The flagship youth outreach programme of the Office for Disarmament Affairs (ODA) recently brought youth experts from around the world to examine the risks and mitigation measures associated with the convergence of emerging technologies with nuclear weapon systems.
From October 16 to 17, the youth-led Youth4Disarmament Forum provided space for more than twenty-six participants from twenty-four countries from five regions between the ages of 18 to 29, to organize and engage in disarmament discussions at the United Nations.
Over the course of five months, participants joined webinars with leading experts in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, artificial intelligence and information communication technologies.
Facilitated by ODA, participants contributed to the substantive and organizational setup of the forum as session shapers, communicators, and outcome document drafters.
“Even in times where armament and conflict dominate global attention, I have never seen a group of peers my age so dedicated to the cause of disarmament,” says Collin Byun, Political Affairs Intern at ODA.
Participants led high-level and expert panel discussions, creating a platform for their meaningful participation.
Following discussions with experts and stakeholders on how to activate their findings, participants developed an outcome document that outlines eight recommendations on nuclear weapons and emerging technologies.
Those recommendations highlight the steps to safeguard humanity against escalating risks while leveraging technology for peace and security, while emphasizing that strengthened multilateralism and youth participation are essential for implementation.
The outcome document will be circulated to the delegations of the First Committee of the General Assembly and amplified in upcoming multilateral fora, including the review conferences of the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in 2026.
At the Youth4Disarmament Forum, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu said that “meaningful youth participation in multilateral discussions must become the norm, not the exception.”
ODA will continue to support youth networks and youth participation across disarmament intergovernmental processes and meetings in New York, Geneva, Vienna and across regions.
