Disarmament in Review
On 23 May 2022, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) launched the fifth edition of the Scholarship for Peace and Security. The programme recognizes the relevance of conflict prevention, management and resolution in today’s international security environment and the key role of disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control in building a safer and more secure world.
The training programme, held annually since 2018, seeks to empower new generations, especially women, to become active agents of change in peace and security. It is part of UNODA’s education work towards realization of a more inclusive, gender-balanced and proficient disarmament community.
Starting this week, 152 participants, 85 percent of whom are women, from 51 States from across the OSCE region will engage in an eight-week self-paced online training course and weekly facilitated virtual sessions. Through interactive course materials and insights from subject-matter experts, they will gain a deeper understanding of issues related to disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control. Each week, participants will dive into a new topic ranging from small arms and light weapons to weapons of mass destruction, sustainable development, as well as emerging global threats to international security. The Scholarship also dedicates a session to discussing gender and youth perspectives on disarmament.
After the online sessions, 50 selected female participants will be given the opportunity to participate in the in-person training course held in Vienna, Austria, envisaged to take place in the autumn of 2022.
The Programme contributes to efforts aimed at achieving Sustainable Development Goals 4 (quality education), 5 (gender equality), 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions) and 17 (partnerships for the goals). In addition, it has important links to the Secretary-General’s proposal of a New Agenda for Peace, as articulated in his “Our Common Agenda” report, and UNODA’s Gender Policy, both of which establish a central role for women in the achievement of sustainable peace and security.
Find out more about the Scholarship through the dedicated website. Other, freely accessible self-paced online courses on disarmament and related issues can be found on the Disarmament Education Dashboard of UNODA.
Written by: Ms. Veerle Moyson
