Public research body · Policy · Palais des Nations, Geneva · Est. 1980
The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous United Nations institution that conducts independent, evidence-based research to support disarmament, arms control, and international security policy. UNIDIR’s mission is to generate objective and forward-looking analysis on disarmament and security problems—helping States and the wider international community interpret risks, inform negotiations, and strengthen multilateral approaches—while also addressing emerging technology-related threats.
Strategically, UNIDIR operates through thematic programmes and cross-cutting “platform” activities. Its research agenda covers disarmament forums and treaty implementation support, conventional weapons and ammunition management, weapons of mass destruction/non-proliferation issues, and space security. It also places specific emphasis on the security implications of science and technology, including digital risks and AI-related governance, and runs forward-looking work (via its Futures Lab) to anticipate longer-term security and governance challenges. In the current strategic cycle, UNIDIR’s 2026–2030 framework prioritizes (among other themes) strengthening arms control and disarmament, and advancing the governance of emerging technologies—explicitly linking research outputs to practical policy takeaways and multilateral engagement through partnerships and convening roles.
On 20-21 August, UNIDIR and the Biological Weapons Convention Implementation Support Unit convened two multistakeholder dialogues on the margins of the ninth session of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention. The dialogues explored how science and technology too
Strengthening community capacity to prevent ammunition diversionUNIDIR, in partnership with the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) and with support from the Government of Japan, brought together community members from Ghana’s Upper East Region for a three-day workshop in Navrongo from 18 to 20 August 2026. The initiative aimed at s
Reviewing the Arms Trade TreatyThe 12th Conference of States Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT CSP) will take place from 24-28 August, and will take the next steps to develop a five-year strategy for the treaty. This initiative emerged from discussions marking the treaty’s 10th anniversary, which prompted
As Earth’s orbit becomes more strategic, UNIDIR gathers experts for security talks in GenevaThe United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) will convene the Outer Space Security Conference on 8-9 September 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva and online. It will bring together policymakers, defence officials, industry representatives, academics and ci
О проведении Региональной встречи по теме «Повышение потенциала в области пресечения поставок оружия террористам в Центральной Азии» (МИД России)New initiative paves the way towards a mine-free AfricaOn 18 June, UNIDIR – with support from the European Union (EU) – together with partners including the Mines Advisory Group launched a new initiative aimed at enabling States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) from the African region in fulfilling obligation
UNIDIR and Thailand advance national implementation of UN cyber normsFrom 8-10 July, UNIDIR, together with Thailand’s Office of the National Security Council (NSC), National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), convened a workshop in Bangkok on the national implementation of the UN norms of responsible State behavio
UNIDIR advances partnerships on AI, peace and security in BeijingFrom 30 June to 3 July, UNIDIR Director Dr Robin Geiss undertook a week-long mission to Beijing where he met a wide range of stakeholders and discussed pressing questions concerning the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on global peace and security. Mirroring a similarly div
Navigating international humanitarian law in the age of autonomyUNIDIR has launched a scenario compendium presenting potential uses of lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) in realistic operational contexts. The compendium examines challenges of compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL) in concrete situations of armed conflict. I
Due diligence in early practice, the International Law Commission agenda and cyberspaceOn the margins of the 2026 International Law Commission (ILC) session, UNIDIR is organizing a side event on due diligence in cyberspace to bridge discussions and encourage engagement between cyber diplomats and the international legal community. Due diligence is a well-establishe
Beyond the Vanishing Point? What the Destruction of Civilian Infrastructure in Armed Conflicts Reveals about the State and the Role of IHL Today (Just Security)A new home for AI governanceUNIDIR today announced the launch of its Centre of Excellence on AI, Peace and Security, a new platform dedicated to strengthening global governance of artificial intelligence in the context of international peace and security. As AI transforms security dynamics, from military op
UNIDIR hosted the launch event for the Cluster Munition Monitor 2026 in partnership with the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and the Cluster Munition Coalition, describing the Monitor as an independent, impartial evidence base on progress and challenges under the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
Outer Space Security Conference 2026 (8–9 September 2026)UNIDIR announced its Outer Space Security Conference 2026 as a platform for dialogue on space threats, cascading effects, and evolving governance questions, with participation across government, defense, industry, academia, and civil society.
UNIDIR’s Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics 2026 (Insights)UNIDIR described its AISE26 conference as a flagship event bringing together technical and policy communities to strengthen cooperative approaches to AI-related security challenges and governance.
Strengthening community capacity to prevent ammunition diversionUNIDIR reported a workshop in Ghana’s Upper East Region (18–20 August 2026) with partners and Japan support, focusing on community-based approaches to help prevent ammunition diversion and trafficking along the Ghana–Burkina Faso border.
Reviewing the Arms Trade TreatyUNIDIR published coverage ahead of the Arms Trade Treaty Conference of States Parties, summarizing UNIDIR-informed discussions and concerns about aspects of implementation not being examined through the current informal consultations.
UNIDIR reported launching a mine-free Africa capacity-building initiative with EU support and partners, aimed at enabling African States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention to advance obligations and mine risk reduction.