The United States and Canada co-hosted the Western Hemisphere Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Workshop from January 24-26, 2023, at U.S. Southern Command's headquarters in Florida. This event, the Western Hemisphere's premier PSI workshop, is designed to enhance the region's weapons of mass destruction (WMD) counter-proliferation capacity and long-term commitment to the Proliferation Security Initiative.
The workshop demonstrated partnership and commitments to countering threats from WMD in the region. Over the course of three days, civilian and military leaders from nine countries examined modern WMD proliferation pathways, improved understanding of WMD interdiction obligations, explored legal frameworks and the best practices of partners, and enhanced the connections of the Countering WMD community in the Western Hemisphere. Attendees also participated in a table-top exercise to explore the practical application of PSI's foundational principles and to increase understanding of legal and operational considerations involved in countering WMD proliferation.
PSI was established in 2003 to combat transfers of WMD, their delivery systems, and related materials flowing to and from states and non-state actors of proliferation concern. More than 100 countries have endorsed the PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles. These nations have committed to take effective measures to interdict WMD-related transfers consistent with national law and international obligations, adopt streamlined procedures for rapid information exchange, and strengthen relevant national and international laws and frameworks.
New and complex challenges are threatening international stability and a commitment to counter-proliferation is more important than ever. In light of this, the United States and Canada encourage all countries in the Western Hemisphere to endorse PSI as a visible commitment to further develop relationships with like-minded states to foster the increased collaboration needed to address today's proliferation challenges.
