Held in Warsaw on 3 and 4 October, the two-day NATO Conference on Arms Control, Disarmament and Weapons of Mass Destruction Non-Proliferation was attended by US Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Bonnie Jenkins as well as UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu.

The focus of the event was to assess the current state of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) non-proliferation regime, which is under pressure from states seeking to undermine the international order and particularly badly affected by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. An analysis of threats and ways to address them in the context of Russia’s actions was a major agenda item.

The event brought together over 100 participants from 40-plus countries, including NATO Allies and Partners, as well as from non-governmental organisations.

A panel discussion on arms control and deterrence was held on the Conference margins, hosted by the Polish Institute of International Affairs. The event was streamed on social media.

***
NATO has organised the Annual Conference on Arms Control, Disarmament and WMD Non-Proliferation since 2004. Co-hosted by NATO Allies, the event offers an opportunity for informal discussions among high-ranking government officials and experts on threats posed by WMD. After December 2009, it is the second time the Conference is held in Poland.