Tajikistan Hosts New Nuclear Security Hub

Tajikistan's Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Safety and Security Agency has been designated as a new IAEA Collaborating Centre for nuclear security.

"The designation of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Safety and Security Agency (CBRN SSA) as an IAEA Collaborating Centre will strengthen the cooperation between Tajikistan and the IAEA to efficiently support regional activities in key areas of nuclear security," said Lydie Evrard, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, at the signing ceremony in Vienna. "That will contribute to enhance nuclear security in Central Asia and internationally," she added.

The four year agreement from 2005 to 2029 aims to help countries in the region build capacity in the development and maintenance of their nuclear security regimes, including the assessment of nuclear security needs and priorities, computer security, the security of nuclear materials and facilities, and nuclear or other radioactive material out of regulatory control.

The agreed workplan includes hosting regional and international training courses and workshops on various nuclear security topics at the new Collaborating Centre. Additionally, the Centre will develop training materials on detection techniques for illicit trafficking of nuclear and other radioactive material.

The benefits for the region were also highlighted by Ilhom Mirsaidzoda, Director of Tajikistan's CBRN SSA. "Empowering our region through capacity building in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear safety, security, and safeguards ensures a resilient and prepared community, ready to face the challenges of tomorrow," he said.

CBRN SSA and IAEA have a longstanding record of collaboration in the field of nuclear security. During the last ten years, 13 IAEA events were hosted by CBRN SSA in the field of nuclear security. In addition, CBRN SSA participates in the International Network of Front Line Officers and Organizations for Nuclear Security Detection and the International Network for Nuclear Security Training and Support Centres.

In 2024, two new Collaborating Centre agreements were signed with Brazil and Jordan and an extension agreement was signed with a centre in the Russian Federation. The total number of active Collaborating Centres for nuclear security now stands at 12.

About Collaborating Centres

An IAEA Collaborating Centre is a national institution, department or laboratory, which focuses on research, development and training and which has been designated by the IAEA to support the IAEA's programmatic activities by implementing an agreed work plan. The designation of such a Centre is done through a legally binding document signed by both parties, which contains the undertakings of the parties and the duration of designation as well as the objectives, activities and expected results and outcomes.

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