure that advances in life sciences are never turned to destructive uses. As we commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of its entry into force in 2025, the Convention continues to serve as both a moral compass and a legal foundation for global efforts to prevent the development, production, and use of biological …

The objective of this handbook is to compile basic knowledge and means for artificial intelligence (AI) practitioners to understand, evaluate and mitigate, in the research and innovation process, the risks of the diversion and misuse of civilian AI technology by irresponsible actors. The handbook shows why and how decisions around the development and diffusion of research and innovation can impact risks of misuse, and in turn generate risks or even opportunities for international peace and security. …

Discover the transformative journeys of 10 young leaders from around the globe in this inspiring collection of opinion pieces by alumni of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) youth programmes. These passionate advocates share how their experiences with UNODA empowered them to turn ideas into action—whether by creating groundbreaking initiatives, publishing influential educational resources, or rallying their communities for meaningful change. Each story reflects a unique perspective, shaped by diverse backgrounds, fields of focus, and ambitions. From tackling pressing global security challenges to reimagining disarmament in their own communities, these youth leaders exemplify the power of education and empowerment in impacting change. This publication is not just a testament to UNODA’s far-reaching influence—it’s a call to action for all who believe in the power of youth to shape a safer and more secure future. With voices as diverse as their accomplishments, …

This publication contains the winning stories of the Republic of Korea-United Nations Sci-fAI Futures Youth Challenge. The challenge is a creative and thought-provoking initiative designed to engage young minds in imagining the future role of artificial intelligence (AI) in international peace and security. Young people from 13 to 29 submitted written or webtoon stories envisioning a fictional world in the year 2145 where AI would have been taken onboard by militaries around the world. Youth authors reflected on how AI could be used in or to prevent armed conflicts, its potential interactions with other emerging technologies, potential risks and positive scenarios in which AI is leveraged for good in the military …

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into military applications, such as weapon systems, decision-support tools, and various other tasks, poses opportunities and challenges to international peace and security. Military applications of AI can exacerbate and amplify existing risks and could also lead to new unintended consequences. Rapid developments in this technological domain have outpaced the development of guardrails to mitigate such risks. This publication aims to enhance the international community’s understanding of the governance of AI in the military domain. It outlines the opportunities and risks associated with military applications of AI, highlights areas of contention within the expert and diplomatic communities, and offers policy recommendations and options for its multilateral …

This Occasional Paper commemorates the forty-fifth anniversary of the Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters (ABDM), a unique body that provides expert advice to the United Nations Secretary-General on issues related to disarmament and international security. Drawing on the insights and experiences of current and former members, the publication highlights the Board’s contributions to advancing multilateral disarmament, its distinctive features and strengths, and its potential role in addressing the pressing challenges of today’s …

The COVID-19 outbreak posed an unprecedented challenge to intergovernmental disarmament institutions and processes. This publication offers an extensive review of relevant developments at the United Nations, particularly in the General Assembly and the Security Council, as well as in the disarmament machinery and other disarmament bodies and processes. After comparing the varying responses to the pandemic, the author considers whether the outbreak should serve as a catalyst for rethinking and changing multilateral working methods or rules of …

The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs is publishing this paper on the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms. It aims to provide guidance in support of Member State participation in the Register. The text includes an overview of the Register for reference by Governments and the interested public, as well as original material to guide national points of contact in preparing and submitting reports for the Register. The second part of the paper contains the report of the 2022 Group of Governmental Experts on the continuing operation of the …

From June 2018 to December 2019, the European Union and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs held a series of regional workshops and expert meetings to promote participation in the high-level fissile material cut off treaty (FMCT) expert preparatory group consultative process by States in Africa, in Asia and the Pacific and in Latin America and the Caribbean. This Occasional Paper offers a review of the project’s outcome, as well as perspectives shared by participants in its workshops and expert meetings. For additional context, a brief introduction to the purpose and history of the proposed treaty is also …