Overview

Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations (1945) provides the constitutional basis for the involvement of regional organisations and agencies in the maintenance of international peace and security. During the Cold War, regional disarmament measures were enhanced in various UN documents, and regional approaches were promoted leading to the establishment of regional and sub-regional organisations, nuclear-weapon-free zones and three UNODA Regional Centres for Peace and Disarmament in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Asia and the Pacific. The end of the Cold War and the easing of the tensions between East and West, created both opportunities and challenges for regional security and regional approaches to disarmament.

This short course explores the key role regional disarmament efforts play in contributing to general disarmament, as well as international peace and security. In addition, it examines the key concepts, purposes and principles of regional disarmament, as well as the role of the UN, especially the General Assembly, in enhancing regional disarmament measures. The course also discusses the evolution of a regional approach to disarmament, including the various milestones and key events during the Cold War and beyond.

What will participants learn?

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

• Justify the significance of disarmament and non-proliferation
• Describe the role the United Nations and the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) play in addressing disarmament issues in general and in supporting regional disarmament efforts in particular;
• Understand the key concepts, purposes and principles of regional disarmament;
• Explain the importance of adopting a regional approach to disarmament in the enhancement of general disarmament, peace and security; and
• Analyse the evolution of regional disarmament efforts during and after the Cold War.

	Audience: Diplomats, especially those new to disarmament matters; interested individuals from academia, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations; the media and the general public.
	Components and Methodology: Online Self-paced 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 the course, including examination and course evaluation a certificate of completion will automatically be issued to the participant.