Francesca Bosco’s Post

A new chapter, with a strong sense of continuity. I have started a new role at United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) as Deputy Head of Programme (Acting Head) of the Security and Technology Programme. After two decades working across technology, security, governance and international cooperation — from the UN and World Economic Forum to civil society and the private sector — this feels like a natural, but significant, next step. The Security and Technology Programme sits at a consequential intersection: how technological change is reshaping international peace and security, and how governance can keep pace with it. Its work spans cyber, artificial intelligence and autonomy, and emerging science and technology. But technology does not shape our future on its own. People do. The choices made by researchers, engineers, policymakers, diplomats, civil society, business leaders and communities will determine how these technologies affect security, opportunity and trust. I am joining at a particularly important moment. The questions ahead are no longer simply about what technologies can do, but about how they alter power, risk, accountability and the conditions for international cooperation — and how people can work together to shape those outcomes. My focus will be on helping translate complex technological developments into policy choices that are rigorous, practical and relevant to governments and other stakeholders, while strengthening the Programme’s capacity to anticipate what is coming next. Just as importantly, I want to help create the relationships and spaces for people with different perspectives and expertise to listen, learn and work together. I am grateful to the many colleagues, mentors and collaborators who have shaped my thinking and work over the years. Their generosity, challenge and support have been as important as any institution or project. I carry those relationships and lessons with me into this next chapter. There is much to do. I am looking forward to getting to work — and to doing so with the many people whose ideas, experience and commitment will shape what comes next.