Lomé, Togo, 5 March 2026
The United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) marked the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness with an outreach session at the Institut Sacré-Cœur d’Avépozo (ISCA) in Lomé, bringing together over 100 students, teachers and United Nations representatives for a day of dialogue on peace and security, disarmament and non-proliferation.
Observed annually on 5 March, the International Day aims to raise public awareness – especially among young people – of disarmament issues and the contribution of disarmament to peace, security and sustainable development.
The activity opened with an address to the school community, followed by a three-hour interactive session with high school students exploring the links between disarmament, security and development.
Raising awareness among the next generation
UNREC representatives underscored that disarmament is not only a global policy priority but also a societal challenge that directly concerns young people. They emphasized the importance of empowering youth with knowledge and encouraging them to become advocates for peace. As one representative noted “Disarmament is not only about limiting the illicit circulation of weapons; it is also about building safer societies today and a more secure future for generations to come.”
Discussion highlighted how the illicit proliferation of weapons fuels insecurity and undermines development, particularly in regions affected by armed violence. Students reflected on how peace is shaped not only by international agreements, but also by everyday choices in schools and communities.
Understanding disarmament and global security challenges
Students were introduced to key concepts in disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control, including different categories of weapons, such as conventional weapons, small arms and light weapons, and weapons of mass destruction.
Educational videos illustrated the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons, including testimonies from survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Participants also examined global and regional trends in arms proliferation and the challenges posed by illicit weapons flows, particularly in Africa, where the circulation of small arms and light weapons remains a major threat to peace and development.
UNODA’s role in advancing disarmament
Participants were introduced to the work of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), which leads the United Nations’ efforts to promote disarmament and prevent the proliferation of weapons. Equally, students were briefed on UNREC’s activities including technical assistance, capacity-building and awareness-raising, in support to African countries’ efforts to strengthen arms control frameworks, address the proliferation of illicit weapons and promote regional peace and security.
Youth dialogue on peace and security
An interactive group discussion allowed students to explore the causes and consequences of armed violence and consider possible solutions. The High School students discussed i) the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in West Africa, ii) the effectiveness of arms control laws and regulations, iii) the impact of armed violence on schools and communities, iv) the importance of international cooperation to prevent illicit arms trafficking and iv) the role of youth in promoting a culture of peace.
Students shared their perspectives on how young people can contribute to safer communities through dialogue, awareness-raising and responsible civic engagement.
Inspiring youth to become ambassadors for peace
The event concluded with an interactive quiz session and the distribution of participation certificates and educational materials.
By engaging directly with young people, UNREC aims to strengthen awareness of disarmament dynamics while encouraging youth to take an active role in promoting dialogue, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Through initiatives such as this awareness-raising activity, UNODA reaffirms its commitment to empowering the next generation to build a safer and more peaceful future.
The activity marks the launch of phase III of the UN Programme of Action on illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management (POA/GFA) multiyear project running until 2028, funded by the European Union in efforts to enhance international security and address the illicit proliferation of SALW and ammunition.
