Introduction

The COVID-19 outbreak posed an unprecedented challenge to intergovernmental disarmament institutions and processes. In 2020, New York City’s pandemic restrictions forced the United Nations—the centrepiece of multilateral diplomacy since its creation in 1945—to shut down its Headquarters, prompting the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council and the Secretariat to cancel or postpone numerous mandated meetings and events on disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control. As COVID-19 swept across the world, diplomatic centres in Geneva, Vienna and elsewhere also closed their doors.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Good Health and Well-Being

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Partnerships for the Goals