R egional Youth P erspectives on the NPT Review Process

In 1967, the COPREDAL unanimously approved the Treaty of Tlatelolco, and it opened for signature.37 It was the first treaty of its kind in establishing a NWFZ in Latin America and the Caribbean and serving as a model for the establishment of other NWFZs around the world. [...] A notable example is the Treaty of Pelindaba, which incorporated many of the principles and procedures established in the Treaty of Tlatelolco, such as the requirement for states to conclude Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements with the IAEA and the establishment of a verification mechanism to ensure compliance with the treaty's provisions, as is the role of OPANAL in the LATAM region. [...] Despite these challenges, the region can and should build on the success of the Treaty of Tlatelolco and other initiatives such as the Joint Declaration of the Summit of the Americas and the 2nd Global Nuclear Weapons Ban Conference and follow recommendations outlined in the UNODA’s 2022 Disarmament Education Strategy to promote disarmament and non-proliferation.38 Key Challenges According to the. [...] “Declaration of the Member States of OPANAL on the 50th Anniversary of the conclusion of the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (Treaty of Tlatelolco).” OPANAL. [...] Considering the ongoing political polarisation between the regional rivals, primarily Iran and Israel, the risks of nuclear proliferation are looming again with the growing interest in nuclear energy and following the collapse of the JCPOA.51 This is taking place at a time of uncertainty for the non-proliferation regime.