Disarmament Agenda

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Implementation Plan

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Click on the boxes below to view the ACTIONS included in the implementation plan.

(See below for the FULL LIST of actions)

Disarmament to save humanity

Towards the elimination of nuclear weapons

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Ensuring respect for norms against chemical and biological weapons

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Preventing the emergence of new domains of strategic competition and conflict

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Disarmament that saves lives

Mitigating the humanitarian impact of conventional arms

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Addressing the excessive accumulation and illicit trade in conventional arms

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Disarmament for future generations

Emerging means and methods of warfare

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Strengthening partnerships for disarmament

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Last updated on 05/11/2021.

DISARMAMENT AND THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

(Click on a goal to find out about the relevant targets)

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

Status of Steps and Activities

Actions

Title

Champion

Supporter

Status

Disarmament to save humanity

Action 1

Facilitate dialogue for nuclear disarmament

1.1

The Secretary-General to directly engage with the Heads of State or Government of the nuclear-weapon States

Ongoing

1.2

Advocate for agreement on benchmarks for the implementation of nuclear disarmament commitments at the 2020 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

In progress

1.3

Work with States parties to facilitate a successful outcome to the 2020 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

In progress

Action 2

Affirm the non-use of nuclear weapons

2.1

Engage with the nuclear-weapon States and key non-nuclear-weapons States to seek agreement for an outcome at the 2020 NPT Review Conference, which supports preserving the norm against the use of nuclear weapons and strengthens security assurances to non-nuclear-weapon States

In progress

2.2

Utilize public advocacy and official opportunities to build support for the principle of the non-use of nuclear weapons under any circumstances

Ongoing

2.3

Support the consideration of legal and practical measures to obtain strengthened assurances to non-nuclear-weapon States against the use of nuclear weapons

Ongoing

Action 3

Affirm a nuclear war must never be fought

3.1

Support direct engagement among the nuclear-weapon States and other States that possess nuclear weapons to individually or collectively reaffirm that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought

Ongoing

3.2

Support the development of practical policies to lessen the danger of nuclear war and diminish the role of nuclear weapons in military and security doctrines

Ongoing

3.3

Engage with States parties to seek agreement at the 2020 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons on an outcome that reaffirms that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought, and that takes forward actions to lessen the danger of nuclear war and to contribute to nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament

In progress

3.4

Utilize public advocacy and official opportunities to reinforce the message that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought

Ongoing

Action 4

Bring the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty into force

4.1

The Secretary-General to pursue direct advocacy with the Heads of State or Government of “Annex 2” States that have not signed or ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and with other non-ratifying States

In development

4.2

The Office for Disarmament Affairs to work with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization to obtain additional signatures of the Treaty leading to its entry into force and universality

Ongoing

Action 5

Strengthen and consolidate nuclear-weapon-free zones

5.1

Organize a seminar in August 2019, to foster cooperation and enhance consultation mechanisms among the existing nuclear-weapon-free zones

Completed

5.2

Create a global nuclear-weapon-free zone website/portal serving as a means of communication among the zones

Completed

5.3

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research will conduct research, build analytic capacity, collect and develop new proposals, and foster inclusive dialogue on efforts to establish a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction and, through regional dialogues, identify approaches on the way forward

In progress

Action 6

Reduce the risk of any use of nuclear weapons

6.1

Develop a plan, incorporating the views of Member States, to implement the recommendations identified by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research for practical and near-term measures for nuclear risk reduction

Not yet initiated

6.2

Research at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research with a view to developing evidence-based recommendations on nuclear risk reduction, including packages of elements applicable at the regional level, where appropriate

In progress

6.3

Facilitate discussions by Member States on nuclear risk reduction, including within the disarmament machinery

In progress

Action 7

Conclude a treaty banning fissile materials for nuclear weapons

7.1

Support the high-level fissile material cut-off treaty expert preparatory group

Completed

7.2

Facilitate regional dialogue about the issue among States in Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and raise awareness of the related United Nations processes with the involvement of relevant regional organizations, academia and civil society organizations

Completed

Action 8

Develop nuclear disarmament verification

8.1

Support the first session of the Group of Governmental Experts to consider the role of verification in advancing nuclear disarmament

Completed

8.2

Engage with Member States and civil society to support the development of procedures and technologies posed by verification challenges

