UN Youth4Disarmament Forum

About the Forum

Since 2019, the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (ODA) has empowered young leaders through its #Youth4Disarmament programme, connecting youth with experts to advance global peace and security. Building on this foundation, the first of its kind UN Youth4Disarmament Forum will take place in New York 16-17 October 2025 as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and policy influence.

This first edition of the Forum will focus on nuclear weapons and emerging technologies. It will also serve as an opportunity to commemorate key disarmament milestones: 80 years since atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and 55 years since the adoption of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

The Youth4Disarmament Forum is organized with the generous financial support from the Government of the Republic of Korea, and in partnership with Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists.

Forum Details

Theme: Nuclear Weapons and Emerging Technologies

Duration: 2 days
Location: UN Headquarters, New York

When: 16–17 October 2025

High-level opening of Youth4Disarmament Forum

The High-level opening of Youth4Disarmament Forum will take place on 16 October at 10am (New York time), and will be broadcasted via UNWebTV. More info and a link will be added here soon!

Objectives

Engage youth and disarmament stakeholders in intergenerational dialogue
Educate and raise awareness of the intersection between nuclear weapons and emerging technologies
Empower youth to influence and meaningfully participate in global-level disarmament and non-proliferation efforts
Elevate and strengthen networks among young people contributing to disarmament issues

Participants

A total of 30+ participants have been selected for their recognized expertise in leading or contributing to impactful disarmament initiatives. All participants were nominated by key partners and screened against clear selection criteria. These criteria included strong interest and prior engagement with the Forum’s core themes, along with a commitment to diversity in gender, geography, and professional background. While prior knowledge of disarmament, non-proliferation, or arms control is preferred, it was not required. The selected participants include alumni from previous ODA Youth4Disarmament initiatives, youth active on disarmament issues in civil society, and UN Youth Delegates engaged on disarmament issues. The Forum brings together youth aged 18–29 who are dedicated to advancing peace and security.

Meet the Forum Participants

The diverse cohort represents young leaders, advocates, researchers, and innovators from around the world. Together, they bring a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and expertise, united by a shared commitment to advance disarmament and shape the future of global peace and security. Participant bios coming soon!

Expected Outcome of Youth4Disarmament Forum

An outcome document with policy recommendations presented to the UN General Assembly First Committee

Strengthened global youth networks in disarmament

Increased awareness of risks posed by nuclear weapons and emerging technologies

Preparatory Webinar Series (June-September 2025)

In advance of the Forum, a series of three interactive webinars and a writing workshop have been organized to engage and prepare the selected youth participants. These sessions have offered a safe and inclusive platform for learning, dialogue, and collaboration.

The webinars have been co-shaped in collaboration with the Forum participants with the aim to:

Foster intergenerational dialogue with disarmament experts
Educate on challenges at the nexus of nuclear weapons and emerging technologies
Empower youth to contribute meaningfully to disarmament, non-proliferation, and arms control efforts

The Webinar series have also informed the Forum’s outcome document, helping to shape a long-term youth-led advocacy strategy with impactful policy recommendations. Interested in learning more about the topics covered in the thematic webinars? Explore the news stories below for highlights from the Youth4Disarmament Webinars.