United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research

Established: 1

Address: Palais des Nations 1211 Geneva 10 Switzerland

Website: https://unidir.org

Founded in 1980, the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous institute within the UN, conducting independent research on disarmament and related problems.

Digital Activities 

UNIDIR is concerned with cybersecurity, such as threats and vulnerabilities related to information and communication technologies (ICTs), and the use of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) applications in warfare. It supports the UN GGE and OEWG processes. It focuses on research and awareness raising on this topic with a broad range of stakeholders and maps the cybersecurity policy landscape.

Digital policy issues 

Cybersecurity 

UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme (SecTec) builds knowledge and raises awareness on the security implications of new and emerging technologies. Cyber stability is one area of focus for UNIDIR. Key topics include electronic and cyberwarfare, the role of regional organisations in strengthening cybersecurity, and the exploitation of ICT threats and vulnerabilities. UNIDIR provides technical and expert advice to the chairpersons of the UN GGE and OEWG on norms, international law, confidence-building measures, capacity building, co-operation, and institutional dialogue. The annual cyber stability conference brings various stakeholders together to promote a secure and stable cyberspace and in particular the role of the UN GGE and OWEG. In addition, UNIDIR organises a series of workshops on the role of regional organisations in strengthening cybersecurity and cyber stability. The Cyber Policy Portal is an online confidence-building tool that maps the cybersecurity policy landscape, fostering transparency and reducing the risk of conflict in cyberspace.

Artificial intelligence 

‘AI and the weaponisation of increasingly autonomous technologies’ is one of the current research areas of UNIDIR, which aims to raise awareness and build capacities of various stakeholders, including member states, technical communities, academia, and the private sector. Research on AI covers a broad range of topics from human decision-making, autonomous vehicles, and swarm technologies.

Future of Meetings

Any reference to online or remote meetings? 

Digital tools

Cyber Policy Portal