Seoul to Host Republic of Korea-United Nations Joint Conference on Disarmament, Non-Proliferation Issues, 2-4 December

NEW YORK, 1 December (Office for Disarmament Affairs) — The nineteenth Republic of Korea–United Nations Joint Conference on Disarmament and Non‑Proliferation Issues will take place from 2 to 4 December.

The annual event is organized by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, in cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Korea.  Around 30 representatives of Governments and intergovernmental organizations, as well as research institutes, academia, non‑governmental organizations and industry experts, will participate in the Conference.

Ham Sang‑wook, Deputy Minister for Multilateral and Global Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, and Izumi Nakamitsu, Under‑Secretary‑General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, will open the annual Conference, which will take place in a virtual format due to COVID‑19 restrictions.

The Conference has developed into an important forum for the open and constructive exchange of views among participants from around the world on current challenges to international security, disarmament, non‑proliferation and arms‑control issues, both on the global stage and at the regional level.

Autonomous weapon systems, space security, hypersonic missiles, and biosecurity continue to receive increased international attention.  The 2020 Conference ‑ “New Technologies and Its Impact on [the] Disarmament and Non‑Proliferation Regime” ‑ will focus on analysing the current status of new and developing technologies and take stock of international discussions taking place in that regard.  Participants will also hear assessments from industry experts and academics on the impact and prospects of new technologies on the disarmament and non‑proliferation regime.

In a first for the Conference, youth representatives from diverse groups will present their contributions to disarmament and non‑proliferation processes and share their views, perspectives and concerns regarding the impact of new technologies on peace and security.

For further information, please contact Soo Hyun Kim of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs at email:  kim12@un.org.