It gives me great pleasure to introduce this preview edition of the 2022 United Nations Disarmament Yearbook. Since 1976, the Yearbook has provided diplomats and other interested readers with comprehensive and objective insight into the year's developments in the field of multilateral disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control.
Previously published in two parts since 2008, the Yearbook will now be made available in its entirety on its dedicated website.
Now, for its forty-seventh volume, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs is pleased to present the Yearbook in a reimagined format, designed to be more accessible and useful to practitioners and the public. Previously published in two parts since 2008, the Yearbook will now be made available in its entirety on its dedicated website, (https://yearbook.unoda.org).
Advances in information and communications technology have afforded new opportunities to present factual information previously featured in the Yearbook.
Advances in information and communications technology have afforded new opportunities to present factual information previously featured in the Yearbook. The disarmament resolutions, decisions and voting patterns of the General Assembly — previously featured in Part I of the Yearbook — are now available through the revamped Disarmament Resolutions and Decisions Database (https://resolutions.unoda.org). Likewise, the latest details on current disarmament treaties and agreements can be found in the redesigned Disarmament Treaties Database (https://treaties.unoda.org).
In introducing a forerunner to the Yearbook, covering the years 1945 to 1970, Secretary-General U Thant expressed hope that the publication would contribute to a clearer understanding of disarmament issues among those who are actively engaged in seeking solutions to the problems of disarmament, security and peace. Today, it is my hope that the latest updates will further advance and expand that purpose, giving it greater reach yet. At the same time, by retaining its organization and substantive areas of focus, the Yearbook will provide a consistent context for tackling some of our greatest global challenges.