In progress

8.3

Support the second and third session of the Group of Governmental Experts to consider the role of verification in advancing nuclear disarmament

Completed

Action 9

Restore respect for the global norm against chemical weapons

9.1

Confirm funding requirements and scope of issues to be examined by the lessons-learned process

Completed

9.2

Recruit a new staff member to carry out substantive and administrative tasks related to the implementation of the process

Completed

9.3

Convene four workshops to take place in 2019

Completed

9.4

Draft, publish and circulate a final report, distilling the identified lessons learned

Completed

Action 10

Readiness to investigate alleged use of biological weapons

10.1

Raise funds to support identified activities, including programmatic support

In progress

10.2

Train qualified experts in core skills for an investigation under the Secretary-General’s Mechanism

In progress

10.3

Reach out to Member States to encourage offers of training, equipment and targeted nominations of experts to the roster of the Secretary-General’s Mechanism

In progress

Action 11

Develop framework to respond to any use of biological weapons

11.1

Prepare a skeleton of a framework for harmonized and coordinated international response to the use of biological weapons and identify key stakeholders

Completed

11.2

Draft the framework, carry out a comprehensive analysis of stakeholders, map out key processes and scenarios under the Biological Weapons Convention and identify roles and responsibilities of the main stakeholders that are potentially engaged in case of a request to deliver assistance under the Convention

Completed

11.3

Test the draft framework in the context of a table-top exercise in 2019 and follow up in 2020 on lessons identified

In progress

Action 12

Prevent an arms race in outer space

12.1

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research and the Office for Disarmament Affairs will prepare background papers on existing space law applicable to the prevention of an arms race in outer space as well as on technological developments, threats and challenges in outer space

In progress

12.2

The Office for Disarmament Affairs will prepare a compilation of national practice regarding the implementation of outer space transparency and confidence-building measures

In progress

12.3

The Office for Disarmament Affairs will facilitate the engagement of the private sector and non-governmental organizations in United Nations deliberations on outer space security

In progress

12.4

The Office for Disarmament Affairs and the Office for Outer Space Affairs will promote the sharing of information on major military outer space policies and expenditures

Ongoing

Action 13

Study the implications of long-range conventional weapons

13.1

Convene a meeting of experts to inform the preparation of the study on long-range conventional weapons, particularly its section on arms control approaches

Completed

13.2

Write and the publish a study on the peace and security implications of long-range conventional weapons, including those using hypersonic technologies

Completed

13.3

Facilitate ongoing dialogue by Member States on the issue, including through a side event at the 2019 First Committee

Completed

Disarmament that saves lives

Action 14

Avoid the use of explosive weapons in populated areas

14.1

The Secretary-General to advocate for the development of concrete measures on explosive weapons in populated areas

In progress

14.2

Facilitate multilateral engagement on approaches to minimize civilian harm related to the use of explosive weapons in populated areas

In progress

14.3

Build a common understanding of direct, indirect and reverberating effects of explosive weapons in populated areas to support the development of harm mitigation measures

In development

Action 15

Engage with parties to the conflict drawing on casualty recording mechanisms

15.1

Expand casualty recording systems to other UN human rights field presences taking into account the specificities of the context as well as resource and expertise needs

In progress

15.2

Publish a second edition of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs compilation of military policy and practice, on the basis of inputs supplied by Member States and other relevant stakeholders.

In development

15.3

Convene or facilitate workshops for the sharing among Governments and their armed forces of policy and practice that are designed to avoid or at least minimize civilian harm resulting from military operations in urban environments and other populated areas, and especially from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas

In progress

Action 16

Share policy and practice to protect civilians

16.1

Soliciting inputs from Member States adn other relevant stakeholders on the policy and practice of their armed forces related to mitigating civilian harm resulting from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas

Ongoing

16.2

Ensure awareness by existing and potential partners of the work done by UN human rights field presences on casualty recording, including with a view to strengthening collaborative advocacy efforts and making relevant data available

Ongoing

Action 18

Strengthen inter-agency coordination on improvised explosive devices

18.1

Finalize the mapping prepared by the United Nations Mine Action Service of United Nations responses to IEDs, including outlining existing mandates to address IED threats, listing activities undertaken and available resources, and identifying gaps and challenges

Completed

18.2

Engage in a consultative process to develop a whole-of-system approach to addressing common and cross-cutting IED issues, based on gaps and challenges identified in the mapping

