A/77/144

United Nations

General AssemblyDistr.: General
27 July 2022
Original: English

Seventy-seventh session
Item 102 of the provisional agenda*
Review of the implementation of the recommendations
and decisions adopted by the General Assembly at its
tenth special session

United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research
Note by the Secretary-General
The Secretary-General hereby transmits to the General Assembly the report of
the Director of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) on
the activities of the Institute for the period from January to December 2021, theInstitute’s approved programme of work and financial plan for 2022 and the Institute’s
proposed programme of work and financial plan for 2023.
The Board of Trustees of UNIDIR reviewed the report and approved theprogramme of work and financial plans at the seventy-seventh session of the Advisory
Board on Disarmament Matters, held in New York on 27 June 2022.
The role of UNIDIR as a provider of impartial research and a convener andenabler of discussions on delicate topics among States, and its support fortransparency-building measures, is today more crucial than ever. Th e Board
recognized the continued resilience and agility of UNIDIR in 2021 and noted that,
despite the continuing challenges presented by the coronavirus disease (COVID -19)
pandemic, a number of important milestones had been achieved. In 2021, the General
Assembly approved the Board’s long-standing recommendation to increase theregular budget subvention for UNIDIR.

* A/77/150.

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Report of the Director of the United Nations Institute for
Disarmament Research on the activities of the Institute forthe period from January to December 2021, the approved
programme of work and financial plan for 2022 and the
proposed programme of work and financial plan for 2023
Summary
The present report covers the activities and financial status of the United Nations
Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) for the period from January to
December 2021, the Institute’s approved programme of work and financial plan for2022 and the Institute’s proposed programme of work and financial plan for 2023. It
was prepared in accordance with General Assembly resolution 39/148 H, in which theAssembly invited the Director of UNIDIR to report annually to it.
UNIDIR provides independent, evidence-based research and policy options to
support Member States, United Nations entities, and expert, industry and civil society
stakeholders in advancing practical measures that contribute to a more secure,sustainable and peaceful world. It is a key implementing partner of the initiative of
the Secretary-General, Securing Our Common Future: An Agenda for Disarmament.
The Institute’s current research agenda, endorsed by its Board of Trustees, isaimed at identifying pathways to reinvigorate multilateral arms control anddisarmament in the face of a challenging international political and security
environment. On the occasion of the Institute’s fortieth anniversary, in 2020, theGeneral Assembly recognized the importance, the timeliness and the high quality of
the work of the Institute (see resolution 75/82).
In 2021, UNIDIR undertook research on a broad range of disarmament and global
security issues. Its core programmes of work are focused on conventional arms andammunition, weapons of mass destruction and other strategic weapons, space security,
security and technology, and gender and disarmament, in addition to a special projecton the process for a Middle East zone free of weapons of mass destruction. Focus areas
studied in 2021 included outer space, nuclear risks, the risks and benefits of newtechnologies, emerging biothreats and the interlinkages between security, arms control,
conflict prevention, development and peacebuilding. UNIDIR acts as a bridge-builder
and facilitates the inclusive, transparent and collaborative dialogue among disarmament
stakeholders, both State and non-State, that is essential to making progress in formal
settings. The Institute builds knowledge and capacity on security and disarmamentmatters globally, its Cyber Policy Portal and other innovative tools enhancetransparency, and its research on illicit small arms and improvised explosive devices
helps to save lives. Traditionally, the Institute has also provided sustained, and often
discreet, technical support to States and multilateral bodies.
This work is enabled by the voluntary support of a diverse group of donors. This
support, together with continued strengthening of the Institute’s funding structure andoperating and financial models in recent years, allowed UNIDIR to further expand its
policy-oriented research and outreach activities. These included a further increase in
the amount of research outputs, publications and virtual events, despite the pandemic.
In late 2021, the General Assembly increased the subvention of UNIDIR, which now
covers the cost of the Director, one additional senior administrative officer, quarterly
briefings to all regional groupings and three events in countries that are not membersof the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). All otheractivities implemented by UNIDIR rely on voluntary donor contributions.

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Given the dependence of UNIDIR on voluntary contributions for al l of its
programmatic work, the pandemic’s lasting economic impact and its drastic effects
on the voluntary funding environment present a significant challenge to the Institute.
In an era of cascading crises and uncertainty, in which disarmament matters ar e
returning to the forefront and there are growing needs for the international community
to have access to independent, in-depth and forward-looking research on disarmamentand global security issues, significant steps remain to be taken to establish a mor esustainable financial foundation for the Institute in order to support its mission ofworking towards a stable and more secure world.

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I. Introduction
1.
These are challenging times for humanity and the planet. The year 2021 wasmarked by cascading global crises and complex security dilemmas. At the start of theyear, as the Russian Federation and the United States of America agreed to extend
their agreement to limit their nuclear armaments, there was hope that this would spark
new momentum for multilateral disarmament more widely. However, the sustained
deterioration of the global security environment, with the continuous surge oftensions, polarization and mistrust over the course of the year, thwarted that prospect.
2.
In September 2021, the Secretary-General warned that the world was on the edgeof an abyss and moving in the wrong direction, and laid out two stark choices forhumanity: breakdown or breakthrough. Disarmament, arms control and de-escalation
inherently lie at the heart of any pathway towards a breakthrough. Without progress inthese domains, humanity will be incapable of tackling the many urgent crises on theinternational security agenda. It is an inherent paradox of disarmament that it is needed
the most in times when it appears least likely to be achieved. At the same time,
disarmament, arms control and security arrangements have often emerged frommoments of great tension, and path-breaking disarmament regimes have been achieved
under conditions of strain. The need for renewed efforts to achieve multilateraldisarmament, de-escalation and trust-building has never been more urgent.
3.
The mission of the United Nations Institute for Disarmam ent Research(UNIDIR) is to work towards a stable and more secure world. It is the only United
Nations think tank working on the increasingly complex spectrum of disarmament,
arms control and non-proliferation issues. The Institute’s independent research,evidence-based analysis and inclusive convening activities support the international
community in addressing some of the world’s most pressing international security
challenges. Its insight-driven tools and advice generate positive, real-world change invarious regions of the world. UNIDIR explores pathways to reinvigorate multilateralarms control and disarmament and acts as a bridge-builder. It also provides sustained,
and often discreet, technical support to States and multilateral bodies while
facilitating inclusive, transparent and collaborative dialogue among both State andnon-State disarmament stakeholders. The General Assembly, in its resolution 75/82,
recognized the importance, the timeliness and the high quality of the work of theInstitute.
4.
In 2021, UNIDIR expanded the scope, scale and impact of its research, outreachand capacity-building activities. To support the Institute’s increased level of activity,
the Deputy Director position at the D-1 level was re-established, and a New York
Liaison Officer post was established. Following a long -standing recommendation by
the Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters in its capacity as the Board of Trusteesof UNIDIR, in December 2021 the General Assembly increased the Institute’s
subvention to support the costs of a Professional post (P -5), quarterly briefings to all
regional groupings and three events in countries that are not OECD members.
Notwithstanding this important boost to the Institute, the substantive activities of
UNIDIR continue to be funded exclusively by voluntary contributions. This relianceon voluntary funding underlines the importance of all Member States from all regions
supporting the Institute’s activities, ideally with unearmarked multi-year funding.
This is needed to ensure that it can continue to provide independent, evidence -based
research and policy options that directly contribute to a stable and more secure world.
In the three-year period from 2019 to 2021, UNIDIR operated with average annual
expenditures close to $6 million. If supported by Member States, UNIDIR can deliver
even more.

