Overview

Missiles pose a variety of distinct concerns for international peace and security. In particular, they pose challenges for stability, crisis management, the protection of civilians and the achievement of broader disarmament objectives. Their potential to carry and deliver weapons of mass destruction (WMD) payload quickly and accurately makes missiles a significant political and military issue.

Conventionally armed missiles have become prevalent in the arsenals of many States and some non-State actors, where they function as area bombardment weapons aimed generally at cities. In addition, the diversity of international views on matters related to missiles poses a particular challenge for efforts to address the issue in multilateral fora.

Objective

Today, in a deteriorating international security environment, there is need for a vigilant consciousness of and reinvigorated discussion by informed audiences that stay attentive of increasing risks related to the issue of missiles in all its aspects. This e-learning short course aims to promote awareness and understanding, as well as impart foundational knowledge and skills on key topics related to an extremely diverse class of weapons.

	Audience: The course is open to all interested audiences.
	Components and Methodology: Each module takes approximately 20 minutes and can be completed at the learner’s own pace The course consists of 2 thematic modules: Introduction to Disarmament: Machinery, Processes and the Role of the United Nations Missiles in All their Aspects The course is available in English and is held in the Disarmament Education Dashboard, thus participants need a computer or mobile device, with audio and reliable internet connection. No special software is required.
	Certificate: Upon successful completion of thematic modules, including examination and course evaluation a certificate of completion will automatically be issued to the participant.

Short-course Series

The UN Office for Disarmament Affairs Short Course Series aims at making available quality education material on disarmament, arms control, non-proliferation and issues cross-cutting with security, such as gender and development. The courses are targeted for and available to the general public at UNODA’S globally accessible e-Learning platform disarmamenteducation.org.

In line with the UN Secretary-General’s Agenda for Disarmament this short-course series aims to contribute to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.