United Nations
Office for Disarmament
Affairs
Spotlights
See the top, latest stories and events coming from UNODA.
UNODA Director and Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Highlights Gender Gaps as Security Vulnerability at UN Side Event
New York, 29 October 2025 — At the side event “Empowering Change: The Role of Women in WMD Non-Proliferation and Disarmament,” organized by the Slovenian Mission and held at the UN Secretariat, Mr. Adedeji Ebo, Director and Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, delivered remarks underscoring the strategic importance of women’s participation in disarmament efforts.
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu Delivers a Video Message to the 63rd Pugwash Conference on Science and World Affairs
On 1 November 2025, in Hiroshima, Japan, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu delivered a video message for the opening of the 63rd Pugwash Conference on Science and World Affairs entitled "80 Years After the Atomic Bombing - Time for Peace, Dialogue and Nuclear Disarmament."
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu Delivers Opening Remarks for Regional Consultations for States Parties to the NPT
On 28 October, High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu delivered opening remarks for regional consultations for States Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, in Hanoi, Viet Nam.
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu Delivers Remarks at Launch of the First Report of the Global Commission of Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM)
On 16 October, High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu delivered remarks at launch of the First Report of the Global Commission of Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM).
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu Delivers a Video Message to the International Meeting for Peace
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu delivered a video message to the International Meeting for Peace at the Forum entitled "The Forgotten Danger: Towards a World Without Nuclear Weapons." The Forum took place in Rome, from 26-28 October 2025.
SSAFE training course organized for UNSGM experts
From 12-18 October 2025, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) organized the fifth training course on ‘Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environments’ (SSAFE) for experts on the roster for the United Nations Secretary-General’s Mechanism for Investigations of Alleged Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons (UNSGM).
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu Delivers Opening Plenary Keynote Remarks at the Singapore International Cyber Week "Shaping the Next Era of Global Cybersecurity
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu Delivered remarks at the Singapore International Cyber Week
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu Delivers Keynote Remarks at "Nobel Laureates and the Prevention of Nuclear War" Event
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu delivered keynote remarks at the "Nobel Laureates and the Prevention of Nuclear War," event in New York
UNODA organizes Basic Training ‘Refresher’ for UNSGM Experts
From 5 to 11 October 2025, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs organized a Basic Training ‘Refresher’ course for the United Nations Secretary-General’s Mechanism for Investigations of Alleged Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons (UNSGM) in Cha Am, Thailand.
Updates
See the top, latest stories and events coming from UNODA.
Responsible by Design: A Conversation with the Global Commission on Responsible AI in the Military Domain
Event date: October 16, 2025
The Global Commission on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (GC REAIM) published its report, Responsible by Design Strategic Guidance Report on the Risks, Opportunities and Governance of Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain on 24 September 2025.
During the side-event in the margins of the First Committee, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Global Commission (GC) on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM) members and its…
Side Event on “Silencing the Guns by 2030: Lessons and Perspectives from Africa Amnesty Month Implementation”
On 23 October, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union (AU) to the UN co-hosted a side event on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly First Committee to showcase key experiences and discuss lessons learned from five years of implementing the joint AU–UNODA Africa Amnesty Month (AAM) project.
This first-ever New York side event on Africa Amnesty Month was convened in a hybrid format, with panelists and attendees participating both in person at UN Headquarters and virtually from across regions…
Doing Innovation Responsibly – How Responsible AI Practices Can Address Risks to International Peace and Security
Saturday 27 September & Monday 13 October
While advances in civilian AI can offer remarkable positive potential, misuse of civilian AI presents significant risks for international peace and security. Critically, the technical community in the civilian AI space is often unaware of these challenges, under-engaged, or unsure of the role they can play in addressing them.
As part of the Promoting Responsible Innovation in Artificial Intelligence for Peace and Security project, made possible thanks to the generous support of the European Union, the United Nations Office…
United Nations Youth4Disarmament Forum Hosts Side Event: The Future Won’t Wait – Youth Policy Pathways on Nuclear Weapons and Emerging Technology
On 17 October, the United Nations Youth4Disarmament Forum concluded with a youth-led Side Event titled “The Future Won’t Wait: Youth Policy Pathways on Nuclear Weapons and Emerging Technology.” The event brought together youth participants, experts, and diplomats to mark the culmination of the first-ever United Nations Youth4Disarmament Forum, made possible by the strong political and generous financial support from the Government of the Republic of Korea.
This side event gave an opportunity for the youth participants to present a draft of their outcome document, an…
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.
