Stimson, the National University of Malaysia, the Naval Postgraduate School, the University of Canterbury, and the Stanley Foundation co-hosted a conference titled “Nuclear Challenges in Southeast Asia: Toward Common Understanding and Effective Cooperation” in Kuala Lumpur Participants from Southeast Asian governments and regional experts discussed nonproliferation capacity building from the vantage point of broader societal improvements needed to prevent nuclear proliferation and facilitate civilian nuclear power development that is safe and secure. These capacity building programs, in the spirit of Managing Across Boundaries’ “dual benefit” model will also backfill capacity shortfalls in a wide range of human security and economic development areas.
The meeting was attended by Christer Viktorsson, Deputy Director General, Operations, Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation from the United Arab Emirates, who shared key lessons learned from the experience of the UAE with regard to capacity building for a viable civilian nuclear power program. Viktorsson highlighted novel South-South perspectives and potential areas for further exchanges and cooperation. Other participants included Malaysian officials, representatives from Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Philippines, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the UN Security Council Resolution 1540 Committee Group of Experts, South Korea, Japan as well as several multilateral organizations, civil society groups, and private industry firms.
