UNIDIR at 45: Looking Ahead to the Future of International Security
The event opened with remarks from UNIDIR Director Robin Geiss, UNOG Director-General Tatiana Valovaya and EU Ambassador Deike Potzel. A panel discussion followed, featuring senior leaders from the United Nations, the IAEA, SIPRI and Costa Rica’s Permanent Mission. Together, they highlighted mounting pressures on the international security system, ranging from nuclear risks to the destabilising effects of emerging technologies, and underlined the critical importance of evidence-based policy solutions.
Speaking on behalf of the European Union, Ambassador Potzel stressed that at a time of eroding trust and renewed threats, security must rest on facts, sound analysis and unwavering adherence to international law.
“We must govern technology before technology governs us. We need mechanisms that ensure technology strengthens human security, not undermines it. If we fail, the risk is simple: a world where weapons are faster than diplomacy, and where governance is permanently in arrears.”
EU Ambassador Deike Potzel
She warned of concerning global trends, including the re-emergence of chemical weapons, persistent disinformation, particularly false allegations of biological weapons programmes, and the weakening of long-standing arms control regimes.
In closing, she reaffirmed the EU’s steadfast political and financial support for UNIDIR as a pillar of impartial expertise and a driver of forward-looking solutions.
“The European Union will continue to support UNIDIR, politically and financially, as a cornerstone of disarmament machinery. And we will continue to push for a world where multilateralism is not an aspiration, but a force.
Because the stakes are clear: A safer world will not emerge by accident. It will come from choices - informed, principled, and bold. The kind of choices UNIDIR has helped us make for 45 years.”
EU Ambassador Deike Potzel
The panel discussion reflected broad convergence. The world is at a transformative moment, and the need for strong multilateral cooperation, robust norms and independent research has never been greater. UNIDIR’s mission to provide rigorous and impartial analysis that supports informed policy-making will only grow in importance as security challenges become more complex.
As UNIDIR enters its next 45 years, the European Union remains committed to supporting the Institute’s work and to advancing shared goals of peace, stability and responsible governance of weapons and technologies. Through sustained cooperation and continued investment in knowledge, diplomacy and multilateralism, there is genuine hope for shaping a safer and more secure future for generations to come.
For more information on UNIDIR's 45th anniversary, click here.
UNIDIR 45/Tardy
Opening and welcome remarks:
- Welcome remarks: Robin Geiss, Director of UNIDIR
- Opening remarks: Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva
- Opening remarks: Ambassador Deike Potzel, Head of the European Union Delegation to the United Nations in Geneva
Moderated discussion: Addressing security challenges over the next 45 years. Panellists will include:
- Izumi Nakamitsu, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs
- Jacek Bylica, Chief of Cabinet at the International Atomic Energy Agency
- Karim Haggag, Director of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
- Ambassador Maritza Chan Valverde, Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the United Nations
Moderated by Ambassador Thomas Gürber, Deputy State Secretary and Head of the UN Division at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
Closing remarks: Robin Geiss, Director of UNIDIR
