In an emergency, timely and accurate information is the basis for decision making and is essential to protecting people.
However, in today's digital landscape, misinformation can spread faster than the facts, shaping public perception and influencing decision makers and response efforts. False claims, conspiracy theories, and manipulated images can distort perceptions, escalate panic, disrupt emergency response, and erode public trust. The widespread use of artificial intelligence can also both help reduce and worsen misinformation during emergencies.
Effective public communication was the focus of a recent IAEA ConvEx-2 exercise based on a nuclear power plant (NPP) accident scenario. This exercise was hosted by the National Crisis Centre of Belgium (NCCN) with the support of the Federal Agency for Nuclear Control (FANC) and involved a hypothetical accident at the Tihange NPP in Belgium. The IAEA contributed to the preparation of the exercise and invited emergency contact points in all Member States to participate. Representatives from regulators, operators, and emergency response organizations from 28 countries participated in this exercise on 19 February 2025.
"Organizing a major exercise such as the one at the Tihange nuclear power plant was a huge challenge for the National Crisis Center. But with the help of all our partners, we can consider that this challenge was brilliantly met. I would like to thank the IAEA for its participation, and for co-organizing all aspects of public communication in the event of a nuclear accident. It was a rich and fruitful collaboration," said Leen Depuydt, interim Director-General, National Crisis Center Belgium.
The insights gained from this ConvEx-2 reaffirm the importance of a proactive approach to emergency communication.
