United Nations

Office for Disarmament

Affairs

Spotlights

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Updates

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

Training Course on Microbial Genomics and Bioforensics at the German Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology in Munich

Training Course on Microbial Genomics and Bioforensics at the German Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology in Munich  

From 16 to 27 March 2026, in Munich, Germany, the Implementation Support Unit (ISU) of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) within the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) co-organized a Training Course on Pathogen Detection and Biosecurity in partnership with the German Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (IMB). The training was convened with financial support from Norway and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The…

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Progress Accelerates on Costa Rica’s UNSCR 1540 National Action Plan

The Second Workshop on the development of Costa Rica’s National Action Plan (NAP) for the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1540 (2004) was held on 29–30 April 2026 in San José, Costa Rica.  It was organized by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) in collaboration with the 1540 Committee and the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism of the Organization of American States (CICTE/OAS). The workshop convened a broad range of national and international stakeholders to advance Costa Rica’s…

MAPS DIALOGUES
MAPS Dialogues – A Shared Vocabulary for Military AI: Bridging Technical Understanding and Policy Needs

ODA convened the first webinar of the 2026 Military AI, Peace & Security (MAPS) Dialogues on 7 May 2026. This three-part series, supported by the Republic of Korea, leads into the UN informal exchanges on AI in the military domain, taking place in Geneva from15 to17 June 2026. The session brought together over 160 participants from across governments, industry, academia, and civil society.

Opening the discussion, H.E. Ambassador Jongin Bae, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations, framed the stakes: “Without the shared vocabulary, even…

Young girl listening to a panel discussion at the 11th NPT Review Conference.
Youth advocates take center stage at the 11th NPT Review Conference

On the margins of the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), UNODA's #Youth4Disarmament and Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons (YLF) brought young leaders from around the world to New York City to showcase their expertise, creativity, and forward-looking perspectives in discussions on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. 

Across four side events, the participants highlighted the growing role of youth not…

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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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