United Nations
Office for Disarmament
Affairs
Spotlights
See the top, latest stories and events coming from UNODA.
UNODA Occasional Paper No. 46
A regional look at emerging biological risks, new technologies, and the future of the BWC. Discover why cooperation and responsible science matter now more than ever.
Malaysia ratifies the Outer Space Treaty
Malaysia ratified the Outer Space Treaty on 21 October 2025, becoming the 118th State party.
UNODA Vienna Marks 25 Years of Women, Peace and Security
2025 marks a year of important anniversaries in the global effort to achieve gender equality. The UNODA Vienna Office celebrated the 25th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325 and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda with an inspiring photo exhibition titled “Women, Peace and Security at 25: From Global Commitment to Lasting Change.” The exhibition took place at the Vienna International Centre from 3 to 7 November 2025.
Briefing by the Chair of the CCW GGE on LAWS on the margins of the First Committee
On 23 October, the Kingdom of the Netherlands held a side-event on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly First Committee to present the ongoing work undertaken by the Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (GGE LAWS) within the framework of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW).
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu Delivers a Video Message to the Seventh Session of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention
On 1 December, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu delivered an opening message to the Seventh Session of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention.
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu Delivers Remarks at the 24th ROK-UN Joint Conference on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Issues
The UN Office for Disarmament Affairs and the Republic of Korea (ROK) opened the 24th ROK-UN Joint Conference on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Issues, held on 4-5 December 2025 at UN Headquarters in New York, bringing together diplomats, experts, and stakeholders to examine the rapidly evolving security dynamics of outer space.
UNSGM experts join training course on sampling and transport of toxic and infectious substances
From 17-21 November 2025, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), in cooperation with the German Federal Foreign Office, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)’s National Microbiology Laboratory, organized a training course on sampling and transport of toxic and infectious substances for the United Nations Secretary-General’s Mechanism for Investigations of Alleged Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons (UNSGM) in Berlin, Germany.
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu Delivers Opening Remarks at the Twenty-Second Meeting of States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention
On 1 December in Geneva, High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu Delivers Opening Remarks at the Twenty-Second Meeting of States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu Delivers a Video Message to the International Conference on "50 Years of Biological Weapons Convention (BWC): Strengthening Biosecurity in the Global South"
On December 1st, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu delivered a video message to the International Conference on "50 Years of Biological Weapons Convention (BWC): Strengthening Biosecurity in the Global South" in New Delhi.
Updates
See the top, latest stories and events coming from UNODA.
UNREC deploys an assessment mission to Ghana for the SALIENT Fund Technical Review Meeting
Accra, 14 August 2025: The United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) concluded a strategic assessment mission to Ghana.
The mission aimed to evaluate the status of the “Saving Lives Entity” (SALIENT) project, a flagship initiative dedicated to addressing armed violence and the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW).
The SALIENT Fund, a joint effort between the United Nations Office for…
Burundi Validates its National Action Plan to Combat the Illicit Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons
Bujumbura, 25 November 2025: In response to the security challenges posed by the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in the Great Lakes region, Burundi continues to strengthen its national arms control framework. In this context, a National Validation Workshop of the National Action Plan (NAP) to Combat the Illicit Proliferation of SALW was held on 25 November 2025 in Bujumbura, at the Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika. The workshop brought together 25 participants, including representatives from the National Commission on SALW, relevant line ministries, defense and…
The BWC at 50: African Conference Highlights Progress, Challenges and the Road Ahead
From 26 to 28 November 2025, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), in partnership with the Government of Kenya, held the first African Conference on the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) in Nairobi, Kenya. The landmark event, held in the year of the 50th anniversary of the BWC, was the largest ever gathering of African States parties to the BWC and showcased the region’s growing leadership on issues related to disarmament and biosecurity.
The conference was attended by 140 delegates, including officials from 47 African States Parties, three African…
Training Course for UNSCR 1540 Points of Contact in Latin America and the Caribbean Held in Panama City, Panama
From 15 to 17 December 2025, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, together with the Government of Panama and the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), convened a ‘Training Course for UNSCR 1540 Points of Contact (PoCs) in Latin America and the Caribbean in Panama City, Panama.
This event marked the first comprehensive 1540 PoC training for Latin America and the Caribbean since 2016, following a regional course in Chile that year, as well as the dedicated training for CARICOM States in 2019.
The 2025 course brought…
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.
