OPANAL

Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean

President: Jacobo Nicolás Palafóx Valdes

Chair:

Topic A) Addressing the Risks of Illicit Nuclear Material Trafficking in Latin America and the Caribbean

Topic B) Reinforcing Nuclear Verification Mechanisms for Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy in Latin America and the Caribbean

Background and Faculties

Established in 1969 in Mexico City, the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (OPANAL) is an international organization, founded by the United Nations (UN), created to ensure the implementation of the Treaty of Tlatelolco, which prohibits the testing, use, manufacture, and storage of nuclear weapons across the Latin American and Caribbean region. Composed of 33 Member States, OPANAL promotes regional security through nuclear disarmament and supports the development of peaceful nuclear energy under strict international control. Although independent from the United Nations (UN), OPANAL maintains a strong cooperative relationship with the UN and other international bodies, particularly in advancing disarmament agendas and upholding international peace and security. Its mission centers on consolidating a nuclear-weapon-free zone, reinforcing global non-proliferation efforts, and preserving the sovereign right of states to live in peace.

In order to ensure the effective implementation of nuclear disarmament across Latin America and the Caribbean, the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean is empowered to:

Monitor and promote compliance with the Treaty of Tlatelolco by facilitating diplomatic dialogue and verification mechanisms;
Issue recommendations and resolutions aimed at strengthening regional cooperation on non-proliferation and advancing collective security and stability in the region;
Collaborate with international bodies, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), ensuring the exclusively peaceful use of nuclear energy through technical cooperation;
Promote education and awareness on nuclear disarmament and international law through regional initiatives, seminars, and public diplomacy efforts;
Facilitate the exchange of scientific, technical, and legal information among Member States to enhance verification, monitoring, and nuclear control capabilities;
Convene multilateral forums and conferences to foster ongoing dialogue between governments, regional organizations, and international experts in favor of peace and disarmament.