United Nations

Office for Disarmament

Affairs

Spotlights

See the top, latest stories and events coming from UNODA.

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Updates

See the top, latest stories and events coming from UNODA.

Vienna Office at LNR2026
UNODA at the Long Night of Research 2026: Are AI and cyber technology making nuclear weapons more dangerous?

On 24 April, Austria’s largest event dedicated to science, research and innovation brought thousands of people into more than 3,000 research centers across the country to explore science-related issues. On this occasion, the Vienna International Centre (VIC) opened its doors to some 2,900 visitors. The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) Vienna Office joined the programme, for the third time, with an interactive booth asking: “Are AI and cyber technologies making nuclear weapons more dangerous?”. Through games and discussions with UNODA staff, visitors shared their…

Strengthening National Reporting on SALW Control
Strengthening National Reporting on SALW Control under the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PoA) - UNREC and UNODA Convene Regional Briefing for African States

On 28 April 2026, the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC), in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), organized an online regional briefing for African Member States on national reporting under the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PoA). This event was held in the framework of UNREC’s European Union-funded project supporting the…

UNODA and VCDNP partner on outreach event at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich

“Can existing institutions, regimes and international law continue to provide a meaningful foundation for international peace and security?” The UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) Vienna Office and the Vienna Centre for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) tackled this question at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich on 24 April 2026. As part of the UNODA-VCDNP Joint Engagement Project, generously supported by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and other…

High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu
“At a Time of Nuclear Uncertainty”, an interview with Izumi Nakamitsu

During her recent visit to Japan, the UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, was interviewed by the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA). The conversation was part of the “Japan’s Voices” series of the JIIA Center for Global Outreach (CGO) with Ms. Umi Ariga, Research Fellow at the JIIA and a participant at the recent UN Youth4Disarmament Forum, leading the interview. 

Looking towards the upcoming Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-…

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Events and Announcements

See the top events and announcements from UNODA.

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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.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction

Support to multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation efforts with respect to weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

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Conventional Arms

Focusing disarmament and arms control efforts on all weapons not considered WMD, including small arms and light weapons (SALW).

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Regional Disarmament

The enhancement of global disarmament and international peace and security through the support and promotion of regional disarmament efforts.

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Emerging Challenges

Include UNODA’s work in science and technology, AI, autonomous weapons, ICT and outer space, among other areas.

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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.

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