United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)

The theme of this year’s #16Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence focuses on digital violence. Emerging technologies have important implications for gender equality, as they disproportionately affect women and girls through technology-facilitated gender-based violence, online threats and harassment, digital abuse and violence, the gender digital divide, as well as biases in AI and related systems. This conversation is especially timely in 2025 — the 25th anniversary of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. Want to learn more about UNIDIR’s research on gender, security and technology? Check out our publications on this topic: unidir.org/GenderGlobalSec

Neurotechnologies are transforming the relationship between humans and machines — reshaping how we interact with both digital and physical environments. While still maturing, these technologies already raise significant concerns, particularly regarding potential military applications. No single State can navigate these challenges alone; international cooperation is essential. In our latest video, Giacomo Persi Paoli and Gosia Loj highlight why neurotechnology must become part of global conversations, and how UNIDIR’s Innovations Dialogue provides a much-needed platform for addressing frontier technologies that don’t have a formal space yet in the international peace and security agenda. #ID25

In an era of deep geopolitical, technological and economic transformation, UNIDIR’s mission is directly relevant to today’s principal challenges — and tomorrow’s possibilities. At UNIDIR, we make sense of this complexity through: 🔸 Our vision: a world in which States and peoples are protected from armed conflicts, existential risks and technology-related threats to global security. 🔸 Our mission: Our work builds capacity, facilitates dialogue to bridge divides and informs responses that contribute to a sustainable and peaceful world. In an era of uncertainty, maintaining peace is something we can and we must create together. 🔗 Read our new strategy: unidir.org/strategy #UNIDIR45

UNIDIR’s conference on improvised weapons production is just a few days away! The DIY age of conventional arms seems to be on our doorstep. Improvised weapons manufacturing has never been more accessible, cost-effective and reliable, causing significant challenges for international security and safety. Driving this spread is knowledge, transferred through online networks or offline communities. Next Monday, 8 December, our conference will take a deep dive into the issue, exploring improvisation, knowledge transfer and next steps for the international community. 🎥 Join the livestream: bit.ly/3IPXBHP 🔗 More details: unidir.org/InsideNet

The Geneva Cyber Week 2026 call for proposals is now open! Geneva Cyber Week returns from 4 to 6 May 2026, and we invite proposals contributing to this year’s theme: Advancing Global Cooperation in Cyberspace. Proposals may address our three sub-themes: 📉 Understanding risks ⚖️ Shaping governance 🛡️ Building resilience Submit your proposal by 6 January 2026: https://lnkd.in/dBdcvpPi

UNIDIR has been at the forefront of advancing international security for the past 45 years. To mark this milestone, we convened a special event to explore the challenges and opportunities that will shape the next four and a half decades—from anticipatory governance and the transformative potential of nuclear arms control and disarmament, to the regulation of emerging technologies. Our sincere thanks to the distinguished officials, internationally recognized experts and all participants who contributed their insights to this forward-looking dialogue. Shaping a more secure future starts now. #UNIDIR45

As the Women, Peace and Security Agenda turns 25, it is important to find ways to strengthen its implementation. National Action Plans are key strategic and practical tools which provide a roadmap for implementation at the national level. UNIDIR’s newest research report analyzed 197 National Action Plans adopted by 106 States and territories between 2005 and 2024. This research takes stock of how weapons-related issues — including small arms and light weapons, landmines, weapons of mass destruction and emerging technologies — have been integrated into the Agenda at the national level. In order to strengthen this integration, UNIDIR developed a toolkit with concrete examples of actions and indicators. We hope these examples will inspire renewed action to advance the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. 📕 Read our report: unidir.org/ClosingGaps ⚙️ And explore the toolkit: unidir.org/ToolkitWPS

What’s next for nuclear arms control? As key bilateral agreements collapse and the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty nears expiration, the global arms control architecture faces unprecedented challenges. How can the international community respond? Join the second event of UNIDIR and United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA)’s series on the 2026 Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference to hear expert assessments of the current situation and to explore practical options for the future of nuclear arms control and the broader Non-Proliferation Treaty regime. Moderated by UNIDIR’s Andrey Baklitskiy, this event will feature high-level speakers Ambassador (Ret) Jarmo Viinanen, Rose Gottemoeller, Anton Khlopkov and Tong Zhao. 📅 10 December, 16:00–17:30 CET, online 🔗 Register: unidir.org/NPTseries

How is the banditry crisis in Nigeria’s North West evolving? Our latest data dashboard draws from the second survey of a multi-year panel study conducted in early 2025 with 2,200 respondents across communities in Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara States. It offers insights into: 🔹 How patterns of banditry have shifted over time 🔹 The changing responses from communities and authorities 🔹 The resurgence of the Lakurawa, an armed group operating in the region 🔹 Climate-related challenges 🔍 Explore these and more findings here: bit.ly/43YAySl

At UNIDIR, we cover a wide range of issues — and one is drawing growing interest: improvised or do-it-yourself weapons. 🎥 Watch UNIDIR’s Head of Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme, Paul Holtom, shed light on this threat and join our conference on 8 December to learn more: bit.ly/3MvcSPs #UNIDIR45