Overview
The General Assembly, through resolution 79/40 on the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects, decided to convene the ninth biennial meeting of States (BMS9) in 2026, to consider key challenges and opportunities relating to the implementation of the Programme of Action and the International Tracing Instrument at the national, regional and global levels. BMS9 will be held from 1-5 June 2026 in New York.
Online Submission of 2026 PoA National Reports: The online platform for submitting 2026 Programme of Action (PoA) national reports will open in February 2026.
Prior to the launch, a Note Verbale outlining the submission procedures and relevant guidelines will be circulated to all Member States.
Officers
H.E. Mr James Larsen is Australia’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations since July 2023. He was endorsed as Chair-designate to BMS9 on 12 December 2025.
Mr Larsen is a senior career officer with DFAT. Prior to his appointment as Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, he was Deputy Secretary for Environment, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. He has previously served overseas as Ambassador to Türkiye (2014-2017); Ambassador to Israel (2006-2010); Counsellor, Australian Embassy, Brussels (2001-2004); and Second Secretary, Australian Embassy, Bangkok (1994-1997). In Canberra he served as Climate Coordinator/Deputy Secretary, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (2-11/2021); Chief Legal Officer, DFAT (2017-2020); Principal Adviser, Minister for Foreign Affairs (2012-2013); Ambassador for People Smuggling Issues, DFAT (2010-2012); Assistant Secretary and Legal Adviser, Legal Branch, DFAT (2004-2006); and Director, Administrative and Domestic Law Section, DFAT (1998-2000). Mr Larsen holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws, University of Melbourne (1987).
