Disarmament in Review
From 24 to 28 February 2025, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) Geneva Branch and the Implementation Support Unit (ISU) of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) hosted a commemorative exhibition at the Palais des Nations. Marking the centenary of the 1925 Geneva Protocol and the fiftieth anniversary of the entry into force of the BWC, the exhibition highlighted the efforts of multiple stakeholders to build the global norm against the use of biological weapons and emphasized the continued relevance of these two milestone agreements in maintaining global biosecurity. The exhibition was organized in collaboration with the Permanent Missions of France and Switzerland to the Conference on Disarmament, with funding from the European Union.
Opening and Key Attendees
On Monday 24 February, the exhibition was officially opened by the Geneva Branch of UNODA in the presence of the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, taking place on the margins of the high-level segments of the Conference on Disarmament and the Human Rights Council.
Exhibition Highlights
Throughout the week, visitors engaged with a selection of historical materials, including original working documents, archival records from the League of Nations illustrating the negotiations of the Geneva Protocol, and photographs capturing pivotal moments in the early history of the BWC. Developed in collaboration with the UN Library and Archives Geneva, the exhibition featured historical artifacts, diplomatic correspondence, and artistic works that traced the evolution of these two instruments.
The exhibition was divided into two sections. The first focused on the diplomatic efforts that led to the drafting and adoption of the 1925 Geneva Protocol, highlighting key negotiations and its adoption at the Conference for the Supervision of the International Trade in Arms, Ammunition and Implements of War, held in Geneva from 4 May to 17 June 1925.
The second section highlighted key moments in the early history of the BWC, providing a timely reminder on the importance of multilateral discussions. It also underscored how the BWC built upon the foundation of the Geneva Protocol to become the first treaty to ban an entire category of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
Launch of Commemorative Publication
Another highlight of the event was the launch of a commemorative publication to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the entry into force of the BWC, entitled, “The Biological Weapons Convention at Fifty: Codifying 100 years of efforts to combat biological warfare.”
Made possible with funding from the European Union, the publication brings together contributions from experts, diplomats, academics, civil society representatives and young scientists from across the biosecurity field to reflect on the past, present and future of the Convention. By highlighting achievements and challenges, the publication serves as a testament to the BWC’s sustainability in a rapidly changing security landscape.
The event provided visitors a unique opportunity to reflect on the historical evolution and continued relevance of these critical disarmament instruments.
As global security challenges continue to evolve, the exhibition underscored the importance of international cooperation in preventing the deliberate use of biological agents as weapons and encouraged the ongoing efforts to strengthen the BWC for the future.
