United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)

Only one month to go until UNIDIR’s Innovations Dialogue 2025! This year’s #ID25 will explore how advances in neurotechnology could shape military practises and the future of warfare, with implications for international peace and security. 📅 24 November 📍 Geneva and online 🔗 Register now: unidir.org/ID25

UNIDIR Director Robin Geiß will attend tomorrow's Signing Ceremony of the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime in Hanoi, Viet Nam, alongside President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam H.E. Mr. Luong Cuong, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and numerous Heads of State, senior government leaders and representatives of other regional and international organisations. On the sidelines of this Ceremony, UNIDIR will host the side event “Smarter Threats, Smarter Defenses: AI Use Cases in Cybercrime and Cybersecurity”, where we will explore how AI is reshaping cyber offense and defense across the digital landscape. Drawing on UNIDIR’s Cyber–AI Nexus research, this session will unpack how malicious actors exploit AI outside, on, and inside the ICT security perimeter, and how governments, industry, and civil society are turning the tide by using AI to detect, deter, and disrupt evolving threats. 🗓️ 26 October, 14:00-15:00 ICT, Room R202

What role does technology play in ceasefire arrangements and broader efforts to prevent and resolve conflict? And how can the international community respond to an increasingly hybrid conflict landscape? These were among the key questions explored on Monday at the UN-ETH Forum in Zurich, where UNIDIR Director Robin Geiß joined a panel alongside Alexander Hug, Sean Kane and Katia Papagianni. The discussion focused on how digital and emerging technologies are being integrated into ceasefire arrangements, political negotiations and peacebuilding processes — and how these efforts can better reflect the realities of cyber and hybrid conflict. Dr Geiss highlighted the need for the international community to adapt to a growing hybrid conflict landscape by embracing opportunities such as arms data for early warning and action, and by preparing for challenges that hybrid conflict brings to disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes. Many thanks to ETH Zürich for hosting the event, to moderator Edward Jackson and to all speakers and participants for an insightful discussion.

With the conclusion of the sixth UNIDIR–United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs Disarmament Orientation Course, we’re proud to see continuous high levels of engagement — 244 diplomats from over 100 Member States have taken part since 2019. ⬇️ Read our infographic to learn more! 🔗 unidir.org/DOC

Unlike traditional AI systems that analyze data or support decisions, agentic AI is designed to act independently — pursuing goals, adapting to its environment and making autonomous decisions. This evolution raises profound questions for international peace and security. Join UNIDIR and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung for a #UNGA First Committee side event examining one of the most transformative developments in emerging technology. This session will explore: 🔸 Key challenges and opportunities 🔸 Implications for international peace and security 🔸 Possible governance approaches Register: unidir.org/1CAIAgents

During Geneva Peace Week, UNIDIR, UNDP, IOM - UN Migration and United Nations Peacekeeping co-hosted a workshop on data-driven peacebuilding and the future of UN programming in conflict transitions. The workshop focused on how data systems can support return and reintegration programming, particularly in fragile or post-conflict contexts. Discussions highlighted: 🔹 The importance of data systems that reflect the mobility, protection and inclusion needs of diverse returnee populations. 🔹 Ongoing challenges around data ownership and sharing, which often hinder effective policy and decision-making. 🔹 The need to involve communities in data collection and ensure accountability to those the programmes aim to serve. Thank you to our co-hosts and participants for your support and insights!

How can weapons and ammunition management baseline assessments help countries identify gaps, strengthen life-cycle management and prevent diversion? Join our #UNGA First Committee online side events to explore how African States are advancing arms and ammunition management—from identifying critical gaps to strengthening full life-cycle controls. The discussion will also feature the launch of UNIDIR’s WAM Annual Update 2025. This event will be held in two languages: 🔹 English: 14:00–15:15 CET / 08:00–09:15 EDT 🔹 Français: 17:00 – 18:15 CET / 12:00–13:15 EDT Learn more and register: 👉 English: unidir.org/WAMinAfrica1C 👉 Français: unidir.org/1CMunitionsAfri

How can women’s leadership strengthen global efforts in disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation? Despite progress, women—especially in leadership roles—remain underrepresented in disarmament and non-proliferation processes. Join UNIDIR and the Permanent Mission of Slovenia to the UN for a First Committee side event exploring key questions: 🔸 What systemic barriers still limit women’s participation? 🔸 What steps are needed to advance inclusion and leadership? 🔸 How can diverse perspectives shape more effective global responses? 📅 Wednesday, 29 October, 13:15-14:30 EDT 📍 UN Headquarters, New York and online With opening remarks by Adedeji Ebo and insights from Renata Hessmann Dalaqua, PhD, Ambassador Maritza Chan, Irina Albrecht, Peihan Li and moderated by Ambassador Ondina Blokar. 🔗 More details and RSVP: unidir.org/EmpoweringWPS

Are you a graduate student or recent graduate interested in the field of weapons and ammunition management? Join our team! UNIDIR’s Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme is looking for a remote Graduate Professional to contribute to research and support project implementation. Main responsibilities: 🔹 Conduct background research and analysis. 🔹 Provide administrative support for programme activities. 🔹 Communicate with project partners. 📅 Apply by 3 November: unidir.org/CAAPGPP26

The last round of the Youth Visions of Peace photo campaign is now open! A just and secure future for all 📷 What does a safe and fair tomorrow look like where you live? This week, you are invited to highlight the people, places and movements shaping a more just and peaceful future for everyone. Learn more about composition and how you frame a photo to tell stories of action and equity. Outstanding submissions to the campaign will be recognized with a digital camera and photography training, as well as a certificate of recognition. 📅 This call for submissions is open until Sunday, 16 November 🌍 The campaign is open to everyone aged 15-24 worldwide 📥 Submissions via unidir.org/YouthVisions This initiative is part of the Youth Visions of Peace campaign launched by UNIDIR, together with 100cameras and War Child. ---- ¡Ya está abierta la última ronda de la campaña fotográfica Youth Visions of Peace! Un futuro justo y seguro para todos y todas 📷 ¿Cómo te imaginas un futuro seguro y justo en el lugar donde vives? Esta semana, te invitamos a destacar a las personas, lugares y movimientos que contribuyen a un futuro más justo y pacífico para todos y todas. Conoce más sobre composición y cómo encuadrar una foto con el fin de contar historias de acción y equidad. Las fotografías destacadas serán reconocidas con una cámara digital y formación en fotografía, además de un certificado de reconocimiento. 📅 Esta convocatoria estará abierta hasta el domingo 16 de noviembre. 🌍 La campaña está dirigida a personas de entre 15 y 24 años de todo el mundo. 📥 Envía tu propuesta unidir.org/YouthVisions #YouthUNIDIR #Youth4Disarmament #YouthLead