Disarmament in Review
Vienna, 10 May 2019 – The second training on Conflict Prevention through Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-proliferation jointly organized by UNODA and the OSCE concluded today at Vienna International Centre. Thanks to the Scholarship for Peace and Security supported by the Governments of Andorra, Germany and Switzerland, 50 young women from 38 countries with various professional backgrounds have been selected out of over 1,000 applicants to participate in an interactive week of lectures, site visits and panel discussions.
In their opening remarks donors highlighted how training opportunities on disarmament and security encourage women to get into international affairs and to make their voice heard in a still male-dominated field. Course participants highlighted the valuable experience taken from this training, particularly, the opportunity to meet and network with other women working on or interested in disarmament, as well as the chance to learn from experts in the field.
“Even though there is a direct link between women’s participation in peace and security processes, women are routinely underrepresented in these settings – and I want to make a difference. I want to change that.” Affirmed a course participant from Turkey.
During the five days in Vienna participants discussed conflict prevention and resolution through arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation, with a specific focus on OSCE-relevant instruments. Main topics covered included the UN Secretary General Disarmament Agenda, an overview on confidence and security building measures, the OSCE Conflict Cycle and Missions, UN Security Council Resolution 1540, OSCE Security sector governance and reform, the UN Sustainable Development Goals Agenda, Nuclear Energy and Development, and emerging technologies. The program also engaged the participants a tour to the CTBTO premises, a visit to the Forum for Security and Cooperation of the OSCE and to the Wassenaar Arrangement.
The five-day training in Vienna is the in-person component of a 9-week long dual mode program, the online component is delivered through UNODA Disarmament Education Dashboard and will continue until June. Successful participants will be awarded a Completion Certificate from UNODA and OSCE.
For more information about the Scholarship for Peace and Security and other training initiatives of UNODA Vienna: www.disarmamenteducation.org
