The United Nations Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) was created as the first of six committees for the General Assembly when the UN Charter was signed in 1945. Because of this, DISEC is also known as the First Committee. DISEC was set up to provide countries with a space to discuss issues related to peace and security. This is one of the core responsibilities of the General Assembly as enshrined in the UN Charter. Article 11 reads that the General Assembly “may consider the general principles of cooperation in the maintenance of international peace and security,” including disarmament and arms control. DISEC can also make recommendations to the UN members or the Security Council. While DISEC cannot directly influence the Security Council’s decisions, it can suggest topics for the Security Council to consider. DISEC works closely with the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), which was created in 1998. The UNODA focuses on all levels of disarmament, such as nuclear weapons and conventional weapons, and helps DISEC achieve its disarmament goals.

The illicit trade of small arms and light weapons (SALW) remains one of the most pressing security challenges, fueling conflict, terrorism, organized crime, and human rights abuses across regions ranging from Haiti to the Sahel. There are over one billion firearms in circulation worldwide. Many are stolen, illegally sold, or trafficked across borders. These weapons contribute to what the UN has described as a “chain of violence” that sustains instability and displacement. These weapons are especially dangerous because they are cheap, easy to transport, and widely used, contributing to thousands of civilian deaths and worsening insecurity. The UN has created frameworks like the Programme of Action (2001) and the International Tracing Instrument (2005) to help countries better regulate, track, and control weapons, but enforcement remains uneven. New challenges, such as untraceable “ghost guns” and growing international trafficking networks, make the problem even harder to solve. In DISEC, delegates must consider how countries can work together to strengthen laws, improve cooperation, and reduce the flow of illegal weapons.

The spread of advanced weapons has created major global security concerns. Modern technologies such as hypersonic missiles, highly accurate weapons, and AI-powered drones are being developed by both governments and private defense companies. These weapons are designed to bypass traditional defense systems. At the same time, non-state actors, including terrorist groups and organized crime networks, have tried to steal or obtain these weapons to strengthen their forces. Unlike traditional weapons, advanced weapons combine speed, precision, power, and easier access. Non-state groups no longer need large military bases or teams of expert scientists to use dangerous technology. In addition, while conventional weapons can often be tracked by satellites, many advanced weapons are harder to detect and less predictable. Many of these technologies are also “dual use,” meaning they can be used for both civilian and military purposes. For example, AI systems and drones can help businesses and researchers, but they can also be turned into weapons. This creates a major challenge for governments. States want to stop dangerous groups from obtaining advanced weapons, but they also do not want to slow down technological innovation or limit private companies too heavily. Because many non-state actors operate across borders, international cooperation is often necessary to track and regulate these weapons effectively.