Shaping the Future of Nuclear Security

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 once again propelled nuclear security to the forefront of the global security conversation.  Russia’s unprecedented seizure of both the Chernobyl and Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plants, the latter of which was heavily shelled, drew global condemnation and fears of a potential release of radiation.  

Two years later, the safety and security of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remains precarious.  Access to necessary cooling water is extremely limited, the list of overdue maintenance and repairs grows longer by the day, and the power plant is severely understaffed.  Russia’s occupation, including by military personnel, continues to defy the globally accepted principles and standards of nuclear safety and security which underlie the peaceful use of nuclear energy. 

The International Atomic Energy Agency 

In light of these events, collaborative international efforts to strengthen global nuclear security are needed now more than ever.  The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) plays a central role in addressing this need.  Since its founding in 1957, the IAEA has assisted its member states in the promotion of the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear science, technology, and energy.  An indispensable pillar of the IAEA’s efforts is its dedication to nuclear security, ensuring that as more countries benefit from this essential technology, people, society, and the environment remain protected from threats posed by nuclear terrorism.  

The IAEA relies on the support of its member states to carry out its critical work.  This May, the United States will join policymakers, government officials, industry, and nuclear security experts from around the world in Vienna for the fourth IAEA International Conference on Nuclear Security (ICONS) to discuss the future of nuclear security worldwide.  

Held once every four years, ICONS is an important opportunity for the IAEA to promote and raise awareness of its nuclear security activities and programs.  The IAEA offers a range of services to its member states, including long-term planning on nuclear reactors, training in line with international nuclear security guidance, and workshops on various nuclear security management aspects.  

ICONS also serves as a policy platform to discuss current security priorities, challenges, and approaches.  This year’s conference, titled ICONS 2024: Shaping the Future, will focus on the challenges and opportunities for nuclear security presented by emerging trends and technologies.  Experts from the public and private sectors will weigh in on issues surrounding new and evolving technologies with the potential to change the landscape of nuclear security, such as microreactors and artificial intelligence.  These policy discussions will inform preparation for the IAEA’s 2026-2029 Nuclear Security Plan.  

It also marks the launch of the IAEA’s new Nuclear Security Delegation for the Future, a program which will bring together a small cohort of students and early career professionals from around the world to present on the future of nuclear security at ICONS 2024.  Not only is this a unique opportunity to spotlight and learn from the next generation of nuclear security experts, but it speaks to the heart of the IAEA’s mission: bringing together experts from around the world to work together on nuclear issues.  

Shaping the Future  

ICONS 2024 comes at a critical time for international nuclear cooperation.  From providing potable water, to combating zoonotic disease, to enhancing food security, nuclear technology has the potential to play a transformational role in international development.  However, these advancements must be paired with a global framework that prioritizes the highest standards of security – living up to the IAEA’s motto Atoms for Peace and Development. 

This is an opportunity for the United States, and all Member States, to reaffirm our commitment towards the promotion of the peaceful use of nuclear technology and a shared commitment to safety and security.  Through collective action, we can shape a future where peaceful nuclear technology can safely and securely transform global prosperity.  

About the author: Darby FitzSimmons is an intern in the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation.