UN IV Special Session on Disarmament
Why It Matters
The United Nations General Assembly has held three Special Sessions on Disarmament (SSODs) to date:
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SSOD-I (1978): Produced a landmark final document (A/S-10/4) outlining principles for international peace and security through disarmament.
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SSOD-II (1982) and SSOD-III (1988): Contributed to global debates but did not produce final consensus documents.
Since 1995, UN Member States have repeatedly called for a Fourth Special Session on Disarmament (SSOD-IV). This session is urgently needed to update the global disarmament agenda in light of emerging threats and new security challenges.
The Road to SSOD-IV
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2003: The General Assembly established a Working Group to discuss the agenda and the possibility of creating a preparatory committee.
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2007 (Resolution 61/60): An Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) convened three times under the leadership of Ambassador Alfredo Labbé (Chile) to explore objectives and agenda items.
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2016–2017 (Resolution 65/66): A new OEWG, chaired by Fernando Luque (Ecuador), successfully reached consensus on objectives and agenda for SSOD-IV. The question of establishing a preparatory committee was referred back to the Assembly.
Momentum Today: The 2024 Pact for the Future
In Action 26(a) of the 2024 Pact for the Future, Member States pledged to:
“Revitalize the role of the United Nations in the field of disarmament, including by recommending that the General Assembly pursue work that could support preparation of a fourth special session devoted to disarmament (SSOD-IV).”
This represents a critical window of opportunity to finally bring SSOD-IV to fruition.
Why We Are Advocating
A Fourth Special Session is not just symbolic—it is essential for global peace and security. SSOD-IV can:
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Update and modernize international disarmament frameworks in response to nuclear threats, autonomous weapons, cyber warfare, and space militarization.
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Strengthen the UN’s role as the central platform for negotiation and coordination on disarmament.
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Align disarmament with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), linking the reduction of arms to human security, conflict prevention, and sustainable development.
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Center youth, gender, and civil society voices in shaping a safer world.
Our Demands for SSOD-IV
Ágora calls on Member States and the UN General Assembly to:
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Set a firm date for SSOD-IV within the next 2 years and commit to a transparent preparatory process.
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Establish a preparatory committee that is inclusive of civil society, youth, and expert stakeholders.
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Adopt a forward-looking agenda that integrates:
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Nuclear disarmament
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Emerging technologies and autonomous weapons
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Gender perspectives in disarmament
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Youth participation in peace and security
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Ensure open access to all documentation from preparatory sessions and working groups.
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Embed measurable outcomes with timelines and reporting mechanisms to ensure that commitments translate into concrete action.
Take Action: Sign the Petition
We cannot wait decades for progress. SSOD-IV must happen now. By signing our petition, you join a global call to:
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Hold SSOD-IV without further delay
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Make disarmament inclusive, transparent, and actionable
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Put human security, development, and peace at the heart of UN processes
Sign the petition!– let’s ensure that the UN fulfills its promise for a safer, more peaceful world.
Key Resources
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Documentation from past SSODs: including SSOD-I final document (A/S-10/4).
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Open-Ended Working Groups on SSOD-IV: 2007, 2016–2017 sessions.
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UN General Assembly resolutions on SSOD-IV.
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Disarmament Yearbook: detailed analyses, debates, and updates on SSOD-IV.
