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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, …

The United Nations (UN) is a vital platform where nations and communities unite to pursue our shared highest ideals. In the face of unprecedented global challenges, strategic investments in disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control play a crucial role. These efforts not only help prevent violence and mitigate armed conflicts where they occur but also empower societies to focus on sustainable development and cultivate enduring political solutions. …

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 …

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 Yearbook, now in its forty-eighth volume, provides a comprehensive and authoritative overview of recent developments and trends in the field of disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control, including the relevant activities and achievements of the United Nations and other actors. The aim of this early-release preview edition, published last July, aimed to share key findings from the Yearbook at an earlier stage and provide a concise exploration of disarmament-related developments and trends from …

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 …

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 …

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 …