Build new leadership and unity in restoring respect for the global norm against chemical weapons.

In 2018, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres launched Securing our Common Future: An Agenda for Disarmament, outlining a vision of Disarmament actions that help set our world on a path towards sustainable peace and security for all. One of the actions of the Agenda includes work of the Secretary-General with the members of the Security Council in order to build new leadership and unity in restoring respect for the global norm against chemical weapons.

Disarmament actions include treaties to limit and abolish weapons, such as the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty and the New START treaty. These actions also involve national and international efforts to reduce military spending, demobilize former combatants, and strengthen customs and law enforcement cooperation to prevent illicit arms trafficking. Disarmament efforts are supported by organizations like the United Nations, which works to eliminate weapons of mass destruction and regulate conventional weapons.

International agreements and treaties

 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): Aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote eventual disarmament.
New START Treaty: A bilateral treaty between the United States and Russia to reduce and limit strategic offensive arms.
Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty: Bans the use, production, and stockpiling of anti-personnel landmines.

National and international policies 

Reducing military spending: Includes cutting defense budgets and reallocating funds to other areas.
Limiting weapons sales: Working to reduce the global trade of weapons.
Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR): Programs that disarm former combatants and help them reintegrate into civilian life.
Strengthening law enforcement: Enhancing regional cooperation in customs, law enforcement, and intelligence to combat illicit arms trafficking.

Actions by international organizations

The United Nations System: Supports a variety of Disarmament activities, including efforts to eliminate nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, and to Regulate conventional arms.
Disarmament Solutions: Offers services like the sustainable destruction of arms and ammunition and secure record-keeping for disarmament projects.
Youth4Disarmament: An initiative by the United Nations to engage young people in learning about international security challenges and disarmament.

Learn more about the Agenda for disarmament and chemical weapons.