The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will host its first-ever international conference on nuclear law to discuss developments in the field. The First International Conference on Nuclear Law: The Global Debate will take place from 25-29 April 2022 at IAEA headquarters in Vienna, Austria.
Over 450 experts will examine, for example, how nuclear law enables solutions for current international issues like climate change and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and how nuclear law needs to evolve to enable the use of emerging technologies such as small modular reactors, fusion, and nuclear applications in outer space. The participants will discuss issues and trends and delve into topical issues in the four main branches of nuclear law: safety, security, safeguards, and civil liability for nuclear damage. Moreover, they will discuss legislative assistance and capacity building in the field.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and high-level speakers from across the globe will address the opening session of the five-day plenary. Round-table events on cross-cutting themes will provide opportunities for focused discussions with and feedback fromrenowned experts.
Director General Grossi will present “Nuclear Law: The Global Debate”, the IAEA’s first-ever book by global thought leaders on nuclear law. The book provides free access to reflective and forward looking insights on diverse issues in this highly specialized legal field.
The conference will feature several events to encourage engagement and professional development of students and early career professionals interested in nuclear law. The winners of the IAEA’s competition “Nuclear Law: Today and Tomorrow” will present their essays during a side event similar to the popular TED talks. Emerging professionals will discuss perspectives to increase the effectiveness of nuclear law at a dedicated Young Generation Forum.
Press Opportunities
The opening session and all other plenary sessions and round tables, technical sessions, and side events are open to the media. Journalists can find the conference’s complete programme here.
The M-Building Press Room will be available as a press working area on 25 April.
Accreditation and registration for virtual participation
Journalists who would like to attend in person and hold permanent credentials to the VIC need no additional credentials. We encourage journalists who do not have permanent accreditation to request it at UNIS Vienna.
Others who wish to attend the conference physically, please contact press@iaea.org before COB Thursday, 21 April.
Media representatives who would like to attend the conference virtually can register as observers here. They will receive a login to the IAEA Conferences and Meetings App with access to papers and the possibility to actively participate in Q&A sessions. All events, except for technical sessions, are live-streamed.
Alternatively, everyone can follow presentations without registration via the live stream available on the IAEA website.
COVID-19 Guidelines
Journalists are reminded of the requirements related to the low epidemiological risk when attending physically. They are reminded that FFP2 masks must be worn in all common spaces in the VIC, including meeting rooms and are encouraged to keep at least one meter distance to others.