Spring 2026 Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Short Course 

The VCDNP conducted its 31^st intensive short course on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament from 16 to 20 March 2026, providing training for 22 diplomats from 20 countries across different regions of the world. Course participants came from a wide variety of backgrounds, promoting a diverse learning environment and inclusive, nuanced discussions. 

Throughout the five-day programme, course participants engaged with experts through seminars and briefings, panel discussions, and on-site visits that covered a wide range of nuclear-related subjects. The course included sessions led by VCDNP experts and guest speakers alike, including, inter alia: 

• The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and nuclear-weapon-free zones by Japan Chair for a World without Nuclear Weapons Gaukhar Mukhatzhanova; 

• The Humanitarian Initiative and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons by Ambassador George-Wilhelm Gallhofer, Head of the Department for Disarmament, Arms Control and Non-Proliferation at the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of Austria;  

• Discussions of nuclear arsenals and the history of arms control by Senior Fellow Dr. Nikolai Sokov; 

• A discussion on nuclear security by Executive Director Elena K. Sokova; 

• A review of the IAEA safeguards system and a fireside chat on the IAEA and its policymaking organs with Senior Fellow Laura Rockwood and Senior Research Associate Noah Mayhew; 

• A set of case studies in nuclear verification by Dr. Jacques Baute; 

• A talk on peaceful uses of nuclear technology by Senior Fellow Ingrid Kirsten; and 

• An overview of prohibitions of attacks on nuclear facilities by Senior Research Associate Noah Mayhew. 

Course participants also had the opportunity to visit the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), where they gained insights into the work of both organisations, including the CTBTO’s International Monitoring System and the IAEA’s safeguards verification techniques. 

An alumni panel allowed participants to pose questions about the practical application of the course content and trade tips on negotiating nuclear matters in a multilateral format with an emphasis on Vienna-based international organisations. 

The discussions during the course were especially salient in the context of the upcoming NPT Review Conference, which will take place from 27 April to 22 May 2026. As many of the participants will be representing their governments at the Review Conference, the VCDNP organised a high-level panel to discuss key challenges for the upcoming meeting and to consider prospects for the conference’s outcome. Speakers included Ambassador George-Wilhelm Gallhofer of Austria, Ambassador Li Song of China, as well as VCDNP’s Gaukhar Mukhatzhanova and Laura Rockwood. 

The following are testimonials from the spring 2026 cohort: 

• “The course is phenomenal, best work-related training I’ve done in my 15-year diplomatic career!” 

• “It is a good course to help new diplomats in Vienna understand the nuances and history of nuclear weapons disarmament and non-proliferation.” 

• “Having come from a more bilateral background, I still often feel like I have imposter syndrome in the multilateral sphere – not anymore!” 

The VCDNP extends its gratitude to the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of Austria for their generous support of its capacity-building and training activities.