Over 130 countries convene at IAEA Conference to reinforce nuclear security measures

"Nuclear security is a national responsibility that involves preventing, detecting, and responding to malicious acts involving nuclear or radioactive materials," stated IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.

Over 130 countries are gathered this week at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) headquarters to reinforce global nuclear security measures and address the threat of nuclear terrorism amid evolving risks.

During the opening session of the International Conference on Nuclear Security (ICONS), held every four years, Co-Presidents Tim Watts, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, and Sungat Yessimkhanov, Vice-Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan, issued a joint statement. This declaration underscores the imperative of robust nuclear security frameworks to protect nuclear materials and facilities from theft and sabotage, especially as the use of nuclear technology grows.

The statement, finalized after negotiations with all IAEA Member States, highlights the dual nature of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), which offer both challenges and opportunities for nuclear security. It emphasizes that effective nuclear security measures are vital for maintaining public confidence in the peaceful application of nuclear technology.

"Nuclear security is a national responsibility that involves preventing, detecting, and responding to malicious acts involving nuclear or radioactive materials," stated IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. He stressed the necessity of vigilant measures to counteract digital threats, including cyberattacks.

The joint statement reaffirms commitments to nuclear non-proliferation, disarmament, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy, highlighting that nuclear security is crucial for international peace and security. It calls for enhanced vigilance and adaptive global nuclear security regimes to prevent malicious use of nuclear materials.

National representatives at the conference shared achievements in nuclear security since the last ICONS in 2020 and supported the IAEA's central role in assisting Member States in building and improving their nuclear security systems. They emphasized the importance of guidance development, peer reviews, advisory services, and capacity building provided by the IAEA.

"Attending ICONS reflects our shared commitment to reinforcing nuclear security," said Assistant Minister Watts. "It allows us to align our efforts and work collaboratively on our national nuclear security regimes."

Vice-Minister Yessimkhanov noted, "Despite risks and challenges like climate change and pandemics, AI and advanced computing offer new avenues to enhance nuclear security. Strengthening national regimes helps prevent the illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials."

The week-long conference in Vienna continues to explore strategies for enhancing nuclear security and fostering international cooperation in the face of emerging global threats.