65th IAEA General Conference

Side Events Organized by Member States During the 65th General Conference

The IAEA does not own the content of side events organized by third parties within the margins of the 65th General Conference. The IAEA does not take any responsibility for the content of side events; for the functioning, security, and privacy of any website on which a side event may be accessed; or for the accessibility of pictures and videos featured therein.

Technologies for adaptation and resilience to climate change

From improving food and water security through crop adaptation, to protecting marine environments from the impacts of absorbing CO2, nuclear technologies play an important role in developing the most advanced climate models and in allowing us to assess the impacts of climate change on a global scale. This event will explore the role of nuclear technologies and applications in monitoring, mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change. This event is organized by the United Kingdom.

This event will be held on Monday, 20 September 2021, from 12.00 noon to 1.00 p.m. in Conference Room M4, M building, ground floor.

The event will be also accessible virtually, please note that registration is required.

Progress of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) Decontamination and Decommissioning

This event will highlight the progress of decommissioning at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, covering water management stored on the site, the most recently published mid/long-term roadmap, and other related issues. Japan’s representatives will share the country’s experiences through dialogue with the audience. This event is organized by Japan.

This virtual event will be held on Monday, 20 September 2021, from 12.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m.

The event will be accessible virtually, please note that registration is required.

University Networking in the Pandemic: New Challenges or Advantages

At this event speakers will share their views on collaboration perspectives in university networks during the pandemic, and national and global experience in nuclear knowledge management. The event will discuss virtual networking and whether it is a threat or additional input for educational networks, and its role in cross-university cooperation and new projects. It will also discuss the role of university networks in R&D and industry. This event is organized by the Russian Federation.

This virtual event will be held on Monday, 20 September 2021, from 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.

Delegations wishing to receive further information about this virtual event and to register should contact here. The event will be accessible here. 

Development of alpha-emitting radiopharmaceuticals and the supply of isotopes: 225Ac and the possible role of international organizations

This event presents the status of development of alpha-emitting radiopharmaceuticals, such as 225Ac- PSMA-617, and the recent efforts of researchers to explore the supply of necessary rare isotopes. It will highlight the expected role of international organizations in promoting their practical use and will feature presentations from the pharmaceutical industry, the research sector, and international organizations. This event is organized by Japan.

This event will be held on Monday, 20 September 2021, from 3.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. in Conference Room M6, M building, ground floor. 

The event will be also accessible virtually, please note that registration is required.

Presentation of the Outcomes of the Workshop on Safeguards by Design

At this event, the Belgian Federal Agency for Nuclear Control will present the outcomes of the workshop on safeguards by design that took place in April 2021 in cooperation with the IAEA and the Finnish national regulator. This event is organized by Belgium.

This event will be held on Tuesday, 21 September 2021, from 9.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. in Conference Room M6, M building, ground floor.

The event will be also accessible virtually, please note that registration is required.

United States Deployment of Advanced Nuclear: Baseload Technologies Support Reaching Net Zero

The United States of America will hold a roundtable discussion on nuclear energy’s role in supporting countries to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Government and industry representatives will discuss the multiple features and capabilities of advanced reactor technologies and how they can be used to support countries’ sustainable development goals. This event is organized by the United States of America.

This virtual event will be held on Tuesday, 21 September 2021, from 11.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon. The event will be accessible here.

A Proactive Approach to the Supervision of Medical Exposure

At this event, experts from competent authorities will discuss the regulation of medical exposure and focus on proactive activities to enhance radiation protection. Similarities and differences between various national perspectives will be considered. Examples of related tools and activities include diagnostic reference levels, benchmarking of incurred radiation doses, methodologies used in radiology and nuclear medicine, and risk analyses and clinical audits in radiation therapy. This event is organized by Sweden.

This virtual event will be held on Tuesday, 21 September 2021, from 12.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m.

The event will be also accessible virtually, please note that registration is required.

30 Years of Andra: a Focus on the Geological Disposal Project Cigéo

This event, organized on the occasion of Andra's 30th anniversary, will take place via web conference from the Andra centre in Meuse/Haute-Marne, where an underground laboratory is preparing for the deep geological disposal project called Cigéo. This event will be an opportunity to review the Cigéo project from a technical point of view, as well as its development, governance and stakeholder engagement activities. This event is organized by France.

This virtual event will be held on Tuesday, 21 September 2021, from 1.00 p.m. to 2.00 p.m.

