BMS9 builds on the outcomes of the Fourth Review Conference (RevCon4) held in June 2024, which reaffirmed global commitments to strengthen national controls, international assistance, and gender-responsive approaches to SALW control. It also follows the Eighth Biennial Meeting of States (BMS8) in 2022, where States emphasized improved marking, record-keeping, and tracing. As discussions move forward, meaningful implementation of past commitments and active engagement by civil society will be essential to ensuring BMS9 delivers concrete action to reduce armed violence and its impacts worldwide.
Ninth Biennial Meeting of States on the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons (BMS9)
February 20, 2026.
Tagged: UNPoA
The Ninth Biennial Meeting of States (BMS9) to Consider the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (PoA) is scheduled to take place at the United Nations in New York City from 1-5 June 2026. Convened under UN General Assembly resolution 79/40, BMS9 will provide an important opportunity to assess progress, address persistent challenges, and strengthen international cooperation to prevent and combat the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons at the national, regional and global level.
The Chair-designate for BMS9 is H.E. Mr James Larsen is Australia’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
UNPoA National Reporting:
UNPoA National Reporting is now open with a deadline of 30 April 2026. The UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) has developed a Quick Guide for National Reporting on the UNPoA with key steps and information: available in English, French and Arabic.
IANSA is the official coordinator of civil society participation in BMS9 2026.
For more documents and information related to BMS9 2026, visit the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs website here.