In progress

Action 19

Common standards for armed uncrewed aerial vehicles

19.1

Prepare research briefs on the expanding development, transfer and use of armed uncrewed aerial vehicles; disruptive developments in armed uncrewed aerial vehicles technology; and the relationship between armed uncrewed aerial vehicles and international stability

Completed

19.2

Organize a side event at the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly to present the research findings, in order to build political momentum for future multilateral engagement and demonstrate the importance of transparency, accountability and oversight measures to mitigate the potential negative consequences of armed uncrewed aerial vehicles proliferation

Completed

19.3

Convene a table-top exercise to explore decision-making processes relevant to the use of armed uncrewed aerial vehicles, in order to encourage States to consider whether the low-risk nature of armed uncrewed aerial vehicles deployments may lower the political threshold for the use of force and demonstrate the importance of transparency, oversight and accountability for their use

Completed

19.4

Encourage, facilitate and support multilateral engagement within United Nations disarmament bodies on increasing accountability, transparency and oversight on armed drones

In progress

Action 20

Establish a dedicated trust fund on small arms

20.1

Elaborate the theory of change, the terms of reference for the SALIENT fund, and partner consultations

Completed

20.2

Organize a series of meetings, briefings and bilateral consultations with potential donors and stakeholders to ensure their buy-in for the SALIENT fund

Completed

20.3

Consult with donors and mobilize resources for the SALIENT fund

Ongoing

20.4

Conduct internal and external assessments and consultations to identify potential beneficiary countries for the SALIENT fund from among those most affected by the illicit flows of small arms and light weapons

Completed

Action 21

Build understanding on the impact of arms on conflict management

21.1

Analyze existing conflict prevention and risk analysis frameworks and examine the role of conventional arms control in those frameworks as well as their practical implementation

In progress

21.2

Develop and promote recommendations and solutions to integrate and strengthen conventional arms control in conflict prevention, risk analysis processes, mechanisms and tools

In progress

21.3

Regularly assess and evaluate the integration and effectiveness of conventional arms control in preventing and managing conflicts, including in risk analysis frameworks

In development

Action 22

Secure excessive and poorly maintained stockpiles

22.1

(1) Implement the joint project of the Department of Peace Operations and the Office for Disarmament Affairs on weapons and ammunition management in a changing disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) context, including the mainstreaming of arms control principles, standards and guidelines into DDR trainings and the maintenance of a joint technical assistance capacity for DDR practitioners

Ongoing

22.2

The Office for Disarmament Affairs and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining will establish and continue to strengthen an Ammunition Management Advisory Team to provide technical support to States in accordance with the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines, with a view also to strengthening the United Nations SaferGuard Programme.

Ongoing

22.3

Strengthen cooperation among relevant United Nations entities, in particular the Office for Disarmament Affairs, including its Regional Centres, the Mine Action Service and the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, on weapons and ammunition management, in particular technical advice and support to States, including in the establishment of national small arms commissions in line with national priorities and the United Nations Mine Action Strategy.

In progress

Action 23

Facilitate regional dialogue to build confidence

23.1

Examine trends in regional security and related military matters, and identify situations in which the greater pursuit of military confidence-building measures could help to reduce tensions and the risk of armed conflict

Ongoing

23.2

Conduct capacity-building programmes for staff of secretariats of selected regional organizations on the practices and tools of military confidence-building measures

In progress

23.3

Step up facilitation of regional dialogue on confidence-building measures in partnership with selected countries, with a focus on those preparing to chair regional processes, and assist those Governments with procedural and substantive preparations

In progress

23.4

Deliver an outreach programme on military spending and transparency, not only for government officials but also for journalists from developing countries under existing fellowship programmes of the United Nations, and conduct regional workshops for journalists in Africa and Asia on commitments of Governments to transparency in armaments

In progress

Disarmament for future generations

Action 24

Raise awareness on new weapon technologies

24.1

Publish the report of the Secretary-General pursuant to General Assembly resolution 72/28

Completed

24.2

Hold “science for diplomats” events in Geneva, New York and Vienna in 2020 in cooperation with relevant partners.

In development

24.3

The Secretary-General to utilize relevant opportunities to raise awareness, including through speeches and bilateral engagements

Ongoing

Action 25

Facilitate information exchanges on new weapon reviews

25.1

Work with interested States, in consultation with relevant partners and experts, to establish effective legal weapon review mechanisms, including through the provision of technical assistance and capacity-building activities

In development

25.2

Facilitate the exchange of information and experiences related to national processes for the legal review of weapon systems

In progress

25.3

Facilitate the exchange of information on the outcomes of the legal review of weapon systems, especially on systems found to be prohibited under international law, in some or all circumstances

In development

Action 26

Produce studies of new weapon technologies

26.1

UNIDIR to conduct original research on specific ways new means and methods of warfare, including cyber operations, challenge traditional arms control concepts and responses, and how to adapt them to be “fit for purpose” for new weapons technologies

In progress

26.2

UNIDIR to produce primers for policymakers on specific developments in science and technology and their potential implications for weapon systems

Ongoing

26.3

UNIDIR to produce observation reports for policymakers that raise key questions for States to consider in regard to development, adoption or regulation of new weapon technologies

In progress

Action 27

Convene dialogue on emerging technologies

27.1

UNIDIR, in cooperation with the Office for Disarmament Affairs and other partners, to convene dialogue with technical experts and policymakers in order to narrow the knowledge gap on the security implications of new technologies through expert meetings, workshops, conferences and other events, with particular emphasis on convening events in non-OECD countries

In progress

27.2

UNIDIR, in cooperation with the Office for Disarmament Affairs and other partners, to develop specific tools or mechanisms to assist States in narrowing their capacity gap on emerging science and technology issues through scenario-based exercises, toolkits and guidance on model regulatory frameworks

In progress

27.3

UNIDIR to continue its outreach to a wider stakeholder community, including the private sector, industry organizations, regional organizations, law enforcement, civil society, academics, researchers and members of the science and technology communities in order to raise their awareness of the relevant international security discussions and their potential contributions to those discussions

In progress

Action 28

Encourage responsible innovation of science and technology

28.1

Seek views, including through a series of workshops with Member States, non-governmental organizations, academics, industry representatives and relevant associations, on ways forward regarding the responsible use of technology

In progress

28.2

Based on consultations, develop, inter alia, sets of principles, adaptable to various fields and disciplines, on responsible innovation, with a specific focus on international peace and security

In development

28.3

Work with research institutes and universities to develop and disseminate a model curriculum for undergraduate and graduate students on responsible innovation

In development

28.4

The Secretary-General and other senior United Nations officials to utilize targeted opportunities, such as speeches and engagements with industry and the research community, to promote responsible innovation

Ongoing

Action 29

Keep humans in control at all times over the use of force

29.1

Support intergovernmental deliberations, including in the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons and any other appropriate forums

Ongoing

29.2

The Secretary-General and the High Representative will continue to encourage States to make progress in elaborating measures to ensure human control over the use of force

Ongoing

Action 30

Prevention and peaceful settlement of malicious activity in cyberspace

30.1

Establish a capacity within the Secretariat to enable, upon request, timely support to the good offices of the Secretary-General

In development

30.2

Provide, upon request, substantive expertise in coordination with trusted partners to support of the good offices of the Secretary-General in mitigating any conflict that may arise from cyber-incidents

In development

Action 31

Foster accountability and adherence to emerging norms in cyberspace

31.1

Unoda to develop an online training course based on the reports of the Group of Governmental Experts on developments in the field of information and telecommunications in the context of international security.

Completed

31.2

Develop a norms implementation toolkit to support Member States in their implementation of the 11 voluntary cyber norms.

In progress

31.3

Engage with other stakeholders, including the private sector, law enforcement, regional organizations and technical bodies to develop practical measures to operationalize voluntary cyber norms and encourage further collaboration.

In progress

31.4

Further develop UNIDIR’s Cyber Policy Portal with additional sections and resources on norms operationalization.