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II. Performance and status of implementation of activities in 2021
Research agenda and programmes
5.
In 2021, UNIDIR continued the implementation of multi-year strategic research
priorities endorsed by its Board (see A/76/183). During the year, UNIDIR developed
a new multi-year strategic research agenda for the period 2022–2025. The new agenda
builds on the Institute’s research programmes and emphasizes the expansion anddiversification of its expertise, educational activities, and forward -looking and longterm research on disarmament, arms control and global security matters, in l ine with
its statutory mandate. Both strategic research agendas reflect the Secretary -General’s
initiative Securing Our Common Future: An Agenda for Disarmament, in which
UNIDIR is a key implementing partner. The strategic research agendas of UNIDIR
contribute to integrating disarmament across the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development (see General Assembly resolution 70/1) and ensure that knowledge,
innovative ideas and dialogue on disarmament are accessible to a global audience,
including young people and policymakers.
6.
UNIDIR pursues five core programmes of work: (a) conventional arms andammunition; (b) weapons of mass destruction and other strategic weapons; (c) space
security; (d) security and technology; and (e) gender and disarmament. As part of a
special regional project, the Institute also explores past efforts and prospects for a
Middle East zone free of weapons of mass destruction. UNIDIR programmes aredesigned as dynamic, multi-year scalable work streams that enable the Institute toreflect the disarmament priorities of a diverse international community.
7.
In 2021, UNIDIR continued to adapt and, whenever possible, enhance its service
delivery, notably by shifting to online modes of working and interactive virtual formats
to adjust to the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, while
continuing to scale up its research outputs and events. Quarterly risk assessments anda strong focus on staff well-being continued to guide all of the Institute’s activities.
Regular close contact with donors mitigated challenges in implementation. As a result,the number of publications increased from 52 in 2020 to 58 in 2021 (see annex I). New
digital formats and 12 translations of its products helped UNIDIR to expand theaccessibility, dissemination and impact of its research outputs: its reports were
downloaded 40,000 times in 185 countries. Key research activities and policy impacts
in 2021 are set out in detail below for each of the six main programmatic areas.
Conventional arms and ammunition
8.
Poorly regulated conventional arms and ammunition continue to posesignificant challenges to peace, security and development from global to local levels.
The immediate impacts of their misuse include deaths, injuries, gender-based
violence, displacement and psychological harm, facilitating violations ofinternational law, criminality and terrorism. Their longer-term effects undermine
access to health and education, humanitarian aid, the protect ion of civilians and theachievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. In cooperation with partners
across the United Nations, Member States, regional organizations and the communityof international security experts, the conventional arms and ammuniti on programmeof UNIDIR conducts action-oriented field research and convenes multi-stakeholder
dialogues to deliver advisory support and practical tools to prevent, mitigate andaddress the uncontrolled proliferation and misuse of conventional arms andammunition. In 2021, the programme pursued three research priorities:(a) strengthening policy and practice on weapons and ammunition management;(b) adapting conventional arms control to the changing nature of warfare; and(c) preventing and mitigating armed violence in urban and local settings.

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9.
Weapons and ammunition management is essential for States to exercise
governance and control over conventional arms, ammunitions and related parts andcomponents. It is a fundamental component of conflict preventio n and armed violence
reduction. In 2021, UNIDIR provided practical guidance and assistance to support
the conduct of national weapons and ammunition management baseline assessments,
created space for dialogue to share effective practices and lessons learne d tostrengthen weapons and ammunition management in Africa, and shared researchfindings to identify diversion risks.
10. The Reference Methodology for National Weapons and Ammunition
Management Baseline Assessments was published in 2021 in English, French andSpanish. It is the only publication that provides States with guidance on conducting
comprehensive and systematic assessments of national institutions, policy andoperational processes and capacities for weapons and ammunition management. As
at 31 December 2020, 12 States had conducted a weapons and ammunition
management baseline assessment using the methodology of UNIDIR, with eachestablishing a road map with concrete measures to enhance its weapons andammunition management. In December 2021, Togo conducted its first baseline
assessment with UNIDIR, in partnership with the Economic Community of West
African States (ECOWAS). UNIDIR will continue to support ECOWAS in conducting
these baseline assessments in West Africa and will cooperate with the HAL O Trust to
do the same in Central America. A preliminary study on weapons and ammunition
management in the Sudan, conducted in 2020, informed the 2021 review by theUnited Nations of the situation in Darfur, in particular the benchmarks to assess theUnited Nations measures on Darfur (see S/2021/696).
11. In 2021, UNIDIR concluded the second part of its online regional weapons andammunition management seminar, co-organized with the African Union in support ofits Silencing the Guns initiative, to promote dialogue and share good practices onpractical ways to strengthen policy and practice on weapons and ammunition
management among international and regional organizations, States andnon-governmental organizations (NGOs). The seminar laid the foundations for the
first international symposium on weapons and ammunition management, scheduled
to take place in 2022. UNIDIR will work with United Nations partners to convene
this first international platform to explore options and avenues for a more coherent,
strategic international approach to weapons and ammunition management.
12. The programme has a strong track record in enhancing knowledge on ways tobetter identify, understand and mitigate risks of diversion in international arms
transfers. In 2021, in partnership with Conflict Armament Research and the Stimson
Center, UNIDIR released the Diversion Analysis Framework, which identifies key
factors that facilitate the diversion of conventional arms to better inform efforts toprevent, detect and address diversion. In 2021, UNIDIR shared its research findings
on diversion and trafficking during a Security Council open debate on the impact ofthe diversion and trafficking of arms on peace and security, and an Arria -formulameeting on the threat to peace and security posed by trafficking and illicit trade ofsmall arms and light weapons.
13. Action 21 of the Secretary-General’s Agenda for Disarmament contains a callfor the integration of conventional arms and ammunition control into the conflict
prevention and management activities of the United Nations, taking the changing
nature of warfare into account. UNIDIR develops practical guidance andrecommendations for integrating conventional arms control into conflict prev ention,
management and resolution efforts, and conducts dialogues. In 2021, UNIDIR
released the Arms-Related Risk Analysis Toolkit, offering practical guidance tomitigate arms- and ammunition-related risks in conflict-affected and fragile settings.

