United Nations

Office for Disarmament

Affairs

Spotlights

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

Updates

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

Panel Discussion Highlights How Resolution 1540 Builds Knowledge and Capacity

In a dynamic effort to strengthen global security through education and collaboration, experts and officials gathered in Vienna to spotlight the transformative role of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540. On 28 November, the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP), the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), and the Permanent Mission of Türkiye to the United Nations in Vienna co-organized a panel discussion to explore the educational and capacity-building impact of resolution 1540.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Levent Eler,...

From Erlangen to Munich: Advancing Academia’s Engagement on Export Controls

Every great journey begins with a single step. When the Erlangen Initiative was launched in 2023 to foster collaboration between academia and regulators in implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540, that first step was taken. Today, the dialogue has advanced to Munich, marking a significant step forward in deepening this engagement.

On 26–27 November 2025, the German Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control, in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, organized the 3rd Erlangen Global Conference in Munich, Germany. The...

Regional Workshop on the Biological Weapons Convention in the Caribbean

From 25 to 26 November 2025, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) Implementation Support Unit (ISU) organized a regional workshop on strengthening the implementation of the BWC. The workshop was organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs and the Ministry of Health of Trinidad and Tobago and was made possible with the financial support from the European Union.

Photo credit: European Union Delegation to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

The...

UNSGM experts join training course on sampling and transport of toxic and infectious substances

From 17-21 November 2025, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), in cooperation with the German Federal Foreign Office, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)’s National Microbiology Laboratory, organized a training course on sampling and transport of toxic and infectious substances for the United Nations Secretary-General’s Mechanism for Investigations of Alleged Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons (UNSGM) in Berlin, Germany.

A group of 15 qualified experts nominated by Member States to the UNSGM roster from 14...

Events and Announcements

See the top events and announcements from UNODA.

Announcements

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.

media bodies sc

Weapons of Mass Destruction

Support to multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation efforts with respect to weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

media bodies unhq

Conventional Arms

Focusing disarmament and arms control efforts on all weapons not considered WMD, including small arms and light weapons (SALW).

media bodies trustee

Regional Disarmament

The enhancement of global disarmament and international peace and security through the support and promotion of regional disarmament efforts.

media bodies ecosoc

Emerging Challenges

Include UNODA’s work in science and technology, AI, autonomous weapons, ICT and outer space, among other areas.

main bodies ga

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.

Subscribe to the

Disarmament in Review

newsletter