Delegations wishing to receive further information about this virtual event and to register should contact here.

Challenges for the TSOF: Ten Years Contributing to Strengthening Scientific Capacities for Nuclear Safety and Security for Regulatory Frameworks and Infrastructures

The side event will focus on the main achievements of the TSOF, such as the TSO initiative based on the IAEA TECDOC-1835 comprising a new self-assessment methodology with the TOSCA-tool. Moreover, a short overview will be given of the achievements and recently published proceedings of the 2018 TSO conference organised in Brussels as a basis for the 2022 TSO conference in St. Petersburg. Finally, the IAEA’s support for the TSOF activities, including the national workshops will be highlighted. This event is organized by Belgium.

This event will be held on Tuesday, 21 September 2021, from 1.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. at ESPACE M0E, M building, first floor.

The Roles of Nuclear Innovation in a Just and Clean Transition

This event will feature innovation, sustainable planning, and financing in just and clean energy transitions, including in emerging economies. Participants will discuss key questions:

• How can innovative, flexible and integrated systems accelerate progress on climate goals quickly, affordably and justly?
• How can clean energy conserve the environment and uplift communities worldwide?
• How can nuclear advance the lives of women/girls?

This event is organized by the United States of America.

This virtual event will be held on Tuesday, 21 September 2021 from 2.30 p.m. to 3.30 noon. 

The event will be also accessible virtually, please note that registration is required.

Renewing Commitments: Signing Ceremony for the Revised and Updated Strategic Master Plan for Environmental Remediation of Uranium Legacy Sites in Central Asia

Enduring commitments are a key element in the international effort to remediate uranium legacy sites in Central Asia. By signing the revised and updated Strategic Master Plan for Environmental Remediation of Uranium Legacy Sites in Central Asia at this event, international partners and Central Asian Member States will renew their commitment to the continued regional engagement and coordinated partnership. This event is organized by the European Union.

This event will be held on Tuesday, 21 September 2021, from 3.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. in Conference Room M6, M building, ground floor.

Delegations wishing to receive further information about this virtual event and to register should contact here.

Women in Nuclear and Radiological Security

This event will focus on women’s careers in radiological and nuclear material security, including the successes, challenges and importance of advocacy and support for women as well as associated organizations and institutions. Women will discuss their career experiences and paths to achieving their goals in support of the advancement of women in the radiological and nuclear security fields. This event will be organized by the US National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Global Material Security. This event is organized by the United States of America.

This virtual event will be held on Tuesday, 21 September 2021, from 3.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. The event will be accessible here.

Nuclear Security During Decommissioning: International Perspectives

This UK-hosted virtual panel discussion will focus on how to maintain security during the nuclear decommissioning process, ensuring that it remains proportionate and effective as potential risk and threats change. This is becoming a priority area for the international community with a greater number of nuclear facilities requiring decommissioning. Speakers will include academic experts and international practitioners who will share insights on key considerations and potential challenges. This event is organized by the United Kingdom.

This virtual event will be held on Tuesday, 21 September 2021, from 3.30 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. 

The event will be accessible virtually, please note that registration is required.

Sustainability Compliance for Nuclear Energy as a Crucial Element of National Climate Policy

This event will focus on climate regulation and the specifics of national experience (including regulatory mechanisms) in the use of nuclear energy for the purpose of reducing a country's carbon footprint. It will present nuclear energy as one of the main tools for combating climate changes. This event is organized by the Russian Federation.

This virtual event will be held on Tuesday, 21 September 2021, from 3.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Delegations wishing to receive further information about this virtual event and to register should contact here. The event will be accessible here.

Expanding the Benefits of Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technologies under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

This event will review outcomes from webinars and regional workshops in Africa, Asia and South America on the peaceful uses of nuclear technologies under the NPT, highlighting their importance for development and in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and identifying barriers to their continued expansion to the developing world. We seek to ask what more can be done to ensure access by those who need it the most?

Background:

As the IAEA continues to deliver critical practical support to Member States, even more can and should be done to expand access to the benefits of peaceful nuclear technologies. In a world of limited resources, it is important to build a comprehensive picture of needs at global, regional and national levels and to consider the key challenges to efforts to improve access to peaceful uses. This event is organized by the United Kingdom.

This event will be held on Tuesday, 21 September 2021, from 5.00 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. in Conference Room C3, C building, seventh floor. The event will be also accessible virtually. 

Commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of ABACC

This event, organized by the Brazilian–Argentine Agency for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials (ABACC), in coordination with the Permanent Missions of Argentina and Brazil to the IAEA, will commemorate 30 years of ABACC. The event will consist of a seminar to review the activities of ABACC in the application of safeguards in Argentina and Brazil, as provided for in the Agreement between the Republic of Argentina and the Federative Republic of Brazil for the Exclusively Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy. This event is organized by Argentina, Brazil and ABACC.

This event will be held on Tuesday, 21 September 2021, from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. in Conference Room M6, M building, ground floor. 

The event will be also accessible virtually. 

Integrated Approach to Nuclear Safety, Nuclear Security and Radiation Protection — Opportunities and Challenges

The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority will present an ongoing review of regulations as a case study and starting point for discussions. The advantages and disadvantages of more integrated regulatory approaches versus separate regulatory approaches for the various protection aspects are possible topics for discussion. A panel of experts and representatives from other regulatory authorities will be invited to discuss and reflect on related topics. This event is organized by Sweden.

This virtual event will be held on Wednesday, 22 September 2021, from 8.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. 

The event will be also accessible virtually, please note that registration is required.

The Role of Nuclear Energy in Combating Climate Change: Future Leaders’ Perspective

Nuclear energy and its role in global decarbonization efforts have been discussed extensively, but the voices of young people are often left out of the conversation. As we approach COP26 and to provide a fresh perspective, this event will invite younger members of the nuclear workforce to share their experiences of working in nuclear and why they think nuclear will play an important role in combating climate change. This event is organized by the United Kingdom.

This virtual event will be held on Wednesday, 22 September 2021, from 9.00 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. 

The event will be also accessible virtually, please note that registration is required.

Nuclear Science and Technology - where high living standards begin

This event is an opportunity to discuss how to efficiently integrate nuclear science and technology into countries' economy, industry, science and education development strategies; to examine what research infrastructure is required for breakthrough technologies of the future and to discuss what assistance can be provided to countries in the development of their scientific and technological programmes; to address opportunities for an international experimental base for the implementation of international scientific development programmes, and to review the capabilities of the MBIR International Research Center as a basis for joint international scientific programmes and experimental projects. This event is organized by the Russian Federation.

This virtual event will be held on Wednesday, 22 September 2021, from 10.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.

Delegations wishing to receive further information about this virtual event and to register should contact here. The event will be accessible here.

Advanced Nuclear Technologies

Advanced nuclear technologies can provide both on-grid and off-grid electricity, offering an alternative to fossil fuel related generation, and can contribute to the decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors including heating systems, hydrogen generation, steel, chemical, cement and heavy industries. This event will explore the ways in which these innovations can play a part in combating climate change. This event is organized by the United Kingdom.

This virtual event will be held on Wednesday, 22 September 2021, from 11.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. The event will be also accessible virtually. 

New Technological Platform — the Path to Green Energy

This event is focused on the inherent potential of nuclear power to be essentially wasteless meaning that it is a vital option for the future global energy mix. The event will address fast reactors and associated closed nuclear fuel cycles as a new technological platform for nuclear power development in the future. to the event will also serve to facilitate information exchange on the recent advances in industrial deployment of a closed nuclear fuel cycle. Special attention is given to establishing long-term frameworks for international cooperation in this particular field. This event is organized by the Russian Federation.

This virtual event will be held on Wednesday, 22 September 2021, from 11.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. 

Delegations wishing to receive further information about this virtual event and to register should contact here.

Towards Strengthening Global Nuclear Security

The event will outline contributions, achievements and further opportunities for international cooperation in the field of nuclear security. Interested stakeholders are invited to exchange experiences and good practices ahead of the 2022–2025 Nuclear Security Plan implementation cycle and the Conference of the Parties to the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material. This event is organized by the European Union.

This event will be held on Wednesday, 22 September 2021, from 11.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. in Conference Room C4, C building, seventh floor.

The event will be also accessible virtually, please note that registration is required.

Progress on Peaceful Uses: Vienna’s Contribution to the NPT Process 

The Netherlands will host a seminar with the Chairperson-designate of the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, HE Ambassador Gustavo Zlauvinen, and the Chairperson-designate of Main Committee III on Peaceful Uses, HE Ambassador Henk Cor van der Kwast, as well as senior representatives of the IAEA, to discuss ways forward with delegations on peaceful uses of nuclear technology, including the role the IAEA can play in this process.