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14. The programme also explores how conventional arms control can prevent andmitigate armed violence and civilian harm in urban and local settings. Under the
programme, tools have been developed and provided to: (a) monitor the impact of
explosive weapons in populated areas; and (b) conduct assessments of national
capacities to counter the threat of improvised explosive devices.
15. In 2021, UNIDIR released the Menu of Indicators to Measure the Reverberating
Effects on Civilians from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas. Thisreference framework has been used by United Nations and NGO partners to document
and monitor the impact of explosive weapons in populated areas on civilian deaths
and injuries, civilian infrastructure, public health and educatio n. It provides anevidence base for engaging conflict parties to mitigate civilian harm. A
complementary Second Menu of Indicators, released in 2022, enables the examinationof the reverberating effects from the use of these weapons in populated areas on
civilian access to water, sanitation and hygiene, and the consequences for foodsecurity, environmental degradation and economic opportunity.
16. Improvised explosive devices continue to pose a global threat and cause humansuffering around the world. In response to General Assembly resolution 73/67,
UNIDIR released the Counter-IED Capability Maturity Model and Self-Assessment
Tool. In 2021, UNIDIR supported six Member States in applying the tool, evaluating
their national preparedness and response capabilities with a view to enhancing
prevention and response strategies. The self-assessment tool has informed the wholeof-system response approach to improvised explosive devices taken by the United
Nations. In 2022, UNIDIR will continue to assist interested States, United Nations
partners and regional organizations in countering threats posed by improvised
explosive devices.
Weapons of mass destruction
17. In 2021, the UNIDIR programme on weapons of mass destruction and otherstrategic weapons pursued research across four work streams: (a) identifying nuclear
risk reduction measures; (b) exploring new approaches to verification in nuclear
disarmament; (c) strengthening the norm against chemical and biological weapons;and (d) advancing nuclear dialogue. In a climate of continued geopolitical tension,interest in the programme’s work was high throughout the year, with nearly 9,000
downloads of programme reports from more than 70 countries.
18. UNIDIR is recognized as a global thought leader on nuclear risk reduction. This
topic became increasingly important during 2021, and the work of UNIDIR in thearea has informed stakeholders and fed official positions and working papers for thetenth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of
Nuclear Weapons. Research was focused on potential escalation scenarios, includingfrom interconnected technological domains. In May, UNIDIR hosted a two -dayvirtual conference on the theme “Nuclear risk: across technologies and domains”,
featuring international experts discussing the risks posed by the technologies
entangled with modern nuclear weapon programmes. The Institute also launched a
new publication series on specific issues of contention among nuclear-armed andnuclear-allied States that could lead to escalation and spark conflict.
19. In 2022, the Institute will explore the relationships and dynamics between Statesthat drive nuclear risk, with particular attention paid to building a systematic
understanding of risks at the intersection of nuclear weapon systems and emerging
technologies. This includes future outputs on nuclear risks linked to outer space andmissile capabilities, and research on key contemporary topics such as nuclear
decision-making in crisis situations. UNIDIR will also inform discussions on risk
reduction at the rescheduled tenth Review Conference. This will include a policy brief
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examining the prominence of risk reduction in the current review cycle, the likely
outcomes of the Conference and ways forward.
20. Verifying nuclear disarmament is a key challenge for any future nuclear
disarmament process. Building on its long-standing expertise, UNIDIR has shifted its
conceptual focus towards new approaches to overcoming practical challenges incomplex verification settings. The innovative UNIDIR concept of deferredverification has been integrated into other prominent forums in the field. In 2021,
UNIDIR hosted a series of informal briefings for the Group of Governmental Experts
to consider the role of verification in advancing nuclear disarmament. This was
acknowledged as raising the baseline knowledge among international experts.
21. In 2021, the Institute initiated two further projects related to verification. The
first explored verification in the context of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear
Weapons. UNIDIR hosted a seminar to inform preparations for the First Meeting ofStates Parties to the Treaty, in 2022. The second project explored different options formissile verification based on insights from past arms control and disarmament efforts
and new technological opportunities. UNIDIR presented its project findings at a side
event of the First Committee.
22. In 2021, UNIDIR published five reports related to compliance with andenforcement of regimes related to weapons of mass destruction. The reports provided
both concrete proposals to enhance regimes, such as the Convention on the Prohibitionof the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on
Their Destruction and the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development,
Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on
Their Destruction, and innovative approaches to feed into a new vision for arms
control and the disarmament of weapons of mass destruction. These reports were
downloaded more than 2,800 times and cited in scholarly and policy literature.
UNIDIR research and engagement on the Biological Weapons Convention has shaped
the views of States parties in several areas, including identifying new approaches toreviewing science and technology through the development of a “UNIDIR hybrid”
model. Several States parties to the Biological Weapons Convention publicly
acknowledged the contribution of UNIDIR in providing information and advancing
the Convention at the meetings of experts and States parties in 2021.
23. In 2022, the compliance and enforcement work stream will be refocused onstrengthening the norm against chemical and biological weapons. This work strea mwill continue to feed policy discourse in chemical and biological weapon regimes
through a series of public events and dialogue.
24. On the future of nuclear disarmament and strategic arms control, UNIDIR has
initiated a dialogue on nuclear disarmament, nuclear deterrence and strategic arms
control with a group of 40 senior experts from around the world. In 2021, the teampublished four reports and organized three events on the subject. Particularly
noteworthy was a report containing concrete steps for co nsolidating the non-use of
nuclear weapons, recrafting strategic arms control and revitalizing the pursuit ofnuclear disarmament. This was presented to the First Committee and promoted
through a series of op-eds.
25. In 2022, the dialogue will explore the ramifications of the war in Ukraine onarms control, disarmament and non-proliferation in order to develop policy options
for revitalizing arms control and disarmament in a tense geostrategic environment.
Space security
26. As outer space is becoming ever more critical to humankind, research in thisfield is increasingly in demand. In 2021, UNIDIR work on space security made a
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significant contribution to emergent discourse in the First Committee on ways toenhance space security. UNIDIR also initiated its first industry dialogue on space
security and held the 2021 Outer Space Security Conference in an innovative hybrid
format. The industry dialogue unpacked private sector perspectives related to space
security and bridged the gap between States and other stakeholders. The Conference,
which had a record 950 participants online and in person, enabled informal dialogue
on several contemporary challenges related to space security and sustainability,
advancing discussion on approaches to space security. The substantive discussion at
the Conference fed into the dialogue at the First Committee and sparked considerable
online interest.
27. Building on its long-standing expertise in space security, UNIDIR has designed
its space security programme to facilitate the peaceful, prosperous and secure use of
space through the enhancement of space security governance. In addition to the 2022
Outer Space Security Conference, the expansion of the industry dialogue and timely
policy research, the space security programme will undertake multiple new tracks.
These will include establishing a digital space security portal to serve as a one -stop
online hub for materials on space security policies of key stakeholders; supporting
the new open-ended working group on reducing space threats through norms, rules
and principles of responsible behaviours; building capacity around space security
issues through regional events; and developing a space security lexicon in all United
Nations languages to foster a shared understanding of contentious topics and terms.
Security and technology
28. The UNIDIR security and technology programme is designed to dynamically
respond to the accelerating pace and scale of technological change, exploring its
implications for international peace, security and development. In 2021, it pursued
three work streams: (a) cyberstability; (b) the implications of the use of artificial
intelligence and autonomy in weapon systems and other military applications; and(c) the security implications, positive and negative, of recent and over-the-horizon
innovations in science and technology. It significantly contributed to supporting andadvancing multilateral processes in international cybersecurity and lethal autonomous
weapon systems.
29. In 2021, a concentration of high-profile cyber incidents targeted various types ofinfrastructure, information and communications technology businesses or services;
however, there was significant progress in multilateral cyber negotiations, with thehistoric achievement of consensus reports by both cyber processes under the First
Committee: the group of governmental experts and the open-ended working group.
This context underscored the relevance and urgency of UNIDIR work on
cyberstability. Recognition of the Cyber Policy Portal as a global confidence - andcapacity-building tool in the consensus reports, and an invitation to present the projectat the 2021 Paris Peace Forum, highlighted the importance of this work. In addition,
UNIDIR conducted four multi-stakeholder dialogues and launched four reports
supporting the operationalization of norms for responsible State behaviour incyberspace. These activities tackled issues such as critical infrastructure protection,
attribution, due diligence and information exchange. In 2022, UNIDIR will continue
to support the operationalization of the framework for responsible State behaviour incyberspace.
30. Another area of research is focused on the implications of artificial intelligence
and autonomy in weapon systems, decision-making processes and other military
applications. In 2021, UNIDIR conducted a series of five virtual regional tabletop
exercises that brought together 200 experts from over 80 countries to explore humancontrol in decisions regarding the use of force. The findings were summarized in a
research report that was extensively referenced by delegations during meetings of the
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Group of Governmental Experts on Emerging Technologies in the Area of Lethal
Autonomous Weapons Systems. UNIDIR published two other major reports: one ondata issues in autonomous systems, and a compendium mapping U NIDIR researchfindings on artificial intelligence and autonomous systems against open questions in
the Group of Governmental Experts. In 2022, UNIDIR will explore the impact more
broadly across various domains of warfare.
31. UNIDIR launched an innovative, cross-programmatic research initiative
exploring the implications of emerging technologies in the conventional domain.
Projects focused on the latest developments in uncrewed systems and innovative
approaches to ceasefire monitoring. Activities included briefings on drone
countermeasures and directed energy weapons, a paper on distributed ledger
technologies for international security and arms control, and a flagship event, theInnovations Dialogue, which examined deepfake technologies and attracted over
1,000 participants from around the world.
Gender and disarmament
32. The UNIDIR gender and disarmament programme contributes to genderequality and the integration of gender perspectives into arms control anddisarmament. Increasing diversity in arms control and disarmament will strengthen
their effectiveness and create more employment opportunities for women. This work
directly supports the implementation of the Agenda for Disarmament (actions 36 and37), the 2030 Agenda (Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 16) and the women andpeace and security agenda.
33. In 2021, the impact of the Institute’s work was evident in the inclusion of gender
as a formal agenda item of the Conference on Disarmament and the Meeting ofExperts of the Biological Weapons Convention, the submission of working papers
addressing gender-related aspects in the Biological Weapons Convention and in the
Global Partnership against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction,and the increased incorporation of gender perspectives in the work of the First
Committee.
34. The programme included a regional workshop that brought together 52 national
officials and experts from 11 countries in South and South -East Asia. It expanded its
outreach by carrying out activities aimed at Arabic-speaking audiences, including two
focus groups with Arab women experts in international security, a fact sheet on Arab
women in international security and disarmament, and a high -level event organizedin partnership with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the
Empowerment of Women (UN-Women).
35. The programme covered research into gendered patterns of engagement intechnical roles in the field of arms control. Findings were presented in the report
Women Managing Weapons: Perspectives for Increasing Women’s Participation in
Weapons and Ammunition Management. In collaboration with Member States, theInternational Gender Champions Disarmament Impact Group and the International
Peace Institute, UNIDIR co-hosted a discussion on the theme “Where are the women:
staying curious about gender in international security” on the margins of the First
Committee, attracting more than 700 live views.
36. Throughout 2021, publications under the programme examined how gendernorms shape security technology and identified elements of gender-responsive
approaches to cybersecurity, such as Gender Approaches to Cybersecurity: Design,
Defence and Response and System Update: Towards a Women, Peace andCybersecurity Agenda.

