Director-General's remarks at the panel discussion on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research

Panel discussion on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the
United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)
Tuesday, 2 December 2025, at 4.00 p.m.
Auditorium A1-B, Maison de la Paix

Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen, 
Dear colleagues and friends,

It is a great honour to join you today in celebrating the 45th anniversary of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR).

Let me begin by warmly thanking UNIDIR for organizing this important event, as well as the Permanent Missions of the European Union, France, Germany and Sri Lanka, the Swiss Confederation and the Canton and the City of Geneva for their continued support to multilateralism and to UNIDIR’s work. Your partnership reflects the collective commitment that underpins meaningful progress in the field of disarmament and international security.

Since its creation in 1980, UNIDIR has offered impartial, evidence-based analysis to help the global community address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. By convening governments, experts, civil society and academia, the Institute has bridged divides, translated complexity into understanding, and helped build consensus on arms control, disarmament, and global security.

Over the decades, UNIDIR has demonstrated remarkable adaptability. From nuclear disarmament and conventional weapons to cyber security, outer space and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, UNIDIR has not only followed global developments – it has shaped our collective understanding and informed their governance.

UNIDIR’s work has supported Member States through major moments: the strengthening of the nuclear non-proliferation regime, the negotiation of landmark treaties, and the development of new norms in domains that were unimaginable when the Institute was founded. Its research enabled diplomats, experts, and practitioners to navigate uncertainty with clarity and confidence.

Ladies and gentlemen,

UNOG is especially proud to host an institution that exemplifies what both the United Nations and Geneva stand for: thoughtful diplomacy, technical excellence, and a commitment to practical solutions for global challenges. UNIDIR’s ability to build partnerships, translate complex issues into actionable insights, and anticipate emerging risks has made it an indispensable part of the disarmament community.

Today’s discussion looks towards the next 45 years - a period that will bring both profound challenges and significant opportunities. As new technologies reshape security dynamics and as traditional risks evolve, independent research will be more essential than ever. UNIDIR’s role in helping the international community understand these developments, manage risks, and identify avenues for cooperation will remain vital.

I am confident that the Institute will continue to innovate and to serve as a bridge between research and diplomacy. The next decades will require exactly the qualities that have defined UNIDIR since its inception: foresight, expertise, and a steadfast commitment to peace and security.

I commend UNIDIR — its leadership, its dedicated staff, and its many partners — for their vision and perseverance. Your work strengthens the multilateral security architecture, making it more resilient, adaptive and relevant to the challenges of our time.

I wish the Institute every success as it continues to shape the future of international security for the next 45 years – and beyond.

Thank you.