About UNIDIR

Building a more secure world.

UNIDIR is an autonomous institution within the United Nations that conducts independent research on pressing global challenges related to disarmament, arms control and international security.

We develop innovative ideas to tackle the most pressing security issues of our world. Our research expertise frames complex challenges in accessible ways and promotes an inclusive dialogue to find creative and effective solutions. Our work aims to provide the foundations for meaningful collective action towards a more secure world.

Our Mission

  • We support UN Member States, the United Nations, the disarmament policy community and other stakeholders in identifying and advancing ideas and practical actions that contribute to a sustainable and peaceful world.
  • We facilitate diplomatic dialogues and multi-stakeholder discussions, we act as a bridge-builder between diverse communities and develop tools to enhance transparency and confidence building between Member States.
  • Through our research, advisory and knowledge-building function we contribute to the shaping of the 21st century multilateral arms control and disarmament architecture.
PɇaceMaker at Maison de la Paix, Geneva. © 2022, Goin.

Our Vision

UNIDIR’s vision is a world in which States and peoples are protected from armed conflicts, existential risks and tech-related threats to global security.

 

 

UNIDIR’s Board of Trustees

As per UNIDIR’s Statute, the Institute is governed by the Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters. The Board oversees the activities and operations of the Institute, including financial matters. It reviews UNIDIR’s annual work plan and budget before reporting to the General Assembly.

Members of the Board

Ambassador of Jamaica to Japan
H.E. Ms. Shorna-Kay Richards, Board (Chair) Jamaica
Distinguished Lecturer at the American University of Kuwait
H.E. Ms. Nabeela Abdulla Almulla Kuwait
Associate Professor of Law and Artificial Intelligence Technologies, School of Law, Liverpool John Moores University
Mr. Thompson Chengeta Zimbabwe
Ambassador (ret.) and former Permanent Representative of India to the Conference on Disarmament
H.E. Mr. D. B. Venkatesh Varma India
Lecturer at the Freeman Spogli Institute, Stanford University
Ms. Rose Gottemoeller United States
Inaugural Kent Visiting Professor in Conflict Resolution, School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University
Mr. Jean-Marie Guéhenno France
Senior Fellow, Asia Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Ms. Elina Noor Malaysia
Professor of Global Governance and Director of the Conflict and Civil Society Research Unit in the London School of Economics, Department of International Development
Ms. Mary Kaldor United Kingdom
Director, Centre for Energy and Security Studies, Moscow
Mr. Anton Khlopkov Russian Federation
Dean of the Division of Language and Diplomacy, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
Ms. Jina Kim Republic of Korea
Vice-President and Secretary-General of the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association, Beijing
Mr. Chijiang Li China
Rector of the College of Europe and Director of the Pilot Programme of the European Diplomatic Academy
Ms. Federica Mogherini Italy
Director-General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs
Mr. Eghosa E. Osaghae Nigeria
Visiting Fellow at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies of the European University Institute
Mr. Patryk Pawlak Poland
Executive Director of the Sou da Paz Institute, Sao Paolo
Ms. Carolina Ricardo Brazil

UNIDIR’s Director

The Director is appointed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, after consultations with the Board. The Director has overall responsibility for the organization, direction and administration of the Institute, in accordance with general directives formulated by the Board.

UNIDIR’s Director is Dr. Robin Geiss, who has been leading the Institute since April 2021.

The Director submits an annual report to the UN General Assembly, describing in detail the functioning and impact of the Institute. It includes specifically:

  • the activities of the previous year
  • the programme of work and financial plan of the current year
  • the proposed programme of work and financial plan for the following year
Dr Robin Geiss, Director of UNIDIR, opening the 2023 Innovations Dialogue at Biotech Campus, Geneva, 27 June 2023