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.

MAPS Dialogues | Before and After Use: A Life-Cycle View of Military AI from Pre-design to Decommissioning

The UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) convened the second webinar of the 2026 Military AI, Peace & Security (MAPS) Dialogues on 28 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 from 15 to 17 June 2026. The webinar brought together representatives of governments, industry, academia, and civil society to look at the eleven life-cycle stages set out in General Assembly resolution 80/58 (pre-design, design, development…

Erlangen Initiative Expands to Southeastern Europe with First UNSCR 1540 Regional Outreach to Academia Conference

On 12-13 May 2026, the German Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA), in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), organized the inaugural Resolution 1540 Regional Outreach to Academia Conference for Southeastern Europe, held in Tirana, Albania. This was the first such event under the Erlangen Initiative, which engages academia to translate the objectives of United Nations Security Council resolution 1540 into practical prevention measures, held in Southeastern Europe.

In her opening remarks, Blerina Abrazhda, Deputy…

‘Reaffirming Commitment to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention for the Protection of Civilians’ during the 2026 Protection of Civilians Week

On 21 May 2026, the Permanent Mission of Norway to the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) co-organized a side event on the margins of the 2026 Protection of Civilians Week on “Reaffirming commitment to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention for the Protection of Civilians”. The event was co-sponsored by Colombia, Zambia, Algeria, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, New Zealand, Lebanon, Belgium, the Philippines, Ireland, Switzerland, Canada, South Africa, Australia, UNODA, UNMAS, UNICEF, OCHA and Norwegian People’s Aid. Bringing together…

Cameroon Hosts First National Consultation under Regional SALW Governance Initiative in Central Africa

On 5–6 May 2026, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and its regional centre, the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC), supported a national consultation in Yaoundé, Cameroon, under the UNSCAR-funded project “Development of a Blueprint for SALW Governance in Central Africa” implemented by the Cameroon Youths and Students Forum for Peace (CAMYOSFOP). …

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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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