UNREC took part in UN Presences in Central Africa, organized by UNOCA in Libreville,Â
Gabon. In accordance with the proposed ToRs outlined prior to the mission, UNREC attendedÂ
the 9th Meeting of United Nations Peace and Development Advisors (PDAs) and Heads ofÂ
United Nations entities in Central Africa, from March 14th to 17th, 2023. Overall, theseÂ
meetings provided a valuable opportunity for UNREC to emphasize the importance of armsÂ
control and to integrate it into national common country analysis and sustainable developmentÂ
cooperation frameworks. The discussions also highlighted possible areas of collaboration withÂ
PDAs, Resident Coordinators (RCs), and other UN offices. The proposed UNSCAR projectÂ
was well-received, and participants suggested that UNREC use similar annual meetings of UNÂ
PDAs and Heads of UN presences in various parts of Africa to promote disarmament and armsÂ
control. However, the discussions also revealed a significant knowledge and skills gap amongÂ
UNCTs regarding ways to integrate arms control into national sustainable developmentÂ
cooperation frameworks. Addressing this gap is crucial to promoting disarmament and nonproliferation efforts in Africa, and the proposed UNSCAR project has been strongly supportedÂ
to help bridge this gap. Participants also recommended that UNREC institutionalize itsÂ
participation in the meetings of PDAs and Heads of UN offices to promote disarmament andÂ
arms control, establish contacts, and explore collaboration (see further details in the missionÂ
report).