India nominated to chair United Nations Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters for 2026–27 term

Key facts

• Senior Indian diplomat DB Venkatesh Varma has been nominated by the UN Secretary General to chair the Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters for the 2026–27 term.
• This marks the first time an Indian will hold the position of chair of the Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters.
• The Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters was established in 1978 pursuant to paragraph 124 of the Final Document of the Tenth Special Session of the General Assembly.
• The Board advises the Secretary-General on issues related to arms limitation and disarmament, including studies and research carried out under the auspices of the United Nations or institutions within the UN system.
• The Board also serves as the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research.
• Members of the Advisory Board are chosen by the Secretary General from all regions of the world based on their knowledge and experience in disarmament and international security.