On Monday, 8 March 2010, an International Conference on Access to Civil Nuclear Energy opened in Paris. Hosted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation (OECD), the Nuclear Energy Agency, and the French Government, the conference draws together heads of government, international organizations and industry to promote nuclear power´s peaceful and responsible use.
On the weekend prior to the Conference, the French newspaper Le Monde published an opinion article by IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano. His article outlines the vital role of international cooperation in ensuring that nuclear power can be introduced and used beneficially, responsibly and sustainably by developed and developing economies alike.
IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano addressed the conference to emphasize the Agency´s role in assisting all Member States, considering, introducing and using nuclear power knowledgeably, profitably, safely and securely.
The President of the European Commission, Mr. José Manuel Barroso, the President of the French Republic, Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy, and the OECD Secretary-General, Mr. Angel Gurria also address the conference´s opening session.
In subsequent roundtable sessions, participants will discuss bilateral and multilateral cooperation to help countries that considering launching nuclear energy programmes, including developing an effective infrastructure to fulfil regulatory and international obligations, as well as to secure financing, ensure responsible management and establish sustainable human resource development.
Background
The IAEA plays a key role in helping to share the advantages of nuclear power with interested countries, paying special attention to ensuring high standards of nuclear safety and security, as well as implementing safeguards to verify that all nuclear activities in Member States are exclusively peaceful. The Agency provides Member States with energy planning advice and training for nuclear engineers and scientists. Through its support for the International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles (INPRO), the Agency also fosters innovation in nuclear technology.