The Vienna Conversation Series is a recurring discussion forum on timely disarmament-related issues, first launched by the Vienna Office of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) in 2016 and since then expanded to different formats to engage diverse audiences. It aims at providing a platform for fruitful dialogue and knowledge exchange among different stakeholders and interested audiences to raise awareness of timely issues facing multilateral disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation.
Networks for change: Disarmament education in practice
In this edition of the Vienna Conversation Series, speakers discussed education as a crucial part of the disarmament infrastructure and explored educational networks as multipliers of disarmament education efforts. We were joined by Ambassador Zabalgoitia of Mexico and Rebecca Jovin, Chief of UNODA Vienna, in opening remarks. The panel, comprised of Dr. Megan MacKenzie (Simon Fraser University) and Jan Quosdorf (ACONA), was moderated by Elena Sokova (VCDNP).
7 Jul 2026
What’s next in disarmament? A look ahead.
Just weeks after the conclusion of the 2026 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in New York, this Vienna Conversation Series event explored what lies ahead for multilateral disarmament in an evolving geopolitical context and at a time of rapid technological change.
Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Izumi Nakamitsu joined George-Wilhelm Gallhofer, Director for Disarmament, Arms Control and Non-Proliferation at Austria's Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, and Gaukhar Mukhatzhanova, Director of the International Organizations and Non-Proliferation Program and Japan Chair for a World Without Nuclear Weapons at the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP), to reflect on what the High Representative called the "post-post-Cold War era": a paradigm shift that calls for a corresponding adjustment of disarmament instruments and of the UN itself. The panelists explored the impact of emerging technologies on international security, the humanitarian dimensions of the disarmament agenda, and the case for substantive - rather than symbolic - participation of young people from all regions in shaping the debates ahead. Throughout, the distinctive Vienna spirit of technical, evidence-based work was highlighted, as was Austria's upcoming non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council as an opportunity to carry that approach into the Council's deliberations.
The event was moderated by Rebecca Jovin, Chief of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs in Vienna.
4 Feb 2026
The UN at 80: Disarmament, Nuclear Non-proliferation and Women, Peace and Security Agenda
Marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, this event will take a closer look at the past, present, and future of multilateral disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation, and the Women, Peace and Security agenda at a time of global uncertainty.
Drawing on her personal and professional experience, Rebecca Jovin, Chief of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs in Vienna, reflects on what disarmament means in practice within the UN system, exploring its history, key achievements, and ongoing humanitarian and security goals. She also discusses some of today's most pressing challenges, from nuclear risk and the erosion of international norms to the impact of conventional weapons on civilians, rising military spending, and the implications of emerging technologies such as autonomy. Lastly, the conversation highlighted why the Women, Peace and Security agenda remains so relevant, before turning to the importance of disarmament education, civic engagement, and practical pathways for young people interested in contributing to this vital field.
The event was moderated by Patrick Labuda, Assistant Professor at the Central European University in Vienna.
This Vienna Conversation Series event was organized in cooperation with Central European University.
1 Oct 2025
Military Expenditure and its Impact on Sustainable Development
Experts discuss the impact of rising global military expenditure on achieving Sustainable Development Goals, examining effects on healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability in this episode.
4 Jul 2025
Enhancing the disarmament regime: A conversation with the UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs
UN Under-Secretary-General Izumi Nakamitsu discusses the challenges to international peace and security with Executive Director Elena Sokova, including armed conflicts and emerging technologies, in this interview.
26 Mar 2025
Vienna Conversation Series 18/3/2025
On 18 March 2025, the UNODA Vienna Office, in partnership with the Permanent Mission of the Kyrgyz Republic to the United Nations in Vienna, hosted an interactive panel discussion titled “Youth as Agents of Change: Empowering young people to achieve disarmament goals.” This edition of the Vienna Conversation Series commemorated the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness (IDDNPA), observed annually on 5 March. The event highlighted the critical role young people can play in achieving disarmament goals, including in connection with two of UNODA’s flagship youth empowerment programmes, the Youth Leader Fund for a World Without Nuclear Weapons (https://www.disarmamenteducation.org/#/en/resources/type-41/project/798) and the Youth4Biosecurity Fellowship (https://disarmament.unoda.org/youth4biosec-fellowship-2025/).
The panel featured three outstanding young leaders and professionals in the disarmament field, who shared their experiences participating in UNODA’s programmes and advocating for disarmament. Attendees also had the opportunity to engage directly with the panelists and UNODA staff during an interactive Q&A session.
5 Nov 2024
Bridging the divide: The role of networks in advancing inclusive disarmament processes
On 6 September 2023, UNODA Vienna Office hosted a hybrid event on the topic of "Bridging the divide: The role of networks in advancing inclusive disarmament processes." This interactive roundtable event aimed at showcasing the value of integrating diverse perspectives in disarmament discourse and decision-making processes, providing concrete examples and success stories, as well as exploring opportunities for strengthening of interdisciplinary, inter-generational, and cross-regional networks.
