67th IAEA General Conference: Day 3 Highlights

The challenges related to the development of a sustainable radiation and nuclear safety infrastructure aligned with the IAEA safety standards and international good practices were presented during the Tenth Plenary Meeting of the Global Nuclear Safety and Security Network (GNSSN). The event also spotlighted the winners of the Young Professionals Competition on Effective Nuclear and Radiation Regulatory Systems, presenting the innovative solution – the Nuclear Ferris Wheel Application.

During the presentation of Winners of the African Students’ Competition on the Benefits of Nuclear Sciences, student videos on the role of nuclear science and technology in addressing challenges in cancer, climate change and agriculture were featured. The competition aimed to strengthen students’ knowledge of the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology and to motivate young people to consider careers in the nuclear sector.

The 20th Anniversary of the International Expert Group on Nuclear Liability (INLEX) event highlighted the INLEX’s role in raising awareness and improving understanding of the nuclear liability instruments adopted under the IAEA’s auspices. As an expert advisory body to the Director General, INLEX provides authoritative advice and guidance on nuclear liability issues.

A year after its inception, the Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative (NHSI) is finding common ground among regulators, designers, operators and other stakeholders to support the safe and secure deployment of these advanced reactors, including small modular reactors. The event on The IAEA NHSI for Effective Global Deployment of Safe and Secure Advanced Nuclear Reactors provided insights into the goals and progress achieved by the regulatory and industry tracks.

The IAEA’s International Conference on Nuclear Security (ICONS) has become a key event for the nuclear security community around the world. The event ICONS 2024: Shaping the Future of Nuclear Security featured a panel discussion as a prelude to the ICONS 2024 at the IAEA’s Headquarters, from 20–24 May 2024. ICONS 2024 will inform preparation of IAEA’s next Nuclear Security Plan, which will cover the period 2026–2029.

The Supporting the Development of the Africa Continental Power System Masterplan event presented the main outcomes and the endeavours of global organizations in the development of Africa’s energy blueprint. Since its launch in March 2021, this initiative has been supported by the IAEA and the International Renewable Energy Agency as modelling partners.

The Asian Network for Education in Nuclear Technology (ANENT) is the oldest education network supported by the IAEA. The event Celebrating 20 Years of Learning and Sharing Nuclear Knowledge with ANENT, organized by Indonesia, presented its achievements, existing capabilities and services, and plans.

The Successful Cooperation Between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Republic of Korea in Delivering the UAE’s Nuclear Energy Programme event hosted by UAE and the Republic of Korea highlighted how cooperation is an accelerator towards achieving net zero carbon emissions.

Radionuclides play a critical role in both space missions and health care. With access to frequently used radionuclides becoming increasingly challenging, novel production routes are being explored. At the United Kingdom’s event Rethinking Radioactive Waste — How Nuclear Material Could Help Solve Space and Health Challenges, the opportunity for the extraction of radionuclides from the UK’s radioactive waste stockpile to address challenges of supply and availability of critical radionuclides for applications in the space and medical sectors was presented.

The Ibero-American Forum of Radiological and Nuclear Regulatory Agencies (FORO) presented its new web collaboration portal and the contribution of its Strategic Action Plan to enhance safety during the Exchange of Regulatory Experiences and Challenges Between FORO and Other Regional Regulatory Associations and Networks. The event, organized by Paraguay, provided a forum for countries to identify good practices and cooperation modalities to enhance safety.

At the event, Gender Champions in Nuclear: “Quo Vadis?” organized by Women in Nuclear (WiN) IAEA in cooperation with the Group of Friends for Women in Nuclear, a panel representing different regions discussed how to accelerate progress to achieve a more diverse, gender equal and inclusive nuclear sector. “It is crucial to recognize and embrace the diversity of talent that drives our shared pursuit of safe and peaceful applications of nuclear energy,” said Esther Monterrubio Villar, Ambassador of Spain. The WiN Global booth was also inaugurated today by Director General Grossi. At the opening ceremony he said, “Challenging gender stereotypes in the nuclear sector is crucial for industry innovation and progress. My message is clear: Women are integral to the success and advancement of the nuclear field.”