RACVIAC – Centre for Security Cooperation continues demonstrating its commitment to supporting the implementation of international arms control and disarmament frameworks through regional dialogue, capacity-building activities, and partnerships by joining discussions in the ”Western Balkans Regional Seminar on Arms Control and Disarmament in a Changing Global Security Environment”, held from 15 to 19 June 2026 in Hinterleiten, Austria and organised by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR).
RACVIAC was represented by RADM Predrag Stipanović, Deputy Director, and LTC Duško Marić, Activity Manager of the CTST Pillar.
During the opening session, RADM Stipanović highlighted important role of RACVIAC in supporting the adaptation of arms control to today’s evolving security environment. He emphasized the importance of preserving the legacy of arms control through education, while strengthening confidence-building and capacity-building efforts across the region. Concluding his address, RADM Stipanović underscored the value of maintaining institutional expertise to ensure preparedness and resilience as security circumstances continue to evolve.
LTC Marić actively participated in all the panels and stressed the need to establish new partnerships, broaden the scope of arms control to address emerging technologies, and adapt existing frameworks to meet contemporary challenges. During the discussions, he shared RACVIAC experiences in the practical training of personnel for the successful implementation of arms control activities. LTC Marić also participated in discussions on strengthening arms control capacity in the years ahead, presenting RACVIAC strategy on arms control and disarmament.
The seminar aimed to strengthen knowledge and awareness among regional officials on current trends and challenges affecting multilateral arms control and disarmament frameworks. Discussions focused on a broad range of issues, including weapons of mass destruction and their non-proliferation regimes, emerging technologies and their implications for international security, space security, autonomous weapons systems, gender perspectives in arms control processes, and the implementation of conventional arms control instruments.
It is worth noting that since its establishment, RACVIAC has remained committed to promoting cooperation in the field of arms control by providing a platform for open dialogue and discussions on related security issues, supporting the implementation of arms control agreements, promoting disarmament and non-proliferation efforts, and fostering confidence- and security-building measures across South East Europe.
#UNIDIR #arms control #disarmament #Predrag Stipanović #Duško Marić