Background: The NPT provides a framework for confidence and cooperation in the peaceful application of nuclear science, services, materials, equipment, facilities and technology in a growing range of areas vital to human and animal health and environmental protection. The IAEA has developed several new applications for peaceful uses of nuclear technologies. It is important that more countries profit from those possibilities and opportunities. In this side event, the IAEA will present a special overview of these. This event is organized by the Netherlands.

This event will be held on Wednesday, 22 September 2021, from 1.00 p.m. to 2.00 p.m. in Board Room D, C building, fourth floor.

The event will be also accessible virtually. 

Ghana’s Implementation of Phase 1 of the IAEA Milestones Approach 

The event is an opportunity to highlight the success of Ghana as a country that does not have the resources of a high-income country but has been able to successfully progress through Phase 1 of the IAEA Milestones approach for the development of new nuclear power infrastructure. The event will highlight the importance of government support, the activities of the Ghana Nuclear Power Programme Organization, the responsibilities for nuclear safety, security and safeguards and establishment of the competence of the Nuclear Regulatory Authority, and the responsibilities and establishment of Nuclear Power Ghana, the owner/operator of the future nuclear power plant.
This event is organized by Ghana.

This event will be held on Wednesday, 22 September 2021, from 1.00 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. in Conference Room M4, M building, ground floor.

The event will be also accessible virtually, please note that registration is needed. 

A Game Changer: Safety Forever at World’s First Geological Repository in Finland

This event will describe how Finland has developed a safe and sustainable solution for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel. The event will explain how this commitment became politically acceptable, how the long-term safety of the solution has been ensured and how regulatory challenges related to safety, security and safeguards have been resolved in this first-of-a-kind facility. This event is organized by Finland.

This event will be held on Wednesday, 22 September 2021, from 1.30 p.m. to 3.00 p.m. in Conference Room M6, M building, ground floor.

The event will be also accessible virtually. 

A VCDNP Task Force Report on the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Science and Technology 

This virtual  event during the 65th IAEA General Conference will present findings of the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) Task Force which was established in 2020 to examine and provide recommendations  to IAEA Member States, industry, and the international community for approaches that could lead to increased access to nuclear science and technologies for peaceful uses and sustainable development, while maintaining prudent non-proliferation and nuclear security objectives. This event is organized by the United Arab Emirates for the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP).

This virtual event will be held on Wednesday, 22 September 2021, from 3.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. 

The event will be accessible here.

Enhancing Efforts in Nuclear Safety and Security and Radiological Protection in Pandemic Times: Challenges and Lessons Learned from FORO and Regulators in Ibero-America

The event will provide a forum for IAEA Member States and other interested parties to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges faced by Ibero-American Forum of Radiological and Nuclear Regulatory Agencies (FORO) members in continuing their work in nuclear safety and radiological protection in the Ibero-American region. It will present the application of a risk matrix to new modalities of radiotherapy and nuclear medicine, and lessons learned by regulators. This event is organized by Spain.

This event will be held on Wednesday, 22 September 2021, from 3.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. in Conference Room M4, M building, ground floor. 

The event will be also accessible virtually, please note that registration is required.

French Innovative Solutions for Management of Waste up to Disposal

This event will present innovative and proven technologies for managing waste arising from decommissioning and dismantling and from remediation operations. This includes an innovative evaporation process of in-drum drying, a triple-purpose, multi-waste cask and an in-can vitrification process, which allows a flexible approach to attain waste management goals and comply with waste acceptance criteria for long term storage or disposal facilities. The event is organized by France.

This virtual event will be held on Thursday, 23 September 2021, from 9.00 a.m. to 10.30 a.m.

Delegations wishing to receive further information about this virtual event and to register should contact here.

French Nuclear Technologies: the Way to Low-Carbon Electricity

An increasing number of countries are showing interest in adding nuclear power to their energy mix, yet each one has different needs that require tailor-made solutions regarding, for example, grid size or heat sink. This event will feature a live session with experts from Électricité de France on the topic of nuclear solutions for decarbonization. It will include a Q&A segment. This event is organized by France.

This virtual event will be held on Thursday, 23 September 2021, from 10.00 a.m. to 10.30 a.m.

 The event will be accessible here. Delegations wishing to receive further information about this event should contact here.