In progress

31.5

Contribute to closing the cyber knowledge gap amongst Member States through materials, workshops, scenario exercises and events

In progress

Strengthening partnerships for disarmament

Action 32

Enhance coordination among the disarmament bodies

32.1

Prepare a study on history and practice of expert groups and their role in the disarmament process

In progress

32.2

Prepare a background paper on the implementation of the programme of action from the first special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament and on the United Nations disarmament machinery

In development

32.3

Undertake studies and convene events that invite reflection on the evolving practice of the primary United Nations disarmament bodies

In progress

32.4

Establish a disarmament data portal to improve access to databases maintained by the Office for Disarmament Affairs

In development

Action 33

Strengthen the strategic role of the ABDM and UNIDIR

33.1

Continue the partnership between the Office for Disarmament Affairs and UNIDIR to support the work of groups of governmental experts in the field of disarmament

Ongoing

33.2

Map available expertise of members of the Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters to current and planned disarmament and processes and deliberations

Ongoing

33.3

Request UNIDIR to facilitate or convene multilateral engagement in disarmament objectives, including in the implementation of this Agenda

Ongoing

33.4

Reach out to prospective sponsors of new disarmament initiatives to consider requesting UNIDIR, through the General Assembly, to undertake studies or other activities

In development

Action 34

Ensure the financial stability of treaty support mechanisms

34.1

Brief States parties about the financial challenges faced by the treaty bodies and the shortcomings of the institutional arrangements adopted by these bodies

In progress

34.2

The High Representative will raise the issue when meeting with senior officials from countries with significant arrears to the conventions and the Office for Disarmament Affairs will continue to raise the issue with such countries during regular contacts, outreach events and other interactions

In progress

34.3

Proactively engage with States parties to the BWC and the CCW to raise their awareness about the financial and institutional challenges of the current arrangements

In progress

34.4

Provide advice to office holders of the BWC and the CCW on the preparation of suggestions for institutional arrangements to ensure the financial sustainability and institutional viability of the supporting mechanisms

Completed

34.5

Work to introduce more efficient administrative procedures, support the Chair of the 2018 BWC Meeting of States Parties in his preparation of an information paper and support the Chair of the 2018 CCW Meeting of the High Contracting Parties

Completed

34.6

Implement any decisions by States parties to the respective treaties regarding measures to cover arrears in payments

In progress

Action 35

Increase engagement with regional organizations

35.1

Strengthen engagement with United Nations frameworks and task forces for cooperation with regional organizations and contribute towards the implementation of the existing joint plans of action between the United Nations and regional organizations

In progress

35.2

Engage regional organizations and other stakeholders at the policy level to build upon existing platforms and further strengthen regional dialogue

In development

35.3

Explore opportunities to strengthen cooperation at the operational level and develop joint programmes to contribute to the following: regional peace and security; the effective implementation of disarmament instruments, treaties and norms; and efforts towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals

In development

Action 36

-37

Full and equal participation of women in decision-making processes

36.1

Revise selection procedures as necessary and pursue outreach to work towards gender parity for United Nations–organized meetings and groups, including, but not limited to, the Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters, the Disarmament Fellowship Programme and groups of governmental experts

Ongoing

36.2

The Office for Disarmament Affairs to implement a policy of declining invitations to participate in single-gendered panels and events or, if unable to do so, use the event as a platform to raise the issue of representation

Ongoing

36.3

Track and make publicly available gender-disaggregated data on participation in multilateral meetings on disarmament

Ongoing

36.4

The Office for Disarmament Affairs and its Regional Centres to implement capacity-building projects for the meaningful participation and representation of women in disarmament-related policymaking, planning and implementation processes, and promote gender-sensitive policies, programmes and activities

Ongoing

36.5

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research will establish a resource center on Gender and Disarmament on its website, including gender-related resources and a toolkit to support the meaningful participation of women in decision-making processes related to disarmament and international security

Ongoing

Action 38

Establish a platform for youth engagement

38.1

Develop a programme to create a cadre of youth fellows from around the world, who will work assiduously to promote disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control in their communities

In progress

38.2

Engage with youth groups and community organizations in support of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals with synergistic linkages to youth, disarmament and non-proliferation education and conflict prevention

Ongoing

38.3

Develop disarmament and non-proliferation training modules hosted on the online dashboard of the Office for Disarmament Affairs (Vienna Office) targeting young diplomats and other youth leaders for knowledge enhancement and capacity-building

In progress

Action 39

-40

Societal engagement to advance the shared norms of humanity

39.1

Chart the participation of non-governmental organizations in all United Nations disarmament bodies and meetings through a mapping exercise and identify applicable models for access and engagement

Completed

39.2

Develop a strategy and concrete proposals for better integrating experts and representatives of industry and civil society into various disarmament processes, as appropriate

