On January 31st, 2024, SCRAP Weapons held an enlightening discussion concerning the cruciality of a Fourth United Nations Special Session on Disarmament (SSOD4), which is a global disarmament conference at the UN General Assembly. The dialogue provided a deep understanding of historical contexts, contemporary challenges, and potential pathways forward. Divided into three sessions organized by Paul Meyer and moderated by Martin Butcher, the discussion had the presence of Professor Dan Plesh (SCRAP Weapons), Cesar Jaramillo (Canadian Pugwash), Dr. Adedeji Ebo (Director and Deputy to the High Representative – UNODA), Ambassador Flavio Damico (Special Representative of Brazil to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva), and Eloisa Romani (SCRAP Weapons). 

Professor Dan Plesh initiated the session by highlighting the critical necessity for immediate action on disarmament, remembering that the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists positioned the Doomsday Clock at 90 seconds to midnight. While drawing lessons from past special sessions in 1978, 1982, and 1988, for him, it’s evident that while rhetoric and aspirations have been abundant, substantive progress has often remained elusive. Despite the agreed objective of convening the fourth UN special session on disarmament, multiple attempts have failed over the years due to various factors such as lack of consensus on objectives and agenda.

Following him, Cesar Jaramillo emphasized that a holistic approach to disarmament is the key to moving forward the negotiations, recognizing its intrinsic linkages with development, human rights, and sustainable goals. For that, the revitalization and review of existing UN disarmament mechanisms is required, to guarantee their efficacy.

Furthermore, Dr. Adedeji Ebo and Ambassador Flavio Damico underscored how contributions from Global South nations can present opportunities for reshaping the discourse on disarmament in an SSOD4. A fourth special session could serve as a platform to rejuvenate discussions, address excessive military spending, and reform existing mechanisms.

Despite the complexities and setbacks, Eloisa Romani is optimistic about the UN’s ability to effect positive change in disarmament efforts. Proactive measures are essential, considering both historical precedents and our current scenario in which there is an arms race going on without any arms control or disarmament treaty being negotiated. The SSOD4 is timely to address modern security challenges, such as multipolarity and technological advancements, as stressed by Professor Dan Plesh. 

So far, the challenges impeding the convening of SSOD4 include a recurring cycle of consultations without tangible progress, the need for remedial action through the initiation of a preparatory committee, and the vital role of civil society in mobilizing public opinion and advocating for disarmament. 

SCRAP is leading an action to break the cycle of perpetual consultations and initiate a preparatory committee for SSOD4. This is the first step towards creating pressure through open negotiations that will be under the public scrutiny. Civil society role is vital to mobilize public opinion and governments, narrowing the gap between legality and legitimacy, and promoting disarmament education and awareness. Building a global consensus among states and civil society organizations is deemed essential to propose the reactivation of SSOD4 and overcome the impasse.

In essence, revitalizing existing disarmament machinery is crucial to address current challenges effectively and to advance the disarmament agenda effectively. With a nuanced understanding of historical contexts and contemporary challenges, the path forward toward SSOD4 becomes clearer, guided by a shared commitment to global peace and security.