Interested contributors have until 2 December 2024 to submit synopses for the International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes, to be held from 26 to 30 May 2025 at IAEA headquarters in Vienna, Austria.
There is a new global consensus, demonstrated at last year's United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), that the deployment of nuclear power must be accelerated to achieve global decarbonization, energy security and sustainable development. But for a nuclear power programme to succeed, engaging with stakeholders throughout the entire nuclear fuel cycle, up to and including the disposal of radioactive waste, is essential. Understanding and addressing the opinions and concerns raised by stakeholders, including environmental groups, government officials and the public, is key at both the outset and over the duration of any programme.
"Effective stakeholder engagement in the nuclear energy sector is not just about sharing information. It means building trust through transparency, partnerships, and a shared vision for a safe and sustainable energy landscape," said Andrea Borio di Tigliole, Programme Coordinator for the IAEA's Department of Nuclear Energy and Scientific Secretary of the conference. "Inclusivity and dialogue among diverse stakeholders, from industry leaders and regulators to local communities and environmentalists, enhance decision making and promote safety as well as environmental and ethical responsibility in advancing nuclear energy for the benefit of current and future generations."
The conference will provide a platform for exchanging best practices, experiences and lessons learned on how to engage with stakeholders in nuclear power programmes. It will enhance global understanding of the diverse perspectives, concerns and interests of stakeholders involved in nuclear power programmes at various levels and facilitate the sharing of methods and approaches to address stakeholders' views and incorporate them into the decision making process.
The conference will bring together a wide range of participants including policymakers, regulators, communication experts, technical support organizations, waste management organizations, community representatives, industry leaders, academic researchers, NGOs, and international organizations.
Contributors interested in submitting a synopsis for the conference should choose a topic in one of the following areas:
- Development and Implementation of Stakeholder Engagement Strategies
- Managing the Changing Landscapes
- Crisis Communication and Emergency Preparedness
- Outreach, Media Relations and Messaging