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37. In support of the Group of Governmental Experts on Emerging Technologies in
the Area of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems, UNIDIR organized discussions on
gender bias in military applications of artificial intelligence and published a report
entitled Does Military AI Have Gender? Understanding Bias and Promoting EthicalApproaches in Military Applications of AI. The report provided an outline of avenues
for countering bias and avoiding harm, including a gender-based review of military
applications of artificial intelligence that would make explicit how systems represent
and respond to gender, and how harmful effects related to bias have been mitigated.
38. In 2022, the best practices for gender equality in conventional arms control will
be compiled and analysed under the programme. The applicability of intersectional
gender analyses to nuclear research and policy will also be explored. Together with
the International Gender Champions Disarmament Impact Group, the programme willbuild momentum for gender-responsive arms control and disarmament throughbriefings and resource tools that identify entry points for gender mainstreaming in
multilateral processes.
A Middle East zone free of weapons of mass destruction
39. The UNIDIR project on a Middle East zone free of weapons of mass destruct ion
is aimed at examining the historical chronology, perspectives and ideas for progressfor such a zone. The three-year project, launched in October 2019 and funded by theEuropean Union, has been building analytical capacity among stakeholders in theregion. Historical divergences on the issue, and ongoing conflicts and deep mistrust
among States in the region, have further complicated progress and diverted attention
from cooperative initiatives to reduce regional proliferation challenges. Suchinitiatives are important for conflict prevention and mitigation, and to address
regional instability.
40. The project pursues four overarching goals: (a) to fill an important research gap
on how the issue of the Middle East zone free of weapons of mass destruction evolved,
including lessons for current and future prospects; (b) to build analytical capacity tosupport new thinking on regional security issues and a zone free of weapons of mass
destruction; (c) to collate ideas and develop new proposals on how to move forward
on the issue; and (d) to foster inclusive dialogue and solicit regional perspectives,
including by engaging relevant officials and experts in a series of workshops and fact finding dialogues in States in the Middle East.
41. In 2021, an interactive online timeline that maps the key historical milestones ofthe zone was launched. Available in Arabic, English, Hebrew and Persian, it is linked
to an online document depository of over 420 key documents created in 2020. These
two tools serve as a publicly accessible knowledge hub for the developments to dateon the process to create a Middle East zone free of weapons of mass destruction.
42. Regional dialogue is central to this project. In 2021, the project held eight
events, with over 500 participants. UNIDIR participated in and contributed to over
31 related events and regularly briefed and consulted States in the region and relevant
entities within the United Nations system, including the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA), the Office for Disarmament Affairs and UN-Women. Under the
project, interviews continued to be conducted with officials and experts from theMiddle East, the three depositary States of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, the United
Nations and the European Union to outline the themes, issues and debates
underpinning discussions on a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the region.
During the November 2021 session of the Conference on the Establishment of a
Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Des truction
and at the Conference on Disarmament, several States commended the work of the
UNIDIR project.
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43. Publications in 2021 include a policy paper on nuclear verification in a zone
free of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East and an essay collection onlessons learned from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action for the process to createsuch a zone (in Arabic, English, Hebrew and Persian).
44. In 2022, under the project, essays will be published on regional perspectives,
drivers and objectives for the zone, a narrative account of the zone process by themain stakeholders, and policy papers on means of delivery and chemical andbiological warfare in the context of a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the
Middle East. Regional dialogues will also be held, and thematic research round tables
will be organized on the topics above, as well as on cooperation on nuclear energy
and on addressing regional weapons of mass destruction proliferation challenges.
Knowledge and advisory support
45. In 2021, the knowledge and advisory support of UNIDIR continued to be in highdemand. UNIDIR supported the active engagement of States in various multilateralprocesses, including the Conference on Disarmament, the First Committee, theProgramme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms
and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, the Arms Trade Treaty, the Biological Weapons
Convention and relevant Security Council committees. It provided technical advisory
support to the Group of Governmental Experts on problems arising from theaccumulation of conventional ammunition stockpiles in surplus throughout 2020 –2021
and will support the 2022–2023 open-ended working group established by General
Assembly resolution 76/233 to elaborate political commitments for a new global
framework to address existing gaps in the “through-life” management of ammunition.
46. In 2021, UNIDIR provided technical support to the parallel processes o ncybersecurity established by the General Assembly: the group of governmental
experts (see resolution 73/266) and the open-ended working group (see resolution
73/27). UNIDIR, in close cooperation with the Office for Disarmament Affairs,
advised the respective Chairs of both groups at their in-person meetings in February;synthesized relevant national inputs, positions and comments; and prepared draft texts
for both processes. Through these advisory and support tasks, UNIDIR played apivotal role in allowing both processes to reach a consensus, as highlighted by both
Chairs. The provision of United Nations regular budget resources for consultancies
for groups of governmental experts is the only source of dedicated financial support
for such knowledge and advisory services.
47. The Institute provided expert briefings, technical assistance and substantive
background knowledge on numerous disarmament, arms contro l and security issues,and substantive input to the technical guidelines to facilitate the implementation of
Security Council resolution 2370 (2017) to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons.
It continued to explore collaborative initiatives with United Nations entities such as
the Department of Peace Operations, the Department of Political and Peacebuilding
Affairs, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the Office of theUnited Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the United Nations
Development Programme, UN-Women, the Biological Weapons Convention
Implementation Support Unit, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive
Directorate, United Nations University and the United Nations Institute for Training
and Research (UNITAR).
48. Each year UNIDIR holds a disarmament orientation course for newly arrived
diplomats in Geneva. In 2021, the course was delivered virtually to delegates aroundthe world. It received positive feedback from participants and permanent missions. It
will be repeated annually, subject to funding.

