United Nations
Office for Disarmament
Affairs
Spotlights
See the top, latest stories and events coming from UNODA.
UNODA Director Adedeji Ebo Delivers Opening Statement to the United Nations Disarmament Commission Informal 2026 Substantive Session
13 April, 2026
Adedeji Ebo, Officer-in-Charge, Briefs the Security Council on the Implementation of Security Council Resolution 2118 (2013)
10 March, 2026
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu Delivers a Video Message to the 2026 CCW Group of Governmental Experts on Emerging Technologies in the Area of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems
2 March, 2026
Ecuador joins the Arms Trade Treaty
26 February, 2026
Secretary-General António Guterres delivers remarks to the Conference on Disarmament
23 February, 2026
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu Delivers a Video Message on the 30th Anniversary of the Treaty of Pelindaba
17 February, 2026
Open Call for Civil Society Coordinator – International Meeting on Victim Assistance and Environmental Remediation
16 February, 2026
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu Delivers a Video Message on the Occasion of the 59th Anniversary of the Treaty of Tlatelolco
16 February, 2026
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu Delivered a Video Message to the Asia-Pacific iteration of the Small Arms and Light Weapons Fellowship Training Programme
16 February, 2026
Updates
See the top, latest stories and events coming from UNODA.
Global Training Course for Newly Appointed BWC National Contact Points Held in Geneva
On 18 and 19 February 2026, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), in collaboration with the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) Implementation Support Unit (ISU), conducted a Global Training Course for Newly Nominated National Contact Points (NCPs) at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The course was organized with financial support from the European Union under Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/494 and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This activity is part of an ongoing initiative for BWC National Contact Points, building on earlier regional…
Government Officials From All Regions Join Workshop About Reporting on Military Expenditures
On 14 April 2026, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) partnered with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) to organize a training workshop for Diplomatic Missions in New York and Geneva as well as national focal points on preparing submissions to the UN Report on Military Expenditures (UNMilEx).
The UNMilEx instrument was established by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 35/142 B, adopted in 1980. It was born out of a desire to reduce excessive military spending; however, when it became clear that these…
Marking International Women’s Day - UNREC Hosts a Hybrid Webinar on a Multifaceted Response to the Impact of SALW and Ammunition on Women
On 31 March, the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) convened a hybrid webinar to mark the month of International Women’s Day, bringing together around 100 participants from across Africa and beyond.
Exploring the gendered impact of armed violence
Held in a hybrid format, the event gathered approximately 60 participants online and 40 in person at UNREC premises in Lomé. Attendees included representatives from government institutions, national…
First National Workshop on Biological Weapons Convention held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam
Representatives from across different national agencies, including governmental officials and technical experts, from Brunei Darussalam convened in Bandar Seri Begawan for a workshop focused on the national implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). The workshop was organized by the Biological Weapons Convention Implementation Support Unit (BWC ISU) in close collaboration with the Government of Brunei Darussalam to raise awareness of the BWC and to support preparations of the country’s next Confidence-Building Measure (CBM) report. The workshop was made possible with…
Events and Announcements
See the top events and announcements from UNODA.
Meetings and Events
Announcements
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.
