Dr Chengeta appointed to UN Disarmament Advisory B...

Dr Chengeta appointed to UN Disarmament Advisory Board

Zim Now Writer

Dr Thompson Chengeta has been appointed by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as part of his 15-member Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters.

Writing on his X page, Dr Chengeta expressed his enthusiasm for the work ahead and also expressed his gratitude towards friends and colleagues.

“I am deeply grateful to announce my appointment by the UN Secretary-General, @antonioguterres, to his 15-member Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters.

“Your Excellency, Mr Guterres, I sincerely appreciate this honour and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to contribute in this capacity. As one whose life began in the rural areas of Shurugwi in Zimbabwe, in the villages of Nhema, Hwinya, Chachacha, where my little cracked-bare feet more fully followed the flock than they tracked too far away schools, this appointment is an honour and truly appreciated.

“Now that one of my key areas of expertise and interest lies in examining the disarmament implications of military AI, including autonomous weapon systems, from a human rights law perspective, I’m equally pleased that last October, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/C.1/78/L.56 requesting the UN Secretary-General to seek the views of states and other stakeholders on the humanitarian, legal, security, and ethical challenges posed by autonomous weapon systems.

“I extend my gratitude to all my colleagues in the disarmament community who have supported my work, your collaboration has been instrumental.

“I’m also thankful for the ongoing support from my colleagues. Your continuous support in my international engagement within the disarmament field is highly appreciated,” he said.

Dr. Chengeta studied law at Harvard Law School, University of Pretoria and the Midlands State University. He is a Fellow at the South African Research Chair in International Law, University of Johannesburg, Adjunct Senior Lecturer at MSU and a Non-Resident Fellow at the Institute of International and Comparative Law in Africa, UP.

Thompson currently serves as an expert member of the International Panel on the Regulation of Autonomous Weapons.

The Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters was traditional in 1978 pursuant to paragraph 124 of the Final Document of the Tenth Special Session of the General Assembly, and received its current mandate pursuant to General Assembly decision 54/418 of 1 December 1999.

The Board advises the Secretary-General on matters within the area of arms limitation and disarmament, including on studies and research under the auspices of the United Nations or institutions within the United Nations system

It serves as the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research and advises the Secretary-General on the implementation of the United Nations Disarmament Information Programme.

The Secretary-General chooses the members of the Board from all regions of the world for their knowledge and experience in the field of disarmament and international security.