Completed

39.3

The High Representative to raise the issue of civil society participation with the chairs of United Nations disarmament bodies

In progress

39.4

The High Representative to hold meetings with representatives of industry, informing and coordinating efforts to address priority disarmament issues

In progress

DISARMAMENT AND THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

SDG Action 3.d:

Preparing and responding to health emergencies

Action (11.1)

Prepare a skeleton of a framework for harmonized and coordinated international response to the use of biological weapons and identify key stakeholders

Completed

Action (11.2)

Draft the framework, carry out a comprehensive analysis of stakeholders, map out key processes and scenarios under the Biological Weapons Convention and identify roles and responsibilities of the main stakeholders that are potentially engaged in case of a request to deliver assistance under the Convention

In progress

Action (11.3)

Test the draft framework in the context of a table-top exercise in 2019 and follow up in 2020 on lessons identified

In development

(i)

Enhance regional and international capacity-building activities among States Parties with the aim to strengthen preparedness, response and assistance related capabilities at the national, regional and international level.

Ongoing

(ii)

Assist States Parties in improving their national systems for the early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks.

Ongoing

SDG Action 4.7:

Disarmament education

Action (28.3)

Work with research institutes and universities to develop and disseminate a model curriculum for undergraduate and graduate students on responsible innovation

In development

Action (38.1)

Develop a programme to create a cadre of youth fellows from around the world, who will work assiduously to promote disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control in their communities

In development

Action (38.2)

Engage with youth groups and community organizations in support of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals with synergistic linkages to youth, disarmament and non-proliferation education and conflict prevention

In development

Action (38.3)

Develop disarmament and non-proliferation training modules hosted on the online dashboard of the Office for Disarmament Affairs (Vienna Office) targeting young diplomats and other youth leaders for knowledge enhancement and capacity-building

Ongoing

SDG Action 5.2:

Addressing the gendered impact of arms

(i)

Implement capacity-building projects for the incorporation of gender perspectives in disarmament and arms control related policymaking, planning and implementation processes, and promote gender-sensitive policies, programmes and activities

Ongoing

(ii)

Strengthen the disarmament and arms control component in broader international policy agendas on gender equality and women’s empowerment, in particular the Women, Peace and Security framework and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Ongoing

(iii)

Support the operationalization of the Modular Small-arms-control Implementation Compendium (MOSAIC) module on “Women, men and the gendered nature of small arms and light weapons” in the design, implementation and evaluation of small arms and light weapon control initiatives

In progress

(iv)

Conduct training for staff of the Office for Disarmament Affairs and its Regional Centers on integrating gender perspectives into disarmament and arms control policies and frameworks

Ongoing

(v)

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research will conduct research on the gender dimensions of specific weapons systems and distribute tailored briefing packages ahead of key disarmament conferences, encouraging the inclusion of gender-sensitive language in national statements and multilateral outcomes.

Ongoing

(vi)

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, in cooperation with the International Gender Champions Initiative in Geneva, will set up a Disarmament Impact Group to promote dialogue, shared knowledge and the pursuit of concrete opportunities to advance gender-responsive action within disarmament processes.

Ongoing

SDG Action 5.5:

Ensuring the equal, full and effective participation of women

Action (36.1)

Revise selection procedures as necessary and pursue outreach to work towards gender parity for United Nations–organized meetings and groups, including, but not limited to, the Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters, the Disarmament Fellowship Programme and groups of governmental experts

In progress

Action (36.2)

The Office for Disarmament Affairs to implement a policy of declining invitations to participate in single-gendered panels and events or, if unable to do so, use the event as a platform to raise the issue of representation

Ongoing

Action (36.3)

Track and make publicly available gender-disaggregated data on participation in multilateral meetings on disarmament

In progress

Action (36.4)

The Office for Disarmament Affairs and its Regional Centres to implement capacity-building projects for the meaningful participation and representation of women in disarmament-related policymaking, planning and implementation processes, and promote gender-sensitive policies, programmes and activities

In progress

Action (36.5)

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research will establish a resource center on Gender and Disarmament on its website, including gender-related resources and a toolkit to support the meaningful participation of women in decision-making processes related to disarmament and international security

In development

(i)

Update, monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Office for Disarmament Affairs Gender Mainstreaming Action Plan, the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research’s Gender and Diversity Action Plan and the system-wide UN Gender Parity Strategy

Ongoing

SDG Action 8.1:

Rethinking unconstrained military spending

Action (23.1)

Examine trends in regional security and related military matters, and identify situations in which the greater pursuit of military confidence-building measures could help to reduce tensions and the risk of armed conflict

Ongoing

(i)

Support research on the relationship between military spending and economic and social development with a view to developing evidence-based policy recommendations.

