This briefing note by the Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO) and Eunomia Research & Consulting presents the preliminary findings from the third phase of our "Plastic Money" initiative. Released in August 2025 to coincide with the second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) on Plastic Pollution, this work continues our effort to bring clarity and evidence to the global discourse on plastic subsidies.

"Is the Arms Trade Above International Law?"

This pressing question was at the heart of a recent public event co-organized by QUNO, together with the Geneva Academy, the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), and the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR). Held on 20 May in Geneva, the panel brought together legal experts, UN officials, diplomats, students, and human rights advocates to hear about challenges in coming to grips with the arms trade, as well as possible ways forward.

QUNO’s Human Impacts of Climate Change Programme recently compiled an official submission to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders profiling stories of Quaker Environmental Human Rights Defenders. Gathering testimony from Quaker individuals and organizations in Europe and Africa, the submission upholds actions of conscience that Quakers have engaged in as guided by their faith and commitment to the values of stewardship, sustainability, and integrity.

QUNO Geneva’s Peace and Disarmament programme delivered a statement during the General Debate on Agenda Item 3 at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council to welcome OHCHR’s most recent report on the negative human rights impacts of arms transfers (A/HRC/58/41). The statement was delivered by Yvette Issar, Peace and Disarmament Programme Consultant.

The Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO), Geneva, is seeking a well-qualified, highly motivated, part-time Fundraising Officer to join its small staff team. 
This is a new position established to support QUNO Geneva’s financial stability and grow its income, in line with our strategic vision and priorities. Under the supervision of the Interim Director, the Fundraising Officer will take this forward through two workstreams: 
1)    Coordination and support to increase fundraising from grant making bodies  

QUNO Geneva’s Human Impacts of Climate Change Programme has been attending the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan since the start of the conference on 11 November. Accredited under the Friends World Committee for Consultation, Lindsey Fielder Cook and Johan Cavert are representing QUNO during negotiations.

QUNO Geneva has paused the recruitment for a Peace and Disarmament Representative. We thank everyone who has applied or considered applying for their interest.

QUNO New York is continuing its recruitment for a Representative, further details here.

QUNO is proud to announce that the latest version of our annual review is now available online! This is a great opportunity to read and learn more about the work of our New York and Geneva offices during this past year, and to learn about the work ahead.

As 2024 begins, the Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO) Geneva’s Peace and Disarmament programme has focused on its work on corporate responsibility in the arms trade, emphasising people at the center of arms control discourses and ensuring that states and businesses uphold their roles and responsibilities.