March 27, 2026.
The United Nations General Assembly, through resolution 79/40 on the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons (SALW), has established an Open-Ended Technical Expert Group (OETEG) to support the full and effective implementation of the UN Programme of Action (PoA) and the International Tracing Instrument (ITI). The OETEG will convene in 2026 and 2028 alongside the Biennial Meetings of States (BMS), and will develop recommendations addressing emerging challenges and opportunities related to advances in SALW manufacturing, technology, and design. Its mandate, outlined in the outcome document of the Fourth Review Conference (A/CONF.192/2024/RC/3), reflects the growing need to adapt global arms control frameworks to evolving technologies.
The first session of the OETEG will take place from 4–5 June 2026 in New York during the suspension of BMS9 (per the BMS9 Programme of Work). Discussions will be structured around three thematic panels: (1) challenges posed by developments such as polymer weapons, modular systems, and illicit 3D printing; (2) opportunities arising from technological advances; and (3) international cooperation and assistance, including capacity-building and technical support. States are encouraged to include technical experts in their delegations, while intergovernmental organizations and civil society can engage in the process through the modalities outlined in BMS9 documentation.