On 24 September, SIPRI, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, the Permanent Mission of Mexico to the UN, the Open Society Foundations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) organized a side event during UN General Assembly High-level Week 2026 in New York.
The event ‘Rising Military Expenditures: Alternatives to Achieve Durable Security’ explored the impact of rising military spending on international peace and security and the role of parliamentary oversight in safeguarding responsible government spending. The panel, moderated by SIPRI Director Karim Haggag, discussed how parliaments can contribute to translating international commitments into national policies and how to strengthen cooperation between the UN, parliaments and other relevant stakeholders. The discussion expanded on a recent SIPRI Essay that argued that as military spending mounts, parliamentary oversight must keep pace.
The event, which was opened by Izumi Nakamitsu, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, and Pedro Abramovay, Vice President of Programs, Open Society Foundations, brought together policymakers, parliamentarians, UN representatives and civil society.