Completed

(ii)

Prepare policy briefs on approaches for reducing excessive military expenditures at the global and regional level, including by applying a gender perspective to the issue of militarism.

In development

(iii)

Advocate for a reduction of military budgets by utilizing targeted opportunities, such as speeches, meetings with government officials and civil society, public outreach events and the Global Day of Action on Military Spending, to raise awareness on the issue and to increase its visibility.

Ongoing

SDG Action 11.5:

Addressing poorly-maintained stockpiles

Action (22.2)

The Office for Disarmament Affairs and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining will establish an Ammunition Management Advisory Team to provide technical support to States in accordance with the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines, with a view also to strengthening the United Nations SaferGuard Programme

Ongoing

Action (22.3)

Strengthen cooperation between the Office for Disarmament Affairs, including its Regional Centres, and the Mine Action Service on weapons and ammunition management, technical advice and support to States, including in the establishment of national small arms commissions, in line with national priorities and the United Nations Mine Action Strategy.

In development

SDG Action 16.1:

Protecting civilians against the urbanization of armed conflict

Action (14.1)

The Secretary-General to advocate for the development of concrete measures on explosive weapons in populated areas during the seventy-third session of the General Assembly

In progress

Action (14.2)

Facilitate multilateral engagement on approaches to minimize civilian harm related to the use of explosive weapons in populated areas

In development

Action (14.3)

Build a common understanding of direct, indirect and reverberating effects of explosive weapons in populated areas to support the development of harm mitigation measures

In development

Action (15.2)

Publish a second edition of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs compilation of military policy and practice, on the basis of inputs supplied by Member States

In development

Action (15.3)

Convene or facilitate workshops for the sharing among Governments and their armed forces of policy and practice that are designed to avoid or at least minimize civilian harm resulting from military operations in urban environments and other populated areas, and especially from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas

Not yet initiated

Action (16.1)

Expand casualty recording systems to other UN human rights field presences taking into account the specificities of the context as well as resource and expertise needs

Ongoing

Action (16.2)

Ensure awareness by existing and potential partners of the work done by UN human rights field presences on casualty recording, including with a view to strengthening collaborative advocacy efforts and making relevant data available

Ongoing

SDG Action 16.4:

Reducing the illicit flows of arms and ammunition

Action (20.4)

Conduct internal and external assessments and consultations to identify potential beneficiary countries for the SALIENT fund from among those most affected by the illicit flows of small arms and light weapons

In progress

Action (22.1)

Implement the joint project of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Office for Disarmament Affairs on weapons and ammunition management in a changing disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) context, including the mainstreaming of arms control principles, standards and guidelines into DDR trainings and the establishment of a technical assistance capacity for DDR practitioners

In progress

Action (22.2)

The Office for Disarmament Affairs and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining will establish an Ammunition Management Advisory Team to provide technical support to States in accordance with the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines, with a view also to strengthening the United Nations SaferGuard Programme

Ongoing

Action (22.3)

Strengthen cooperation between the Office for Disarmament Affairs, including its Regional Centres, and the Mine Action Service on weapons and ammunition management, technical advice and support to States, including in the establishment of national small arms commissions, in line with national priorities and the United Nations Mine Action Strategy.

In development

(i)

Present a joint working paper with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime on coordination efforts within the United Nations Secretariat on reporting, data collection and monitoring for SDG indicator 16.4.2.

Completed

(ii)

UNODC and UNODA to convene national training workshops for members of National Commissions for the control of small arms and light weapons on data collection and analysis methods

In development

(iii)

UNODA to support African Union in its “Africa Amnesty Month” initiative encouraging voluntary surrender of illicit small arms and light weapons.

