Displaying 91 - 100 of 714
Countering the Proliferation and Illicit trafficking of Dual-Use Materials in Botswana
In 2022, the Republic of Botswana adopted a voluntary national implementation action plan on United Nations Security Council resolution 1540 (2004). The plan’s overall objective is to advance the implementation of resolution 1540, including strengthening export and border controls. Resolution 1540 requires States to establish effective border controls and law enforcement measures to detect, deter, prevent and combat the illicit trafficking of materials related to nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery. Such measures also cover controls over export, re-…
UNSGM experts join training course on Decontamination Skills
From 21-24 May, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), in collaboration with the Government of Portugal, organized a training course in Lisbon on Decontamination Skills for the United Nations Secretary-General’s Mechanism for Investigation of Alleged Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons (UNSGM). The objective of the course was to provide a group of qualified experts nominated by Member States to the UNSGM roster with a better understanding of decontamination practices in the context of a UNSGM investigation. Training elements included both theoretical lessons and…
“How are emerging technologies connected to disarmament and peace?” UNODA showcases its work at the “Long Night of Research” in Vienna
UNODA’s booth in the Vienna International Centre received many visitors of varied backgrounds and generations. On 24 May 2024, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) Vienna Office participated in an Austria-wide initiative called the “Long Night of Research,” which aims to raise awareness among the public about science-related issues. Known for its focus on science and technology, the Vienna International Centre (VIC), hosted 19 booths comprised of seven different international organizations, including the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (…
At regional meetings, African States lay out shared priorities for the Fourth Review Conference (RevCon4) on the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons
As part of the preparations for the Fourth Review Conference for the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons (RevCon4), the Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), through its United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC), organized two regional preparatory meetings in Africa. These meetings served as critical fora for representatives of national commissions tasked with combatting illicit small arms and light weapons (SALW) to exchange views on the state of implementation of the UN PoA and its related International…
UNODA convenes workshop on strengthening the Biological Weapons Convention implementation in Guinea
From 14 to 15 May 2024, the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (Commission Nationale pour les armes légères et de petits calibres – COMNAT-ALPC) of the Republic of Guinea gathered thirty national stakeholders and decision makers from twenty-four national institutions to raise awareness about the implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). This event took place after the Republic of Guinea attended UNODA regional workshop on the universalization and effective implementation of BWC in Western…
Government officials from nearly 30 countries join workshop about reporting on conventional arms transfers
On 9 May 2024, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) partnered with the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) to organize virtual training workshops for Permanent Missions and national focal points on preparing reports to the UN Register of Conventional Arms (UNROCA). The UN Register of Conventional Arms was established in 1991 following the adoption of UN General Assembly resolution 46/36 L. Through the UNROCA instrument, Member States are encouraged to report on international transfers of seven categories of major conventional…
2nd Safe and Secure Approaches to Field Environments (SSAFE) for experts on UNSGM roster concluded
From 5-11 May, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) and the UNDP organized a training course in Thailand on ‘Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environments’ (SSAFE) for the United Nations Secretary-General’s Mechanism for Investigations of Alleged Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons (UNSGM). This was the second SSAFE course organized for the UNSGM, with the aim of providing qualified experts on the UNSGM roster with the knowledge and understanding of the practical skills that will help them to…
Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons Completes First Online Phase
The Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons, an innovative learning programme launched in 2023 by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) with the generous financial support from the government of Japan, has reached a significant milestone with the conclusion of its inaugural online course component. As the programme progresses towards its overarching goal of empowering young leaders to advocate for a nuclear- weapon-free world, the successful completion of the online course by 85% of participants marks a key achievement of this first phase.…
“The disarmament community has a proud history of anticipating weapons, means and methods of warfare.” - High Representative opens UNODA-ICRC side event on legal reviews of weapons at the Vienna Conference on Autonomous Weapons Systems
The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) partnered up with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to organize a side event in the margins of the Vienna Conference on Autonomous Weapons Systems. The event focused on legal reviews of new weapons, including those conducted under Article 36 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions. Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, set the scene and outlined various challenges and solutions thereto when conducing legal reviews of weapons. In her…
University students learn about the link between disarmament and human rights in Vienna
On 17 April 2024, the University of Applied Arts Vienna organized its 4th Applied Human Rights World Café. As part of the course program, students enrolled in the Vienna Master of Arts in Applied Human Rights develop and undertake individual or group projects on human rights in cooperation with interested partner organizations. The World Café serves as a platform for the students to connect with Vienna-based international and local organizations and initiatives that aim to make a positive impact on human rights. The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) was…