United Nations
Office for Disarmament
Affairs
Spotlights
See the top, latest stories and events coming from UNODA.
3rd training course on ‘Biological Crime Scene Management’ held for UNSGM experts
From 3-7 November 2025, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), in cooperation with INTERPOL’s Bioterrorism Prevention Unit and the Public Health Agency of Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory, organized a training course on biological crime scene management for the United Nations Secretary-General’s Mechanism for Investigations of Alleged Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons (UNSGM) at the United Nations Global Service Centre – Conference and Learning Centre (UNGSC-CLC) in Brindisi, Italy.
High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu and High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk delivered a joint video message at the Second International Conference on EWIPA
At the Second International Conference on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA) in Costa Rica, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu and High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk delivered a joint statement calling for prompt and concrete actions to protect civilians and implement the Political Declaration.
First Committee side event: “Secretary-General’s Campaign on Humanitarian Disarmament and Mine Action”
On 22 October, the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the Department of Peace Operations (DPO)/UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) co-hosted a side event on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly’s First Committee and Fourth Committee to amplify the Secretary-General’s campaign on Humanitarian Disarmament and Mine Action.
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu Delivers a Video Message at the Second Regional Workshop on Implementing the BWC and Promoting Biosafety and Biosecurity in Southeast Asia
On 18 November in Guangzhou, China, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu delivered a video message at the Second Regional Workshop on Implementing the BWC and Promoting Biosafety and Biosecurity in Southeast Asia.
The YLF Online Training to Advance Nuclear Disarmament has been Completed
On 6 November 2025, the second cohort of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs’ Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons (YLF) gathered to celebrate the completion of their online training. Through the programme, funded by the Government of Japan, 100 selected participants from 62 countries learned about nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, UN disarmament machinery, and the unique impacts of nuclear weapons on diverse populations - building leadership skills to advance disarmament efforts.
High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu Delivers the Keynote Speech at the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Conference: “The Disarmament Agenda: 80 Years After Hiroshima”
On November 11, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu delivered the keynote speech at the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Conference: “The Disarmament Agenda: 80 Years After Hiroshima."
Director and Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Adedeji Ebo Delivered Remarks for the Open Debate of the United Nations Security Council on Small Arms and Light Weapons
On 10 November, Director and Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Adedeji Ebo delivered remarks for the open debate of the United Nations Security Council on Small Arms and Light Weapons on behalf of High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu.
UNODA Director and Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Highlights Gender Gaps as Security Vulnerability at UN Side Event
New York, 29 October 2025 — At the side event “Empowering Change: The Role of Women in WMD Non-Proliferation and Disarmament,” organized by the Slovenian Mission and held at the UN Secretariat, Mr. Adedeji Ebo, Director and Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, delivered remarks underscoring the strategic importance of women’s participation in disarmament efforts.
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu Delivers a Video Message to the 63rd Pugwash Conference on Science and World Affairs
On 1 November 2025, in Hiroshima, Japan, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu delivered a video message for the opening of the 63rd Pugwash Conference on Science and World Affairs entitled "80 Years After the Atomic Bombing - Time for Peace, Dialogue and Nuclear Disarmament."
Updates
See the top, latest stories and events coming from UNODA.
Building Africa’s Next Generation of SALW Practitioners: Nineteen Fellows Complete First UNODA Fellowship for Africa
13 October – 7 November 2025
Nineteen practitioners from sixteen African countries completed the inaugural UNODA African Fellowship on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Control programme established following the United Nations General Assembly’s decision in resolution 77/71 (2022) to create a dedicated fellowship training initiative to support the implementation of the UN Programme of Action (UN PoA) and the International Tracing Instrument (ITI). Responding to Member States’ calls for more sustained, practical, and context-specific capacity-building, the Fellowship…
3rd training course on ‘Biological Crime Scene Management’ held for UNSGM experts
From 3-7 November 2025, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), in cooperation with INTERPOL’s Bioterrorism Prevention Unit and the Public Health Agency of Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory, organized a training course on biological crime scene management for the United Nations Secretary-General’s Mechanism for Investigations of Alleged Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons (UNSGM) at the United Nations Global Service Centre – Conference and Learning Centre (UNGSC-CLC) in Brindisi, Italy.
This…
Botswana and South Africa Deepen Cooperation on Resolution 1540 Export and Border Controls through Peer-to-Peer Exercise
The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) supported Botswana and South Africa in organizing a peer-to-peer assistance exercise aimed at strengthening export and border control measures under United Nations Security Council resolution 1540 (2004).