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49. UNIDIR personnel continued to give lectures at and participate in a wide rangeof events around the world and provided regular briefings to visiting scholars,
government officials and student groups. The virtual nature of these events enhanced
the global impact of UNIDIR. For example, UNIDIR personnel briefed several States
and regional or like-minded groups on nuclear risk reduction and measures to reducethe diversion of small arms and light weapons, among other things; participated in
the Foreign Policy Tech Forum; supported students in multiple Model United Nations
exercises; and briefed the Security Council on the impact of arms diversion andtrafficking on peace and security. Given the high demand for these educational
activities, in 2022 UNIDIR will expand its educational activities in partnership with
UNITAR.
Dialogue activities
50. Dialogue is at the core of the mission of UNIDIR. As an autonomous inst itution
within the United Nations, it can exercise a critical bridge-building function in a
fraught global security environment. It serves as a platform for inclusive
multi-stakeholder dialogue and an interactive hub for knowledge and ideas. UNIDIR
brings together State representatives, civil society, industry representatives andexperts, and researchers from various disciplinary and geographical backgrounds todiscuss a wide and diverse range of disarmament and global security issues.
51. In 2021, the Institute’s refreshed approach to online multi-stakeholder eventsand its expansion of virtual interactive and practice-oriented formats allowed it toproduce 63 per cent more events than in 2020. From country-specific assessments andregional workshops to First Committee side events, UNIDIR engaged participants atthe national, regional and international levels on topics spanning the breadth of its
research programmes. In 2022, subject to COVID-19-related travel and meeting
restrictions, UNIDIR will resume its in-person activities and continue expanding its
regional events and activities.
52. UNIDIR convenes annual flagship events: the Cyber Stability Conference, theOuter Space Security Conference and the Innovations Dialogue. The 2021 Cyber
Stability Conference explored ways to advance the agenda for an open, secure,accessible and peaceful environment for information and communications
technology. The hybrid 2021 Outer Space Security Conference provided a uniqueforum for 950 diverse participants to jointly consider challenges and solutions related
to security in outer space. The hybrid 2021 Innovations Dialogue attracted over 1,000
participants from around the world to unpack the growing deepfake phenomenon andexplore its implications for international security.
53. In 2021, UNIDIR continued the dialogue on nuclear disarmament, nuclear
deterrence and strategic arms control with three interactive round tables that brought
together senior experts from around the world to identify concrete options forrecrafting strategic arms control and revitalizing the pursuit of nuclear disarmament.
The Institute
54. UNIDIR further improved and consolidated its funding structure and operating
model, in line with the recommendations contained in the report of the Secre taryGeneral on its thirty-fifth anniversary (A/73/284).
Staffing and operations
55. The credibility and impact of UNIDIR depend on the quality and diversity of its
researchers. In 2021, UNIDIR continued to attract and retain a diverse pool of high quality researchers. The full-time positions at UNIDIR increased by 13 per cent, from32 in 2020 to 36 in 2021. Its current personnel hails from 24 countries from five
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continents and speaks more than 17 languages, including all six United Nations
official languages. In total, 38 per cent have doctoral degrees and most others havemaster’s degrees. UNIDIR has a well-balanced gender ratio of 56:44 between female
and male staff.
56. UNIDIR works with external subject matter experts on shorter contracts (2 –6months) to obtain further expertise and diversity where needed. The non -resident
fellowship scheme allows UNIDIR to benefit from authoritative international voices
on disarmament. The graduate professional programme facilitates the active
involvement of young people. Both initiatives flourished in 2021, with 14 fellows anda total of 16 graduate professionals.
57. Successful discussions with long-standing donors to UNIDIR led to agreementin 2021 on the funding of two Junior Professional Officers, who are expected to joinin September 2022 and will add capacity for coordination, resource mobilizat ion andthe planning of new initiatives.
58. The new Deputy Director (D-1) position at UNIDIR was filled in October 2021.
The Deputy Director focuses on strategic research planning and implementation,
resource mobilization and senior-level outreach. With the approval of an increased
subvention for UNIDIR, including funds for a P-5 Executive Officer, the Institute will
establish the P-5 position in 2022 to focus on management and administration.
59. In 2018, the Secretary-General recommended a staffing model in which
programme leaders would be hired under temporary United Nations appointments tosupervise consultant experts; this process was completed in early 2021. In 2022, theirtitles will be Head of Programme/Project to reflect their authority and respo nsibility
in establishing strategic objectives, fundraising and implementing research activities.
60. In line with the recommended staffing model, UNIDIR continued to use
consultancy agreements for programme expertise. This contractual modality carries
fewer financial liabilities and allows for agility in responding to changes in theenvironment and voluntary contributions. For full-time, Geneva-based consultants,
UNIDIR continued to utilize the individual contractor agreements of the United
Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to offer better conditions of service.
For limited-duration expertise, UNIDIR offered more cost-efficient consultancies
through the United Nations Office at Geneva.
61. With the shift of Head of Programme positions to United Nations contracts, thereliance on UNOPS for the administration of human resources was reduced in 2021.
The total 2021 expenditure, including personnel costs, was $1,598,552 (a decrease
from $2,198,633 in 2020), including $1,461,946 for salaries for 20 per sonnel and$136,606 in service fees. UNOPS processed 29 contracts and extensions. In
comparison, the same support through the United Nations Office at Geneva would beapproximately $35,000 less, but the conditions of service that the Office offers for
consultants would make it difficult for UNIDIR to attract and retain the high -quality
talent it requires to carry out its work.
62. The cost of administrative and financial services of the United Nations Officeat Geneva, including rent, came to a total of $304,446 in 2021 (compared with
$295,451 in 2020).
Communications and outreach
63. UNIDIR strengthened its global outreach through innovative multimedia
content, digital tools and a reinvigorated social media strategy. Website visits
increased by 30 per cent in 2021, to a total of 858,000 views from people based in all
Member States. With a 50 per cent increase in followers on Instagram, a 48 per centincrease on Twitter and a nearly 200 per cent increase on YouTube, UNIDIR expanded
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its social media presence and engagement. Analytics from online communications
provide UNIDIR with data to monitor the impact of its work. This complements theparticipant feedback and evaluations that it uses for events.
64. In 2021, UNIDIR attracted 9,000 participants (a 20 p er cent increase) to the 78
events it hosted, continuing the rapid upward trajectory of audience growth. UNIDIR
also released over 117 videos (a 56 per cent increase) covering a broad range of topics.
65. Providing access to the increasingly multilingual research outputs and expert
analyses of UNIDIR remains a key priority. Twelve translations, including in Arabic,
Chinese, French, Hebrew, Persian, Russian and Spanish, were issued in 2021. The
Institute’s 58 publications dealt with topics as varied as cyberoperations against criticalinfrastructure, gender and biological weapons, and a zone free of weapons of mass
destruction in the Middle East (see annex I). The UNIDIR Cyber Policy Portal
continued to receive accolades from Member States and the private se ctor. UNIDIR
plans to develop additional portals in 2022, including on space security and biosecurity.
66. Acting on a recommendation from its Board to engage with young people on
disarmament matters (see A/75/283), UNIDIR launched a new initiative that includes:(a) efforts to raise awareness of the importance of disarmament issues among young
people; (b) building disarmament research capacity among the upcoming generation;(c) bridging generations through the organization of a Model United Nations
Conference on Disarmament; and (d) education, academic outreach and collaboration.
67. In 2022, the Institute will amplify the global dissemination of its researchthrough its website and social media platforms. UNID IR will develop new digital
tools, supplement in-depth publications with shorter, more accessible products andmultimedia, and remain focused on translations. Outreach focused on the younger
generations and the global public will be prioritized, and the di gital presence of
UNIDIR will build new audiences through partnerships with major United Nationssocial media accounts.
Partnerships
68. In 2021, UNIDIR continued to strengthen and expand its partnerships, including
within the United Nations, with regional and national organizations and with theprivate sector. The new partnership between UNIDIR and UNITAR combines
institutional strengths in disarmament education. It also developed a new partnershipwith United Nations University and partnered with the International
Telecommunication Union to prepare a second edition of the Guide to Developing a
National Cybersecurity Strategy. Throughout the year, UNIDIR worked with IAEA,
the World Economic Forum and UN-Women and continued to be part of the United
Nations Cyber Hub.
69. UNIDIR briefed its donors through biannual donor forums and engaged with arange of private sector and philanthropic partners through its guiding principles forengagement with non-State actors. It continued to collaborate with a wide r ange of
research institutes and scholars worldwide and, in 2021, formalized agreements forresearch cooperation with Conflict Armament Research, the HALO Trust, Rutgers
University, the Stimson Center and the Fondation pour la recherche stratégique. A
memorandum of understanding with the Secure World Foundation formalized a long standing partnership.
70. UNIDIR cooperation with the Office for Disarmament Affairs led to support forthe open-ended working group on security of and in the use of information andcommunications technologies 2021–2025. UNIDIR also participated in various
United Nations inter-agency processes on counter-terrorism, disarmament,
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biological risks and biological weapons, space security, small arms and light weapons,
cyberissues, gender equality and good practices, and lessons learned from existing
nuclear weapon-free zones.
71. In 2021, UNIDIR established a small liaison presence at United Nations
Headquarters in New York to allow the Institute to expand and deepen its
collaboration within the United Nations and with other multilateral partners. The newcapacity supports Member States and other partners with knowledge and ideas andfacilitates engagement with and reinforces linkages between UNIDIR -leddisarmament research, events and other activities in Geneva and New York.
72. In 2022, UNIDIR intends to further deepen its collab oration within the United
Nations and with other multilateral and regional partners while expanding its
engagement with academic, private sector and philanthropic organizations. In part,
this will be facilitated by the liaison presence in New York. Further opportunities forstructured collaboration with academic institutions around the world will be exploredwith a view to creating a global research network that can magnify impacts at the
local level and complement the skills and expertise of UNIDIR.
Resource mobilization
73. Despite the growth trajectory and increased activity of UNIDIR, it continues toface funding challenges due to a large share of contributions being earmarked. In
2021, only 13 per cent of contributions were unearmarked, leading to reduced
flexibility for new institutional activities or other emerging research areas.
Recognizing the almost complete reliance of UNIDIR on voluntary funds, the General
Assembly, in its resolution 75/82, appealed to all Member States to continue to makefinancial contributions to the Institute, if possible multi-annual, and strongly
encouraged them to unearmark these contributions so as to contribute to its viability,
independence and impartiality and the quality of its work over the long term.
74. UNIDIR revamped its resource mobilization strategy to include United Nations
trust funds and philanthropic and private sector funds, in addition to funding fromgovernment partners. To overcome the challenge of performing effective due
diligence on private sector contributions, UNIDIR revived its agreement with theUnited Nations Office for Partnerships for receiving funds vetted by the United
Nations Foundation. These institutional efforts were complemented by th e further
decentralization of funding activities to heads of programmes.
75. In 2021, some expected agreements did not materialize owing to restrictions on
donor funding linked to development activities, as determined by OECD. The official
development assistance (ODA) coefficient for donations to UNIDIR is 27 per cent.
This was too low for some donors, as they were looking to fund activities with an
ODA coefficient of 100 per cent.
76. Most of the first batch of multi-year agreements ended in 2021. Going forward,
UNIDIR will try to ensure that the end dates of multi-year funding agreements are
staggered to avoid an adverse situation for confirmed funding in any single year.
77. On 24 December 2021, the General Assembly approved the United Nations
regular budget for 2022 (see resolution 76/246). This included a regular budget
subvention for UNIDIR of $683,500 for 2022, an increase of $386,430 (afterrecosting). The increase is earmarked for a P-5 position to assist the Director inmanagement and administrative functions, quarterly briefings to all regionalgroupings on research ideas on relevant disarmament topics, and three events in
non-OECD countries to promote knowledge, ideas and dialogue on disarmament a nd
non-proliferation among a broader and more diverse audience.

