Oxford Diplomatic Society Visits UNRCPD to Explore Regional Opportunities for Disarmament in Asia-Pacific

On 16 April 2025, the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD) had the pleasure of welcoming a delegation from the Oxford Diplomatic Society to UN House in Kathmandu, as part of the Society’s 10-day visit to Nepal.

The delegation, comprising graduate students and professionals from diverse academic and career backgrounds, visited UNRCPD to gain a deeper understanding of the United Nations’ disarmament efforts and the Centre’s contribution to peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region. The session featured a comprehensive presentation by Mr. Deepayan Basu Ray, Director of UNRCPD, covering the UN’s disarmament framework, UNODA’s global mandate, and the Centre’s initiatives and projects across the region.

This was followed by a lively Q&A session that spanned a range of topics, including conventional weapons control, regional cooperation mechanisms, and the critical role of civil society and youth in advancing disarmament. The session allowed participants to engage directly with Mr. Deepayan, raising thoughtful questions on multilateralism, policy implementation, and the practical challenges of disarmament diplomacy in today’s complex security environment.

The visit offered a valuable opportunity to bridge academic inquiry with the practical work of multilateral disarmament, fostering dialogue on evolving peace and security challenges in the region.

UNRCPD extends its sincere appreciation to the Oxford Diplomatic Society for its visit and active engagement. We look forward to future collaboration with academic institutions and continued efforts to inspire the next generation of leaders in the field of disarmament.