IN PROGRESS

SDG Action 16.6:

Promoting transparency in military expenditures and arms transfers

Action (23.4)

Deliver an outreach programme on military spending and transparency, not only for government officials but also for journalists from developing countries under existing fellowship programmes of the United Nations, and conduct regional workshops for journalists in Africa and Asia on commitments of Governments to transparency in armaments

In progress

(i)

Revamp the online reporting tool and database on military expenditures in order to facilitate the submission of reports by States and public access to available data on military expenditures

In development

(ii)

Undertake capacity-building activities aimed at promoting transparency in arms transfers and in military expenditures and to enhance Member States participation in the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms and the United Nations Report on Military Expenditures

Ongoing

CHAMPIONS & SUPPORTERS

States and regional organizations that have stepped forward as Champions and Supporters of specific actions are listed in the implementation plan. These Champions and Supporters have agreed to play an active leadership role in any of the activities in support of a given action, including through specific political or financial commitments, or through active engagement. If your Government would like to subscribe as a champion or supporter, click here for more information.

VIDEO MESSAGE ON THE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAUNCH OF THE DISARMAMENT AGENDA “SECURING OUR COMMON FUTURE” 24 May 2019

Recorded broadcast of the Secretary-General's speech on his Disarmament Agenda:

Click here to read the speech

A video-explainer of the Agenda

Information for the Media

For interview requests:

- John Ennis (UN Office for Disarmament Affairs - New York)

- Alessandra Vellucci (UN Information Service - Geneva)

The content of the agenda is available here:

Implementation Plan

Click HERE for a short introduction.

Click on the boxes below to view the ACTIONS included in the implementation plan.

(See below for the FULL LIST of actions)

Disarmament to save humanity

Towards the elimination of nuclear weapons

Click here to go back to the overview

Ensuring respect for norms against chemical and biological weapons

Click here to go back to the overview

Preventing the emergence of new domains of strategic competition and conflict

Click here to go back to the overview

Disarmament that saves lives

Mitigating the humanitarian impact of conventional arms

Click here to go back to the overview

Addressing the excessive accumulation and illicit trade in conventional arms

Click here to go back to the overview

Disarmament for future generations

Emerging means and methods of warfare

Click here to go back to the overview

Strengthening partnerships for disarmament

Strengthening partnerships for disarmament

Click here to go back to the overview

Last updated on 05/11/2021.

DISARMAMENT AND THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

(Click on a goal to find out about the relevant targets)

Status of Steps and Activities

Actions

Title

Champion

Supporter

Status

Disarmament to save humanity

Action 1

-2

Facilitate dialogue for nuclear disarmament

1.1

The Secretary-General to directly engage with the Heads of State or Government of the nuclear-weapon States

1.2

Advocate for agreement on benchmarks for the implementation of nuclear disarmament commitments at the 2020 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

1.3

Work with States parties to facilitate a successful outcome to the 2020 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

Action 2

-3

Affirm the non-use of nuclear weapons

2.1

Engage with the nuclear-weapon States and key non-nuclear-weapons States to seek agreement for an outcome at the 2020 NPT Review Conference, which supports preserving the norm against the use of nuclear weapons and strengthens security assurances to non-nuclear-weapon States

2.2

Utilize public advocacy and official opportunities to build support for the principle of the non-use of nuclear weapons under any circumstances

2.3

Support the consideration of legal and practical measures to obtain strengthened assurances to non-nuclear-weapon States against the use of nuclear weapons

Action 3

-4

Affirm a nuclear war must never be fought

3.1

Support direct engagement among the nuclear-weapon States and other States that possess nuclear weapons to individually or collectively reaffirm that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought

3.2

Support the development of practical policies to lessen the danger of nuclear war and diminish the role of nuclear weapons in military and security doctrines

3.3

3.4

Utilize public advocacy and official opportunities to reinforce the message that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought

Action 4

-5

Bring the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty into force

4.1

The Secretary-General to pursue direct advocacy with the Heads of State or Government of “Annex 2” States that have not signed or ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and with other non-ratifying States

4.2

The Office for Disarmament Affairs to work with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization to obtain additional signatures of the Treaty leading to its entry into force and universality

Action 5

-6

Strengthen and consolidate nuclear-weapon-free zones

5.1

Organize a seminar in August 2019, to foster cooperation and enhance consultation mechanisms among the existing nuclear-weapon-free zones

5.2

Create a global nuclear-weapon-free zone website/portal serving as a means of communication among the zones

5.3

Action 6

-7

Reduce the risk of any use of nuclear weapons

6.1