African delegates to the Conference on Disarmament in discussion outside the Council Chamber following the closing of the session. Access to the floor of the chamber is controlled by UN security staff and restricted to diplomats specifically accredited to the conference. At left is the representative of Cameroon, and at right that of Senegal.
The Conference on Disarmament, established in 1979, is the only forum for nations to discuss multilateral arms control and disarmament issues. It has a primary focus nuclear weapons control and disarmament. 65 countries, and 38 observer nations, convene annually at the United Nations' Palais des Nations building for three sessions of talks totalling 24 weeks.

Conference on Disarmament. Year 33, 2012 Session 1, Plenary meeting 1255. Presidency of Ethiopia.