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Resources and expenditures
78. With the generous support of 26 donors, a subvention from the regular budget,
contributions from other United Nations entities and other income, the total r evenue
for 2021 amounted to $6,516,092. The actual revenue for the first quarter of 2022 isshown in annex III, table 1. Details of voluntary contributions to UNIDIR in 2021 arein annex III, table 2. To make meaningful comparisons between income andexpenditure and to better see changes in financial position from year to year, allincome received from 2016 onward has been recalculated on the basis of the year forwhich contributions were provided, not the year in which agreements were signed.
From the report of the Director, the opening and closing fund balances are includedin the financial annexes showing the total funds available for the year.
79. The difference between the projected (A/76/175, annex IV) and actual voluntary
contributions reflects some higher-than-expected contributions, which more thanoffset the expected decreases from other donors. As noted above, approximately 87
per cent of total voluntary contributions received in 2021 were earmarked for specificprogrammes or activities. The subvention received from the United Nations regularbudget was $280,700 and was earmarked to be used for the Director’s salary. The
subvention constituted 4 per cent of the Institute’s total income in 20 21.
80. The total expenditure of UNIDIR in 2021 was $6,892,579 (see annex III, table 1).
Actual expenses for the first quarter of 2022 are also shown. Total expenditure in 2021
is close to projections of $6,819,104 (see A/76/175, annex IV). While travel and grants(for the implementation of the project on a Middle East zone free of weapons of mass
destruction) were lower than projected, personnel and operating costs were higher
owing to increases in publications and events. The total expenditure in 2021 was higher
than the total revenues for the year, which was made possible by income carried forwardfrom previous years, as shown in the opening balance.
81. Throughout the year, UNIDIR closely monitored its financial situation, toensure that expenditure did not outpace revenue. Controls included a strengthened
annual budgeting process, the provision of an annual cost plan to the United Nations
Office at Geneva, biannual financial briefings to its Board of Truste es and donors,
quarterly executive budget reviews, monthly programme budget reports to heads ofprogrammes and more robust internal controls.
82. Reductions in the number of phone lines and New York office space andincreased reliance on in-house capacity, among other cost-cutting measures, resulted
in savings of over $100,000 in 2021.
83. The closing balance at the end of 2021 is composed of funds received in 2021
or before with implementation periods into 2022 or beyond, and some funds that could
not be used and for which donors granted no-cost extensions for implementation in
the following year.

III. Programme of work and financial plan for 2022
84. The programme of work for 2022 was approved by the Board of Trustees at its
meeting in June 2021 (see A/76/183). It reflects the updated workplans of theInstitute’s research programmes, guided by three cross-cutting priorities:(a) strengthening multilateral disarmament processes, including with a view toaddressing the implications of new technologies; (b) continuing to implement the
Secretary-General’s Agenda for Disarmament, with a focus on efforts to reduc e theimpact of arms-related violence on civilians; and (c) expanding the Institute’s
engagement in different regions of the world, including through inclusive andinteractive online formats. In line with its statutory mandate, UNIDIR will emphasize
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long-term, forward-looking research and consider the wider linkages between
disarmament, conflict prevention, development and global security. Responding to
the growing demands of the international community for educational, training andcapacity-building activities in disarmament and global security, UNIDIR willconsolidate and seek to expand and enhance its capacity-building offerings.
Following the successful development of the UNIDIR Cyber Policy Portal, theInstitute plans to develop new tools to build knowledge, increase transparency andenhance confidence.
85. The strengthened Directorate and newly established New York liaison office of
UNIDIR will support the Institute in meeting the international community’s growing
need for independent research, inclusive dialogue and advice and will facilitate theInstitute’s strategic planning and outreach to partners worldwide.
86. To ensure sustained high-quality research outputs and results-oriented
management, UNIDIR will operate on the basis of a programme plannin g and review
process that includes continuous programme development, proactive work planningand quarterly implementation reviews, as well as impact monitoring and reporting.
New multi-year workplans were developed for each research programme in 2021, inorder to collaborate with potential donors for multi-year funding that covers the 2022–
2025 period.
87. The projected revenue for 2022 and 2023 is based on a conservative estimate ofvoluntary contributions, as most of the multi-year funding agreements established inprevious years ended in 2021. Projections reflect the updated regular budget
subvention and potential contributions from non-traditional donors. Expenses
encompass the workplans of programmes and institutional initiatives. Implementation
will be monitored and maintained within the available resources. The expenditure
required to support the 2022 programme of work is projected to be $7,843,493, asshown in annex IV.
88. The revamped resource mobilization efforts of UNIDIR and the economic
implications of the global COVID-19 pandemic make it difficult to predict therevenue for 2022 and 2023. Based on ongoing discussions, UNIDIR anticipates amodest increase in voluntary contributions in 2022 and 2023, as shown in annexes IV
and V. Keeping in mind the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the financial
resources of Member States, the volatile global economic situation and the continued
high level of earmarking, UNIDIR will aim to set aside unearmarked resources of atleast 15 per cent of its annual budget for operational liquidity requirements.

