Updates

Nepal was one of the first countries to sign the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty when it opened for signatures in 1996, in line with their long-standing commitment to a world free from weapons of mass destruction. However, Nepal has yet to ratify the Treaty as of March 2025. To encourage constructive dialogue, identify the road ahead and allay any Nepali concerns surrounding this crucial next step of its relationship with the CTBT, the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD) hosted a meeting with Nepali government officials and…

The IANSA webinar focused on strengthening civil society engagement and advancing the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons (UN PoA). Key highlights included:

The International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, established by the UN General Assembly at Kyrgyzstan’s initiative, highlighted critical global security issues. This event addresses contemporary challenges such as the spread of weapons of mass destruction, ongoing military conflicts, and the need for stronger international arms control mechanisms.

The lecture aimed to educate young professionals and students on disarmament frameworks, explore future prospects, and emphasize the role of diplomacy and international organizations in advancing disarmament…

Since its entry into force in December 2014, the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) has been the only legally binding international agreement regulating the global arms trade. But in the Asia-Pacific 10 years on, attitudes towards the treaty vary greatly, despite relatively strict national laws on arms control and strengthening regional frameworks for cooperation and trade controls. Fifteen states in the Asia Pacific are states parties while eleven more are signatories. However, a further thirty have not yet joined the ATT. This is the highest figure of outstanding states for any region worldwide,…

On 17 January 2025, Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, addressed participants of the 5th Annual Disarmament and International Security Fellowship and Indian Foreign Service Officer Trainees.

In her remarks, Ms. Nakamitsu reflected on the historical significance of disarmament in shaping global peace and security. She also addressed the current challenges facing multilateralism, including geopolitical tensions and emerging threats such as advanced technologies in warfare.

Despite these challenges, she…

UNRCPD Moderates Webinar on Integrating Gender, Mental Health, and Peace Processes into the UNPoA on SALW

Organized by NISEA and IANSA, this webinar explored key themes such as the inclusion of gender perspectives, mental health, and peace processes in the RevCon4 outcomes, as well as the challenges of indigenous people’s inclusion. Discussions also focused on how CSOs can enhance their participation in the UNPoA through peacebuilding, synergies, and intersectionality.

The session featured insights from:

The study tour was organized as part of the technical and financial assistance provided to Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior, under the EU-funded project in support of the UN PoA/ITI. The activity, co-organized with UNDP SEESAC, aimed to advance Cambodia’s efforts to establish a National Coordination Mechanism and develop a national strategy on SALW, while also strengthening Cambodia’s leadership in implementing the ASEAN Declaration on Combating Arms Smuggling.

What is a gun without bullets? It is the bullet—tiny, unassuming, yet devastating—that fuels the fires of conflict, transforming intent into impact. People don’t die from gun wounds; they die from bullet wounds. Ammunition, often overlooked in disarmament…

UNODA/UNRCPD is co-hosting, with the Government of the Republic of Korea, a side event on the margins of the Meeting of the Working Group on Strengthening the BWC in Geneva: “Strengthening Global Biological Security in a Rapidly Evolving Technological Landscape.”

This side event, following the 23rd ROK-UN Conference on Disarmament and Non-proliferation Issues held in Seoul and organized by the Republic of Korea and UNODA, will explore global efforts to strengthen the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) amidst rapid technological advancements.

With the BWC's 50th…

On November 11, Mr. Deepayan Basu Ray, Director of UNRCPD, delivered a lecture on disarmament to students at Zhejiang University. During his presentation, Mr. Basu Ray introduced the various pillars of the Centre’s work, highlighting ongoing activities to provide a comprehensive overview. He also offered insights into the dynamics of disarmament in the Asia-Pacific region. Concluding with a Q&A session, Mr. Basu Ray encouraged the students to take meaningful action toward building a safer and more secure world.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Zhejiang University for…

Ms. Radha Day, Chief of Regional Disarmament and Information Outreach Branch of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, visited Hankuk University of Foreign Studies during her trip to Korea for the 23rd ROK-UN Joint Conference on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Issues.

She engaged with students, sharing insights on the importance of peace and disarmament, the role of youth in global initiatives and career opportunities at the UN.?

She emphasized the crucial role of youth participation in promoting peace and disarmament. We extend our heartfelt thanks…

The 23rd Republic of Korea – United Nations Joint Conference on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Issues, held on November 4-5, 2024, in Seoul, Republic of Korea, brought together over 100 experts, policymakers, and young professionals to tackle the critical issue of biological security. The conference, themed “The Biological Weapons Convention at Fifty: Strengthening Global Biological Security in a Rapidly Evolving Technological Landscape,” was co-organized by the Government of the Republic of Korea and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), alongside…

A dedicated program for youth participants was conducted as part of the 23rd ROK-UN Joint Conference on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Issues by UNRCPD and the BWC-ISU, jointly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (MOFA).

Youth advocates contributed to discussions on the BWC and broader topics related to biosecurity and biosafety by participating in four sessions, including one virtual meeting, to build connections across programmes and prepare recommendations to strengthen the participation of youth. The Youth Segment of the Conference included the…

From 23 to 25 October 2024, UNRCPD co-organized a regional workshop in Shenzhen, China, to enhance the implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and foster biosafety and biosecurity practices in Southeast Asia. Supported by the Governments of China and Lao PDR, the workshop brought together 35 participants from ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste, alongside regional and international experts, to share insights and enhance collaboration.

Opening remarks were delivered by Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, UN High Representative for Disarmament…

From 21 to 25 October, the Youth Team at ODA Headquarters, together with its regional offices, including the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD), organized a study trip to New York during the UN First Committee for the UN Youth Champions for Disarmament.  

The study trip to New York is a key component of the UN Youth Champions for Disarmament Training Programme. Launched in October 2023 with support from the Government of Germany, the Programme aims to empower young people to advocate for disarmament within their…

From 3 to 5 September 2024, stakeholders from Nepal came together for a National Workshop on Global Instruments on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Control at the Radisson Hotel in Kathmandu. The workshop -organized by the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal and the Armed Police of Nepal, with financial support by the European Union – aimed to strengthen national dialogue, policy development, and inter-agency…

Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan, 22-24 July 2024. The National Workshop on the Exchange of Best Practices on the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) was successfully organized during 22-24 July 2024, at the picturesque Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan. This pivotal three-day event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, security forces, parliamentarians, civil society organizations, and representatives from international bodies such as the United Nations and the OSCE, to address the critical issue of small arms and light weapons control in Kyrgyzstan.

On July 15, 2024, in celebration of World Youth Skills Day, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and its Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD) hosted the Asia-Pacific segment of the Regional Youth Forum. This event aimed to introduce the Asia-Pacific cohort of the UN Youth Champions for Disarmament (YC4D) and gather insights and recommendations for the Youth Champions to collate and present at the UN General Assembly in October 2024.  

YC4D: Empowering Youth in Disarmament 

Launched in October…

UNRCPD and the Prajnya Trust conclude the 2024 edition of the Disarmament Toolkit online course

The third edition of the Disarmament Toolkit, jointly organized by the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD) and the India-based Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Prajnya Trust, held online on 26-28 June and 3-5 July, for a total of six sessions.

The Disarmament Toolkit 2024 recorded 628 registered participants from 80 countries and brought together participants from various backgrounds, including…

From April 15 to 17, 2024, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, became the focal point for a critical gathering aimed at addressing one of the country’s most pressing issues: the proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons (SALW). Organized by the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council (DPMNEC) in collaboration with the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD) and the United Nations Country Team in Papua New Guinea, the National Workshop on Coordination Mechanisms and Comprehensive National Strategy on…