Participants of UNIDIR¡¯s Model UN simulation in collaboration with the student-run association GIMUN on the topic of Women, Peace and Security in Geneva, Switzerland. Credit: GIMUN.
UN Institute for Disarmament Research - Nurturing the next generation of global security experts
Disarmament benefits significantly from the perspectives of young people who bring fresh insights, vital creativity, and lived experiences that enhance our understanding of how weapons impact communities.
The (UNIDIR), which conducts independent research on pressing global challenges related to disarmament, arms control, and international security, believes that by engaging with young people directly, disarmament efforts become more responsive, resilient, and representative, ensuring that policies can adapt to the realities and ambitions of future generations.
We asked UNIDIR five questions to learn why nurturing the next generation of global security experts is essential to secure a peaceful and inclusive future.
University students attend a presentation organized by UNIDIR as part of its efforts to engage with youth on arms control and disarmament issues, in Geneva, Switzerland. Credits: UNIDIR
What is your main area of work with youth?
UNIDIR conducts independent research on pressing global challenges related to disarmament, arms control and international security. Through our , we bring on board recent graduates to contribute to our research, dialogue and capacity-building activities covering a range of topics: cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence in the military domain, weapons and ammunition management, nuclear weapons, women¡¯s participation in disarmament, etc.
Why are young people key to building lasting peace?
In conflict settings, young people can play important roles as peacebuilders and contribute to local community initiatives. Yet, evidence from UNIDIR¡¯s shows that young people can also face risks and vulnerabilities, for instance, being recruited into armed groups.
Engaging with youth is thus essential for understanding how to prevent engagement with violent groups and facilitate transitions to lasting peace.
Participant takes a photo during a joint UNIDIR/100cameras/War Child photography programme in Mosul, Iraq, in 2024, facilitated in partnership with local organization Progress in Peace. Credit: Bahra Nano
Name one way your organization empowers young people to become agents of peace.
UNIDIR and its partners 100cameras and War Child ran a in Nigeria, Iraq and Colombia, which aimed to empower conflict-affected young people with photography and research skills, giving them a space to process their experiences.
Participants laid out their vision for a peaceful future and provided recommendations for improving peacebuilding programmes, highlighting that young people can be proactive agents for change.
If you could bust one myth about youth, what would it be?
That arms control and disarmament is ¡°too technical¡± and requires decades of experience to make valuable contributions.
This is a myth because it conceals the potential of inter-generational collaboration. We often see young professionals partnering with more experienced practitioners to or to contribute to diplomatic negotiations.
UNIDIR¡¯s Director Robin Geiss meets with Hiroshima and Nagasaki Peace Messengers in Geneva, Switzerland. Credit: UNIDIR.
What¡¯s one action anyone, anywhere, can take to support youth¡¯s contribution to peace?
Get informed and get involved! UNIDIR offers a free accessible to anyone, not just young people.
There¡¯s a module dedicated to Youth, Peace and Security, which spotlights youth-led organizations active on mine action, nuclear disarmament, AI regulation, and other disarmament issues.
Take the course, share what you learn, and join forces with groups and organizations taking part in arms control and disarmament processes!
Join the Hear Us. Act Now for a Peaceful World¡ªa movement led by young people in partnership with the United Nations.