Rumina Velshi, CNSC President and CEO, named Chair of International Atomic Energy

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently announced that Rumina Velshi, President and CEO of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), has been named the new Chair of its Commission on Safety Standards (CSS) for a four-year period. Ms. Velshi succeeds Ms. Dana Drábová, President, Czech State Office for Nuclear Security.

The IAEA's CSS is a standing body responsible for establishing standards relevant to nuclear, radiation, transport and waste safety, and emergency preparedness and response.

Forums such as this one provide an important opportunity to consider key safety issues and to discuss how countries can harmonize their work, as well as to share and/or implement bold new approaches.

"It is an honour to have been named Chair of the IAEA's Commission on Safety Standards. Nuclear safety is a shared goal for all countries and requires us to work together, particularly when dealing with innovative technologies and associated risks," stated President Velshi.

"The IAEA greatly values the work of the Commission on Safety Standards and I look forward to CNSC President Velshi's experience and contribution as Chair. Canada's nuclear regulator is a mature and highly-respected regulator whose leadership will make an important contribution to the work of Member States," said IAEA Director General, Rafael Mariano Grossi.

This nomination is testament to the high regard the IAEA places on the CNSC's leadership and commitment to safety.