IV. Conclusion
89. Over the course of 2021, tensions between States, including nuclear-armed
States, and risks of escalation of conflict continued to increase to ever higher andmore concerning levels. Simultaneously, the multilateral disarmament machinery
remained stymied, raising urgent questions about reinforcing trust and incentivizing
more effective arms control and disarmament. As core elements of the multilateral
security architecture are seen to be losing operative purchase, these trends arecontributing to a pervasive sense of stasis and helplessness in the multilateral systemin the face of so many cascading security crises.
90. However, disarmament is more than a seemingly distant aspiration f or the
future: it is a recipe for strengthened bonds of trust, a continuous real -world exercise
in confidence-building and de-escalation. Historically, it has helped to disrupt
escalatory spirals and paved the way to more constructive dialogues. Disarmamen t

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marks a first decisive step towards conflict prevention and onto the path towards
breakthrough, rather than breakdown.
91. UNIDIR plays a unique and vital role in this multilateral disarmamentenvironment. It develops knowledge and ideas that address the most pressing global
security challenges. It provides foresight on future security trends, builds capacity
and acts as a bridge-builder in a multiplex security environment fraught with tensions.
The General Assembly, in its resolution 75/82, on UNIDIR considered the continuing
need for the international community to have access to independent and in -depth
research on security issues and prospects for disarmament and non -proliferation. In
the wake of a global pandemic, a deteriorating global security environment andunprecedented existential challenges, the need for new ideas, independent research
and fresh approaches has never been clearer or more urgent.
92. Against this backdrop, UNIDIR significantly scaled up its research activities,
outputs and impact in 2021. It revamped resource mobilization efforts to align with
its updated strategic research framework for 2022–2025. It also continued efforts toengage broader and more diverse audiences globally and further strengthened its
digital communication. The higher level of activity of UNIDIR is a testament to its
strength, agility and performance. However, a volatile global economy and theongoing effects of the pandemic have drastically affected the voluntary funding on
which UNIDIR depends. Significant support is needed to enable UNIDIR tosustainably meet the international community’s increasing research demands anddeliver its mission of working towards a stable and more secure world.

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Annex I*
Publications 2021
Conventional arms and ammunition
UNIDIR publications• Menu of Indicators to Measure the Reverberating Effects on Civilians from theUse of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas, 23 February 2021
• Handbook to Profile Small Arms Ammunition in Armed Violence Settings(Spanish translation published in 2021), 8 June 2021
• A Reference Methodology for National Weapons and Ammunition Management
Baseline Assessments (French and Spanish translations published in 2021),
26 July 2021
• Arms Trade Treaty Issue Brief 3: Diversion Analysis Framework, 31 August2021• Arms-Related Risk Analysis Toolkit: Practical Guidance for Integrating
Conventional Arms-Related Risks into Conflict Analysis and Prevention,
20 December 2021
Journal and working group papers• Bajon, Theò (2022). Book Review: Post-conflict Reconstruction and Local
Government. Peacebuilding, vol. 10, No. 1.
• Bajon, Theò (2021). Book Review: Peace and Conflict Studies: Perspectives
from South Asia. International Affairs, vol. 97, No. 6.
• Bajon, Theò (2021). The rebels’ credibility dilemma: A new approach to thesearch for credibility towards the international community and the population.
Peace and Conflict Studies, vol. 28, No. 1.
• Second version of “Proposal to Develop a Comprehensive Framework for
Conventional Ammunition Management”, Chair’s food-for-thought non-paper
for the Group of Governmental Experts on problems arising from theaccumulation of conventional ammunition stockpiles in surplus.
• Implementation Mechanism for a Conventional Ammunition Framework.
Internal brainstorming paper for the Chair of the Group of Governmental
Experts on problems arising from the accumulation of conventional ammunition
stockpiles in surplus.
Other publications• Holtom, Paul (2021). Taking Stock of the Arms Trade Treaty: Scope. SIPRI,
Stockholm.
Weapons of mass destruction and other strategic weapons
UNIDIR publications• Some Thoughts on the Logic of Strategic Arms Control: Three Perspectives,
29 January 2021__________________* Annex I is being issued without formal editing and in the language of submission only.
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A/77/144• Tools for Compliance and Enforcement from Beyond WMD Regimes,
5 February 2021
• Nuclear Risk Reduction: Engaging the Non-NPT Nuclear-Armed States,
9 February 2021
• Preparing for Success at the Ninth Biological and Toxin Weapons Con vention
Review Conference, 6 April 2021
• WMD Compliance and Enforcement in a Changing Global Context, 18 May
2021• Revitalizing Pursuit of Nuclear Disarmament, 20 May 2021
• Exploring Science and Technology Review Mechanisms under the Biological
Weapons Convention, 15 June 2021
• Nuclear Escalation Strategies and Perceptions: The United States, the RussianFederation, and China, 22 June 2021
• Identifying Collaborative Actions to Reduce Today’s Nuclear Dangers ( Arabic,
Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish translations published in 2021),
1 September 2021
• Restoring Confidence Across Today’s Nuclear Divides: Symposium Report,
14 October 2021
• Space Industry Workshop Report, 5 November 2021
• The Cyber-Nuclear Nexus: Interactions and Risks, 9 November 2021
• 2021 Outer Space Security Conference Report, 23 December 2021
• Enhancing the Management and Enforcement of Compliance in the Regime
Prohibiting Chemical Weapons, 28 December 2021
Journal and working group papers• Revill, James and Anna Roessing (2021). Biosecurity. In The Oxford Handbookof the International Law of Global Security, Robin Geiß, and Nils Melzer, eds.
Oxford: University Press.
• Revill, James, Renata Hessmann Dalaqua and Wilfred Wan (2021). The TPNW
in Practice: Elements for Effective National Implementation. Journal for Peaceand Nuclear Disarmament, vol. 4, No. 1.
• Podvig, Pavel (2021). Practical Implementation of the Join-and-Disarm Option
in the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Journal for Peace andNuclear Disarmament, vol. 4, No. 1.
• Working Group Recommendations on Education, Training and Capacity Building, WHO Global Guidance Framework to Harness the Responsible Useof the Life Sciences.
Security and technology
UNIDIR publications• International Cooperation to Mitigate Cyber Operations against Critical
Infrastructure, 6 April 2021
• Known Unknowns: Data Issues and Military Autonomous Systems, 17 May
2021

