Ambassador - Arms Control & Counter-Proliferation
@AusArmsControl
Vanessa Wood (she/her) leads Australia’s international advocacy on arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament.
Australia congratulates Kiribati on joining the Biological Weapons Convention. Look forward to working with all Pacific countries to implement this important arms control convention and enhance security in our region.
Congratulations @KiribatiGov 🇰🇮 on joining the Biological Weapons Convention. The #BWC underpins collective efforts to address the threat posed by biological weapons. All countries in the Asia-Pacific region are now party – a major milestone as we celebrate the #BWC's 50th year.
Privileged to moderate this panel on Youth Perspectives on Disarmament at the ASEAN Regional Forum Intersessional Meeting on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament earlier this year. The delegates were inspired by diverse youth and their passion & expertise for their fields.
“To decide our future, we, young people, must be heard. And to be heard, we must take the agency to speak...” Youth4Disarmament alumni spoke at the 16th ASEAN Regional Forum on disarmament. Read their reflections in our latest Spotlight Story.👇 shorturl.at/uMAk6
Australia welcomes the establishment of an Independent Scientific Panel on the Effects of Nuclear War in the #UN. Congratulations to @kmeredith11 from @ANSTO, whose regional perspectives and experience in environmental research will be invaluable on this important issue.
. @antonioguterres announced the appointment of an independent scientific panel of experts tasked with examining the physical effects and societal consequences of a nuclear war on a local, regional and planetary scale Read more👇 un.org/sg/en/content/…
Last week, Australia participated in the 109th session of the @OPCW Executive Council. We highlighted our steadfast commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention. Australia worked with key partners, including 🇨🇦 & 🇳🇿 to deliver statements on Syria, Ukraine and multilateral export…
Australia is proud to celebrate 40 years' leadership of the Australia Group and efforts to harmonise export controls to prevent the spread of chemical and biological weapons. The Australia Group remains committed to setting the standard for global counter-proliferation efforts.
Congratulations Tonga 🇹🇴 on joining the @MineBanTreaty as the 166th State Party! We’re even closer to the universalisation of the #OttawaTreaty in the Pacific. @AustHCTonga @AusArmsControl
On International Day of Women in Diplomacy, I’m proud to be working with DFAT colleagues to advance Australia’s international security priorities. Together, we’re focused on stability, peace and prosperity in our region #IDWD #DFAT
Anti-personnel mines cause long-term human suffering and pose a grave threat to countries before, during and after conflict. @AusArmsControl 🇦🇺 joins Pacific nations to voice support for the @MineBanTreaty (full statement 👇) #MineBanIM
Proud of the life-saving work being done by #GICHD in the Pacific on explosive ordnance as part of our 🇦🇺multi-year partnership.
"The bomb just exploded..." WWII-era unexploded ordnance still threatens lives in the Solomon Islands. Hear from survivors, local communities, and authorities working to make it safe. Than you @dfat🇦🇺 for supporting our work & all who shared their stories. youtu.be/xKlpr174SkM
"The bomb just exploded..." WWII-era unexploded ordnance still threatens lives in the Solomon Islands. Hear from survivors, local communities, and authorities working to make it safe. Than you @dfat🇦🇺 for supporting our work & all who shared their stories. youtu.be/xKlpr174SkM
A privilege to meet Pacific Island officials from the IAEA’s Sub-regional Approach for the Pacific Islands in Melbourne last week. Thanks to @ANSTO & @iaeaorg for a valued workshop on advancing nuclear science in the Pacific #PacificPartnerships #IAEA #ANSTO #PeterMacCancerCentre
100 years ago today, the Geneva Protocol was signed, banning chemical & biological weapons in war. As @OPCW members in The Hague, we honour this milestone & reaffirm our commitment to a world free of these inhumane weapons. #AusinNL #GenevaProtocol #OPCW
The BWC is one of the cornerstones of the global non-proliferation architecture, and Australia has a strong track record of support including hosting the recent BWC Pacific Workshop, in Sydney, at which I was honoured to speak and meet my counterparts in the Pacific.
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Biological Weapons Convention. Since 1975, Australia has strongly supported the BWC’s work in preventing the proliferation of some of the deadliest weapons in history and will continue to do so in the face of new and emerging threats.
🇦🇺 has a proud history of advocating for non-proliferation & disarmament and we’re continuing this important work with @ASEAN. Together with 🇵🇭 and 🇳🇿 Australia co-chaired the #16th ASEAN Regional Forum Inter-Sessional Meeting on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament in Manila
We all have a stake in space security. Space-enabled technologies are vital for transport, communication, health, commerce & help address natural disasters. 🇦🇺 pleased to convene with 🇸🇬 & @UNRCPD regional workshops. Great to hear from @cmforadori Chair of the OEWG.
📣 Calling all early-career #womeninSTEM! The #CTBTO Mentoring Programme is now accepting applications! 📅❗21 Mar 2025 ➡️ ctbto.info/4mp With dedicated mentors, boost your skills, build your network and fast-track your professional journey to help end nuclear testing.
This #IWD2025, and all days, Australia continues to champion the voices of all women and girls to #AccelerateAction on women's full, equal and meaningful participation and leadership in non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control.
To mark this year's #IDDNPA, UNODA's #Youth4Disarmament is launching two Calls for Applications. Young people from around the globe are encouraged to apply for the Youth Leader Fund (#YLF) programme and/or the #Youth4Biosec Fellowship. Are you ready to apply
The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction still pose a grave risk to the peace and prosperity we work so hard to protect. On #IDDNPA, and all days, Australia works tirelessly towards a world free of WMDs, and to ensure a safer and more secure world for all of us.
“#Disarmament and non-proliferation are investments in #peace. They are investments in our future. Let’s end these threats before they end us.” - @antonioguterres 📍 @UN_Disarmament
#IDWGS encourages women to embark on careers in STEM. 🇦🇺 is proud to be supporting the @IAEA’s Group of Friends of Women in Nuclear & Marie Skłodowska-Curie and Lise Meitner Fellowship Programmes, & @UNOOSA’s Space4Women project.