Public research body · Policy · Palais des Nations, Switzerland · Est. 1980
The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous United Nations institute established by the UN General Assembly to conduct independent research on disarmament and related international security problems, supporting negotiations and the broader multilateral disarmament and arms control architecture. Based in Geneva, UNIDIR provides policy-oriented research, convenes multi-stakeholder and diplomatic dialogues, and develops tools intended to enhance transparency, confidence-building, and evidence-based decision-making for UN Member States and the wider disarmament community.
In its current strategic direction, UNIDIR frames research and knowledge-building around emerging global risks and technology-related threats, with an emphasis on connecting expertise across international security, law, and digital technologies (including AI and cyber). One concrete example is its Science and Technology Watchtower initiative, which is designed as a multi-year project to support timely analysis of emerging science and technology developments and their implications for disarmament and international security. UNIDIR also operates digital “policy portal” platforms—such as the AI Policy Portal and Cyber Policy Portal—to improve transparency by mapping and organizing policy and implementation information from across UN Member States and relevant initiatives. Institutionally, UNIDIR is governed through its Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters/Board of Trustees structure and is led by a Director appointed by the UN Secretary-General. UNIDIR’s financial model is voluntarily funded (with a modest UN Regular Budget contribution), and its resource base includes contributions from a broad set of donors such as UN Member States and other organizations.
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Thinking about peace and security in today’s context, including during this year’s Disarmament Week, may feel elusive. Around the world, more than 120 conflicts affect the lives of millions of people, causing widespread destruction, displacement and insecurity. In many places, we
Championing a people-centred approach to disarmament and reintegrationWhat makes people who are involved with armed groups put down their weapons? And what leads them to join in the first place? As Disarmament Week gets under way, these questions remain as relevant as ever. Policymakers and practitioners face a crucial challenge: despite decades of
Industry responsibility in developing military AIAI is reshaping battlefield operations and thereby moving up on governance agendas by the day. The autonomous capabilities of weapon systems in particular have drawn growing attention from the international community for over a decade. Disarmament Week offers a timely opportunity
The future of international law in cyberspace needs more diverse voicesInternational law did not emerge with cyberspace in mind. Yet, the rules that govern relations between States apply to their conduct in the digital sphere. The challenge is determining how those rules apply to new forms of conduct and building greater common understanding around
Unlocking the potential of weapons data to prevent conflictArmed conflicts are at a record high and becoming harder to resolve. But what if we could act before they erupt or intensify? The spread, build-up and use of illicit weapons can be early-warning signs of conflict. Yet, prevention efforts have long overlooked them. That is startin
Electromagnetic disruption to headline UNIDIR’s Innovations Dialogue 2026The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) will hold its annual Innovations Dialogue, under the theme Electromagnetic disruption, peace and security. The seventh edition of the conference will take place on 11 November at the Geneva Graduate Institute and onli
Preparing for cyber crises before they occurCybersecurity is often considered a technical challenge. This Disarmament Week, it is worth recalling that when a serious cyber incident affects critical infrastructure, essential public services or government operations, its consequences can quickly extend into legal, economic,
New UN initiative will aim to tackle the military uses of AI (Associated Press)Is nuclear deterrence possible? (Iran Talks)Robin Geiss on the launch of a range of new initiatives from UNIDIR’s Centre of Excellence on AI, Peace and Security – Press Conference (UN Web TV)UNIDIR and partners launch first comprehensive evaluation of Arms Trade Treaty impactOn 27 August, UNIDIR, Conflict Armament Research and the Stimson Center, with support from the United Kingdom, launched a new initiative to assess progress towards the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The partners presented the initiative at an interactive side event on
Building trust in space through greater transparencyIn June 2026, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) convened a consultation in Vienna on information-sharing related to space activities and the implementation of Article XI of the Outer Space Treaty. The session supports a multi-year workplan of the Working
UNIDIR, together with Thailand’s Office of the National Security Council, National Cyber Security Agency and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, convened a workshop in Bangkok to support national implementation of the UN norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace, with support from Global Affairs Canada.
UNIDIR advances partnerships on AI, peace and security in BeijingUNIDIR Director Dr Robin Geiss conducted a mission to Beijing to discuss the impact of AI on global peace and security and to deepen existing relationships and create collaboration opportunities with Member State authorities, research institutions and private sector actors.
UNIDIR conference to spotlight how AI is reshaping global securityUNIDIR announced a conference on AI and global security (18–19 June 2026) under its Roundtable for AI, Security and Ethics initiative, co-sponsored by Microsoft, bringing together diplomats, policymakers, military officials, industry leaders, researchers and civil society.
Geneva Cyber Week returns to advance global cooperation on cybersecurityUNIDIR and the Swiss FDFA co-hosted Geneva Cyber Week 2026 (4–8 May 2026), framed around advancing global cooperation in cyberspace and addressing cyber stability, resilience, governance and security implications of emerging technologies including AI.
UNIDIR highlights arms control challenges posed by additive manufacturingUNIDIR reported on an expert discussion examining how additive manufacturing (3D printing) is changing the security landscape and arms control considerations, describing how the technology affects production and decentralized capabilities and discussing relevant policy responses under the Science and Technology Watchtower framework.