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A/77/144• International Cyber Operations: National Doctrines and Capabilities Research
Paper Series, 27 May 2021
• Building Cyber Operational Capabilities: Brazil’s Efforts over the Past Two
Decades, 10 June 2021
• Exploring Science and Technology Review Mechanisms under the Biological
Weapons Convention, 15 June 2021
• UNIDIR on Lethal Autonomous Weapons; Mapping Our Research to theDiscussions of the GGE on LAWS, 30 July 2021
• Table-Top Exercises on the Human Element and Autonomous Weapons System,
30 July 2021
• Exploring Distributed Ledger Technology
Non-proliferation: A Primer, 10 September 2021

for

Arms

Controland• Applying Chapters VI and VII of the Charter of the United Nations in the Cyber
Context, 22 September 2021
• ICTs, International Security, and Cybercrime, 11 October 2021
• The Projection of Cyber Power by Australia and Japan: Contrasting Their
Doctrines and Capabilities for the Rule-Based International Order, 21 October
2021• The Cyber Operations Strategies of the United States and CanadianGovernments: A Comparative Analysis, 2 November 2021
• Due diligence in cyberspace: Normative expectations of reciprocal protectionof international legal rights, 17 November 2021
• The 2021 Innovations Dialogue Conference Report, 22 December 2021
Gender and disarmament
UNIDIR publications• Gender Approaches to Cybersecurity, 21 January 2021
• Gendered Impacts of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas, 2 M arch 2021
• Gender & Disarmament Resource Pack (2021 edition), 8 March 2021
• Factsheet: Gender and Biological Weapons, 4 May 2021
• Connecting the Dots: Arms Control, Disarmament and the Women, Peace andSecurity Agenda (Arabic translation published in 2021), 7 June 2021
• Women Managing Weapons, 27 July 2021
• System Update: Towards a Women, Peace and Cybersecurity Agenda,
13 September 2021
• Factsheet: Arab Women in International Security and Disarmament, 27 October
2021• Factsheet: Gender and Chemical Weapons (2021 edition), 16 November 2021
• Does Military AI Have Gender? Understanding Bias and Promoting EthicalApproaches in Military Applications of AI, 7 December 2021
• Gender Perspectives in Arms Control and Disarmament: Views from South andSouth East Asia, 10 December 2021

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A Middle East zone free of weapons of mass destruction
UNIDIR publications• Nuclear Verification in a Middle East WMD-Free Zone: Lessons from Past
Verification Cases and Other Precedents, 21 January 2021
• From the Iran Nuclear Deal to a Middle East Zone? Lessons from the JCPOA
for an ME WMDFZ (Arabic, Hebrew and Persian translations of introductory
essay also published in 2021), 27 May 2021
• Factsheet: Arab Women in International Security and Disarmament, 27 October
2021
Journal and working group papers• Sabet, Farzan (2021). Iran Deal Scenarios and Regional Security. Arms Control
Today (October).

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Annex II
Explanatory note to financial annexes
All figures shown in annex III, with the exception of voluntary contributions,are based on the United Nations statement of financial performance for the year 2021
for UNIDIR.

Revenue
Voluntary contributions

Voluntary contributions, in cash and goods in kind
Contributions from non-Member States

Other transfers and allocations

Allocations from other funds
Subvention from the United Nations regular budget
Allocations from United Nations common system
entities

Investment revenue

Investment revenue
Bank balance interest
Realized market gain (loss)
Unrealized market gain (loss)

Other/miscellaneous revenue

Foreign exchange gains
Other miscellaneous income

Expenses

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Employee salaries, allowancesand benefits

Staff contracts administered by the United Nations
Secretariat
Staff salaries and wages, allowances, including
taxes and education grant, home leave, family visit,
rest and recuperation and education grant travel
General temporary assistance compensation andallowances

Other expert contracts andfees

Individual contractors and individual consultants
administered by the United Nations Secretariat andthe United Nations Office for Project Services

Grants and other transfers

Outright grants and other transfers to implementing
agencies and partners and other entities

TravelTravel of staff
Travel of expert personnel
Travel of representatives

Other operating expenses

Rent, utilities
Contracted services

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Annex III
Table 1
Actual revenue and expenses for 2021 and first quarter of 2022
(Thousands of United States dollars)

Description

Opening balance

2021

First quarter 2022 a

7 079

6 703

Revenue
Voluntary contributions b

6 187

3 035

Other transfers and allocations

331

741

Investment revenue

(7)

–

5

1

6 516

3 777

Employee salaries, allowances and benefits

2 651

380

Other expert contracts and fees

2 234

131

Grants and other transfers

640–

Supplies and consumables––

Travel29

6Other operating expenses

664

3

Programme support costs c

674

168

Total expenses

6 892

688

Surplus/(deficit) for the period

(376)

3 089

Closing balance

6 703

9 792

Other revenue
Total revenue
Expenses
Direct expenditureaPosition as at 5 April 2022; subject to changes until the close of the March 2022 accounting
period.
b
Includes contributions pledged in 2019 or 2020 that were receivable for 2021 and excludes
those that were pledged in 2021 for future years.
c
Programme support costs generated from the use of extrabudgetary resources were used tocover operating services provided by the United Nations Office at Geneva.

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Table 2
Details of voluntary contributions for 2021
(United States dollars)

Description

AmountA. Voluntary contributions
Australia

42 082

Canada81 103

European Union a

374 094

Finland b

229 307

France160 000

Germany c

1 980 985

Iraq

2 000

Ireland

243 902

Kazakhstan

10 000

Luxembourg

12 195

Mexico

10 000Netherlands

440 000

New Zealand

54 113

Norway d

1 166 901

Pakistan

5 000

Philippines

7 500

Republic of Korea

185 902

Russian Federation

100 000

Spain

57 339SwedenSwitzerland

273 754e

Fondation pour la recherche stratégique

531 000
24 390

Halo Trust

18 952

Microsoft Corporation

176 887

Subtotal, A

6 187 406

B. Other transfers and allocations
Subvention from the United Nations regular budget

280 700

Office for Disarmament Affairs

50 100Subtotal, B
Total

330 800
6 518 206aPart of a conditional multi-year contribution from the European Union of $3.2 million.
Revenue is recognized during the course of the project as specific goods or services areprovided in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
bIncludes $110,011 pledged by Finland in 2019 for 2021.
cIncludes $111,483 pledged by Germany in 2019 for 2021.
dIncludes $1,053,741 which is part of a multi-year pledge made by Norway in 2018 for 2021.
Does not include a further $113,161 pledged in 2020 for 2022.
eIncludes $100,000 pledged by Switzerland in 2019 for 2021 and $80,000 pledged in 2020 for
2021. Does not include a further $165,000 pledged in 2021 for 2022.

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Annex IV
Projected revenue and expenses for 2022
(Thousands of United States dollars)

Description

Opening balance

2022

6 703

Revenue
Voluntary contributions

7 013

Other transfers and allocations

771

Investment income

20

Other revenue

5

Total revenue

7 809

Expenses
Direct expenditure

22-11809

Employee salaries, allowances and benefits

2 336

Other expert contracts and fees

2 669

Grants and other transfers

989

Supplies and consumables

1

Travel313

Other operating expenses

709

Programme support costs

826

Total expenses

7 843

Surplus/(deficit) for the year

(34)

Closing balance

6 668

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Annex V
Projected revenue and expenses for 2023
(Thousands of United States dollars)

Description

Opening balance

2023

6 668

Revenue
Voluntary contributions

6 733

Other transfers and allocations

787

Investment income

50

Other revenue

10

Total revenue

7 580

Expenses
Direct expenditure

28/28

Employee salaries, allowances and benefits

2 556

Other expert contracts and fees

2 749

Grants and other transfers

557

Supplies and consumables

1

Travel375

Other operating expenses

740

Programme support costs

859

Total expenses

7 837

Surplus/(deficit) for the year

(257)

Closing balance

6 411

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