Held from 4 to 6 November 2025 at the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation in Pretoria, the three-day event convened twenty-nine representatives from policy, regulatory, and law enforcement authorities of both countries, alongside two UNODA officials and a member of the 1540 Committee…
First Committee side event: “Secretary-General’s Campaign on Humanitarian Disarmament and Mine Action”
On 22 October, the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the Department of Peace Operations (DPO)/UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) co-hosted a side event on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly’s First Committee and Fourth Committee to amplify the Secretary-General’s campaign on Humanitarian Disarmament and Mine Action. The event brought together representatives from 46 Member States and key stakeholders from across the United Nations system and civil society.
The side event emphasized the strategic convergence of insights from the Secretary-General’s…
Events and Announcements
See the top events and announcements from UNODA.
Meetings and Events
Announcements
2024 Disarmament Yearbook
The full edition of the 2024 Disarmament Yearbook is out!
Gender Perspectives course
New "Gender Perspectives on Disarmament" course available
SG Statements
HR Statements
Press Releases
ODA at a glance
UNODA supports the development and implementation of practical disarmament measures after a conflict, such as disarming and demobilizing former combatants and helping them to reintegrate in civil society.
Established in January 1998
United Nations ODA was established in January 1998 as the Department for Disarmament Affairs which was part of the SG’s programme for reform in accordance with his report to the General Assembly (A/51/950).
Supports General and complete disarmament
The Office for Disarmament Affairs supports multilateral efforts aimed at achieving the ultimate goal of general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control. The mandate for the programme is derived from the priorities established in relevant General Assembly resolutions and decisions in the field of disarmament, including the Final Document of the Tenth Special Session of the General Assembly, the first special session devoted to disarmament (resolution S-10/2).
Provides support in the area of disarmament
UNODA provides substantive and organizational support for norm-setting in the area of disarmament through the work of the General Assembly and its First Committee, the Disarmament Commission, the Conference on Disarmament and other bodies. It fosters disarmament measures through dialogue, transparency and confidence-building on military matters, and encourages regional disarmament efforts; these include the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms and regional forums.
Provides information to Member States
UNODA provides objective, impartial and up-to-date information on multilateral disarmament issues and activities to Member States, States parties to multilateral agreements, intergovernmental organizations and institutions, departments and agencies of the United Nations system, research and educational institutions, civil society, especially non-governmental organizations, the media and the general public.
Structure of ODA
The main parts of the Office for Disarmament Affairs, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the UN Secretariat. All were established in 1945 when the UN was founded.
Weapons of Mass Destruction
Support to multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation efforts with respect to weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
Conventional Arms
Focusing disarmament and arms control efforts on all weapons not considered WMD, including small arms and light weapons (SALW).
Regional Disarmament
The enhancement of global disarmament and international peace and security through the support and promotion of regional disarmament efforts.
Emerging Challenges
Include UNODA’s work in science and technology, AI, autonomous weapons, ICT and outer space, among other areas.
Cross-cutting issues
Include UNODA’s work in education, youth, gender, counter-terrorism the environment, among other areas.
Watch and Learn
Video and audio from across the United Nations and our world-wide family of agencies, funds, and programmes.
What is disarmament?
Throughout history, countries have pursued disarmament to stop arms races, build trust, and protect people from harm. Disarmament has been central to the work of the United Nations since its founding, and it is critical for building a more secure and peaceful world. But what actually is disarmament? This video introduces audiences to the ideas and concepts behind disarmament and arms control.
How does disarmament and arms control work?
This video takes a look at the processes and mechanisms behind modern disarmament and arms control, and how we work together to realise disarmament goals.
How to engage
In this video we look at how individuals can engage with disarmament, and the importance of strengthening cooperation and coordination at all levels. We also look at the need to engage with more diverse groups to bring new perspectives, expertise and ideas to the table.
Disarmament in the 21st Century
This video introduces audiences to “Securing our Common Future”, the Secretary-General’s Agenda for Disarmament. The Agenda is based on four key pillars designed to bring the objectives of disarmament into the 21st century. Examining each of the pillars, this video looks at how we approach disarmament today.
Disarmament and the Sustainable Development Goals
Here we take a look at the vital role disarmament and arms control play in achieving the sustainable development goals.
