The ongoing COVID pandemic has resulted in restrictions, but the work of the IAEA continues and we’re pleased to announce that the International Conference on A Decade of Progress After Fukushima -Daiichi: Building on Lessons Learned to Further Strengthen Nuclear Safety is confirmed to take place from 8 to 12 November 2021. To ensure maximum flexibility and considering the evolving global travel situation, all sessions, panels and events of the conference – to be held in Vienna – will be livestreamed for registered users. Therefore, the IAEA encourages all interested individuals to register to ensure that you can access and participate in the conference in the manner that best fits your circumstances. Registration will remain open up until the conference commences, however participants who wish to receive financial assistance to travel to Vienna need to register by 31 July.
“This March marked 10 years since the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident, and this conference will highlight the important progress and improvements made since then to strengthen nuclear safety globally. Discussions will be forward looking to identify future course of action,” said Lydie Evrard, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, adding that “our work never stops. It continues through benchmarking practices, sharing experience and lessons learned. Improving means of cooperation and taking other steps to ensure the highest level of safety are paramount.”
Seasoned experts from nuclear organizations from around the world will discuss topical areas where lessons from the accident were identified and addressed. Discussion will address initiatives on facilitating regulatory oversight, accident management, human and organisational factors, public communication, post-accident recovery and enhancing international efforts and cooperation. An action plan will be agreed upon by the end of the conference.
The conference will also include a youth side event for young professionals to participate in a panel to share their views about safety of nuclear power in the current and future context. In order to identify speakers for this panel, the IAEA is hosting an essay contest for students and young professionals. Through this essay contest, and the special youth panel with the winners, the Agency will incorporate the perspectives of today’s young professionals into the conclusions of the conference.
The IAEA is organizing this event in cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency and the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).
Details on the conference announcement, programme, topics and other details including on registration can be found here.