The Next Generation of Nuclear Energy Leaders: The UAE’s Success Story of Encouraging Youth in Nuclear

Youth empowerment and capacity building is a key priority in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) nuclear energy programme. The UAE has conducted numerous youth initiatives, with a valuable impact nationwide, and will continue empowering the young generations to advance sustainable development. This event will provide details on the UAE’s youth initiatives in the nuclear energy sector, on its competent work and outcomes in human capital development; present the UAE’s awareness campaigns; and provide an opportunity to learn about the UAE–IAEA capacity building initiatives. This event is organized by the United Arab Emirates.

This virtual event will be held on Thursday, 23 September 2021, from 2.00 p.m. to 3.00 p.m. The event will be accessible here, please note that registration is required. 

Nuclear Technology for Life

This event will showcase Pakistan’s experience, development and implementation of nuclear science and technology in the fields of agriculture and biotechnology, health care, nuclear power generation and training of personnel at various Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) institutes, as well as the regulatory mechanism governing all of these activities. The event will present PAEC’s abilities to fellow Member States that have nascent nuclear programmes, and how they can benefit from Pakistan’s experiences through IAEA technical and educational cooperation. This event is organized by Pakistan.

This event will be held on Thursday, 23 September 2021, from 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. in Conference Room C1, C building, second floor.

Forum of Nuclear Regulatory Bodies in Africa: Annual Plenary Meeting

The Forum of Nuclear Regulatory Bodies in Africa plenary meeting will discuss achievements from the past year and the Action Plan for the coming year. It will also discuss the thematic working groups’ reports and progress achieved in implementing virtual activities. This event is jointly organized by Ghana, Morocco and Nigeria.

This virtual event will be held on Thursday, 23 September 2021, from 2.30 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.

Delegations wishing to receive further information about this virtual event and to register should contact here.

Inclusive Human Resources Strategies for the Nuclear Sector: Balanced Diversity

This event will discuss new leadership models shaped by the 21st century and share their application in human resources strategies for the inclusive and diverse development of the nuclear industry. It is aimed at HR specialists from various domains of the nuclear sector, staff of universities and other parties interested in/or experienced in attracting women to STEM-related professions. This event is organized by the Russian Federation.

This virtual event will be held on Thursday, 23 September 2021, from 15.00 a.m. to 16.30 p.m.

Delegations wishing to receive further information about this virtual event and to register should contact here. The event will be accessible here.

European Nuclear Experimental Educational Platform and Nuclear Capacity Building Based on Research Reactors

This event will present the European Nuclear Experimental Educational Platform, a new European collaboration offering practical training opportunities to universities and young nuclear professionals from all over the world, and the IAEA tools used to support Member States in capacity building for their nuclear science and technology programmes using research reactors. This event is organized by Hungary.

This event will be held on Friday, 24 September 2021, from 11.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon in Conference Room C4, C building, seventh floor.

The event will be also accessible virtually, please note that registration is required.

Cooperating with Women in Nuclear: Supporting Talent in the Nuclear Field 

Gender parity is one the targets of WiN Global, and it is also one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The purpose of this event is to enhance awareness and visibility of the role of women in nuclear science and technology (NST) and development. The event will support the development of concrete measures to attract young girls to study NST and to encourage female professionals to pursue careers in NST. Panellists will address the main issues that women who are working in the nuclear field are facing and will also provide a clear direction on the best ways to resolve these issues and challenges, including a vision to attract more women and girls to pursue a career in the nuclear fields. This event is organized by Mexico.

The event will be held on Friday, 24 September, from 12:00 noon to 2.00 p.m. in Conference Room M5, M building, ground floor.

The event will be also accessible virtually, please note that registration is required.

Discussion Panel: Clean Energy Planning from a Gender Perspective

This event will raise awareness about the main approaches to effectively incorporating a gender perspective in clean energy planning. It will focus on nuclear energy and its relevance as part of the solution to the climate crisis, not only in terms of the technical aspects, but also from a social perspective including the complex interrelations involved, considering the role that women play in the management and conservation of nature’s assets globally and, more specifically, in Latin America and the Caribbean. The barriers women continue to experience as they develop professionally in the nuclear field will also be highlighted.
This event is organized by Argentina for WiN ARCAL Latin America and the Caribbean.

This virtual event will be held on Friday, 24 September 2021, from 3.30 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. 

The event will be accessible here.