Panellists explored strategies and best practices for fostering the adoption of an inclusive approach, including intergenerational dialogue, networks and alumni groups, and multistakeholder consultations.
5 Nov 2024
Where next for youth in disarmament?
This latest podcast to feature on Disarmament Today is part of a roundtable-style Vienna Conversation Series, aimed at engaging youth to raise awareness of disarmament’s centrality in addressing global challenges and to amplify fresh thinking. In a dynamic exchange of views with High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu, youth representatives Kasha Sequoia Slavner and Louis Reitmann share their thoughts on ways to educate, engage and empower young people in the disarmament field.
Kasha Sequoia Slavner is a GenZ multi-award-winning documentary filmmaker. Louis Reitmann works as a Research Associate at UNODA’s partner organisation, the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, where he focuses on export controls and sanctions implementation.
Both Kasha and Louis are currently participating in the #Leaders4Tomorrow workshop series organised by ODA´s #Youth4Disarmament initiative (https://www.youth4disarmament.org/).
5 Nov 2024
Non-proliferation, disarmament & global governance: The role of the Vienna community in the preparations for the Summit of the Future and beyond
On 30 January 2024, UNODA Vienna Office organized another Vienna Conversation Series (VCS) Event on “Non-proliferation, disarmament & global governance: The role of the Vienna Community in the preparations for the Summit of the Future and beyond”. The event aimed at raising awareness of the Summit of the Future, to be held on 22 and 23 September 2024 in New York. Specifically, the Summit seeks to accelerate efforts to meet our existing international commitments and take concrete steps to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities, to be achieved through an action-oriented Pact for the Future, to be agreed by Member States. The VCS Event was held at a timely moment, with the zero draft of the Pact for the Future having been released only a few days before on 26 January.
The high-level speakers, including the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, senior representatives from Vienna-based organizations and the Pact’s co-facilitators - Germany and Namibia – underscored how much the Vienna community can contribute, with relevant expertise and experience, including in the areas of international peace and security as well as sustainable development.
5 Nov 2024
Reducing the human cost of weapons: human-centred disarmament through a gender lens
On 15 March 2024, the UNODA Vienna Office, in partnership with the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, the Austrian Research Association, and the Permanent Mission of the Kyrgyz Republic to the United Nations in Vienna, organized another Vienna Conversation Series (VCS) event. Aimed at celebrating the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness on March 5, and International Women’s Day on March 8, this edition of the VCS, entitled “Reducing the human cost of weapons: human-centred disarmament through a gender lens”, shed light on the human cost of conventional weapons focusing on gender-based violence, gender mainstreaming, and human-centred approaches to disarmament.
The event, held at the premises of the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, featured several high-level speakers from international organizations, academia and think tanks. They drew attention to the alarming issue that the widespread availability, diversion, and misuse of small arms and light weapons fuel armed violence and conflict, including gender-based violence. Additionally, the panellists discussed the varying gendered impacts of weapons, armed conflict, and security. The fruitful exchange underscored the necessity of adopting a gender lens to formulate and implement better and more effective policies and programmes, and ensuring women’s participation and leadership in disarmament processes with the ultimate goal of reducing the human cost of weapons and arriving at more inclusive and sustainable solutions.
5 Nov 2024
Different means for a common goal: Diplomacy, youth participation, education and artistic engagement to advance disarmament and non-proliferation
On 12 June 2024, UNODA Vienna Office organized another Vienna Conversation Series (VCS) Event on “Different means for a common goal: Diplomacy, youth participation, education and artistic engagement to advance disarmament and non-proliferation”. The event brought together participants from capacity-building programmes and creative initiatives conducted across the broader disarmament and non-proliferation community to foster constructive dialogue with alumni and inter-generational members. Throughout the interactive discussion, the role of education as a tool to inform people about disarmament and the role of art as a catalyst to inspire action were recognised. The event provided a timely reflection on the impact of diverse educational initiatives in engaging and empowering various audience groups.
Former and current participants of the UN Disarmament Fellowship programme engaged in the discussion, together with the winner of the Preparative Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) Youth Group Art Competition, and other members of the CTBTO Youth Group Task Force and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA).
5 Nov 2024
After the Summit of the Future: New Momentum for Arms Control and Disarmament?
On 8 October 2024, the UNODA Vienna Office, in partnership with the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna and the Austrian Research Association, organized a Vienna Conversation Series (VCS) on key dynamics emanating from the Summit of the Future process and newly-agreed Pact for the Future, their possible implications for disarmament and arms control processes, and the role of different stakeholders in advancing disarmament-related actions.
The event, held at the premises of the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, featured speakers from international organizations, academia and think tanks, as well as a youth representative. They reflected on the Pact’s relevance in the global environment surrounding arms control and disarmament and the Pact’s possible implications for future multilateral efforts in the field.
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