United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research

Does it matter what we call drones, unmanned aircraft or uncrewed aerial systems? Are they a boon or a threat to international peace and security? What mechanisms and frameworks exist to manage risks? And what gaps and challenges remain? This new report summarizes insights from a three-part webinar series (co-hosted with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs) that provided a comprehensive examination of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), covering terminology and classifications, benefits and risks of (mis)use and possible actions to address identified threats. With insights from leading experts such as Lt. Col. Andre Haider, Khalil O., Kerry Chávez, Abby Zeith, Wim Zwijnenburg, Jessica Dorsey, Rachel Stohl and Chantal Lavallée, this summary offers a well-rounded perspective on the evolving UAS landscape and its implications. 📘 Read the full report 👉 unidir.org/SummaryUAS

Climate change is having palpable effects on agricultural livelihoods, pushing members of vulnerable communities into armed groups as they struggle to survive. On this International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, we invite you to explore our findings on how climate-related difficulties and environmental degradation contribute to recruitment into armed groups. The first-hand accounts of former combatants from Colombia and the Lake Chad Basin region show how such hardships influenced their decisions, revealing a clear link between climate change and conflict. 🔗 Learn more: unidir.org/ClimateArmed5

Quantum mechanics has fundamentally transformed our understanding of the world. From its origins as a purely theoretical framework, it has led to remarkable technological advancements that have reshaped our world in recent decades. Last year, UNIDIR held its first multi-stakeholder dialogue on quantum technology, bringing together experts from academia, public institutions and the private sector. This event showcased a collective commitment to creating forums that foster partnerships, address quantum-related risks and ensure the responsible use of this technology. In 2024, we continue this momentum with this year’s Innovations Dialogue, which will focus on quantum technologies and their implications for international peace and security. 📅 Join us on 22 November at #ID24: unidir.org/ID24 👉 Learn more about last year’s event: unidir.org/MSD-Quantum

Join our team as a Graduate Professional (#remote) and help support our efforts to strengthen weapons and ammunition management around the world! UNIDIR’s work in this area, part of our Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme, provides research and tools that help prevent diversion, uncontrolled proliferation and destabilizing accumulations of conventional arms, including small arms and ammunition. 💼 Graduate Professional 📍 Remote 🗓️ 6 Months Apply by 15 November 2024 👉 unidir.org/GPPWAM

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres described the recent Summit of the Future as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to reignite multilateral action for a more peaceful and sustainable world. But have world leaders truly recognized the role of small arms and light weapons (#SALW) in fuelling violence worldwide and seized on the Pact as an opportunity to bolster control over them? 🔗 Read more in our latest commentary: unidir.org/CAAPSACP

How can art empower youth to shape the policies that affect their lives? UNIDIR’s recent participatory art and action-research programme trained conflict-affected youth in Nigeria, Iraq and Colombia in photography and research, giving them the tools to share their stories and advocate for change. Produced in partnership with 100cameras, War Child, UNICEF and local organizations, this report paves the way for more child- and youth-centred approaches in policymaking and peacebuilding. 📙 Read the full report: unidir.org/participatory24

In conflict and post-conflict settings, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (#DDR) programmes often overlook the unique needs and experiences of both women and men. How can we ensure that DDR processes are genuinely gender-responsive? Our latest op-ed highlights five essential steps to make DDR more inclusive: 🔹 Making space for women ex-combatants in peace processes 🔹 Addressing the role of violent masculinities in conflict dynamics 🔹 Explicitly mentioning women combatants in DDR provisions 🔹 Adopting gender-responsive budgeting 🔹 Engaging gender experts to shape DDR initiatives By implementing these actions, we can create DDR programmes that fully address the diverse experiences of those affected by conflict, paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable peace. 🔗 Read more: unidir.org/GenderDDR

The armed conflict in northeastern Nigeria and the greater Lake Chad Basin region has raged for over a decade. This new report examines the four non-state groups fighting against Boko Haram, a non-state armed group responsible for attacks on both security forces and civilians. These groups are known as volunteer security outfits (VSOs) and are active in Borno State, the epicentre of the insurgency. This report examines how VSOs acquire and manage their weapons, providing insights into the types of firearms these groups possess and highlighting emerging good practices for oversight and management of VSOs' conventional arms and ammunition. Read it here ➡️ unidir.org/VSONigeria

In the face of rapid advances in AI, how can States and non-state actors shape effective governance of AI in security and defence? Our Draft Guidelines for the Development of a National Strategy on AI in Security and Defence aim to capture, anticipate and dissect the key issues, considerations and needs that States must address in developing, adopting, implementing and reviewing their own national strategies on AI in security and defence. To ensure these guidelines reflect all the full diversity of perspectives, viewpoints and approaches to this issue, 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬. 🗨️ Share your insights by 27 December 2024: bit.ly/3YFLa5l 📘 Read the report: unidir.org/AiDraftGuide

2025 has been proclaimed by the United Nations as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology! Quantum science is a transformative technology that holds immense potential for addressing global challenges, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and improving lives around the world. With applications in health, food, sustainable cities, clean water, energy and communications, quantum technologies will have significant impacts on every aspect of our lives, including global security. To support global cooperation, raise awareness and foster education on these technologies, UNIDIR’s 2024 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞, co-organized with GESDA - Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator, will focus on Quantum Technologies and Their Implications for International Peace and Security. 🔗 Learn more about #ID24 and register: unidir.org/ID24