May 29, 2026.
Recent advances in a range of technologies that may affect small arms and light weapons (SALW) control systems could profoundly impact global initiatives aimed at combating the illicit trade in such weapons. These developments include the adoption of unconventional materials, such as polymers, as well as increasingly modular weapon configurations and technologies relevant for the marking, record-keeping, and tracing of SALW. Such innovations include laser engraving, microstamping, and automated systems for data collection, information management, and tracking, as well as for the delivery and positioning of weapons.
The risks that some technologies may result in the diversion, illicit trade, and misuse of SALW is increasingly being discussed by States. In addition, the opportunities posed by some technologies for improving SALW controls are also the subject of discussion. Such risks and opportunities began to be recognized by participating States at the Third and the Fourth Review Conferences on the UN Programme of Action on the illicit trade in SALW (UNPoA), which were held in June 2018 and June 2024 respectively. At the Fourth Review Conference, States decided to establish an Open-Ended Technical Expert Group (OETEG), convening within the week of the Biennial Meetings of States in 2026 and 2028. The purpose of the OETEG is to develop and agree recommendations by consensus to ensure that the use of new technologies will not undermine and may even enhance the full and effective implementation of the UNPoA and the International Tracing Instrument (ITI). Civil society organisations (CSOs), especially think tanks, have been contributing research and policy proposals for consideration but more can be done by CSOs to raise the awareness of parliaments and media of this important problem and its potential solutions.