NTI to Work with Global Experts to Increase Transparency and Voluntary Reporting on Radiological Security

The Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) and the World Institute for Nuclear Security (WINS) will host a one-day workshop, Radiological Security: Increasing Transparency and Voluntary Reporting, in Berlin, Germany on September 12, 2015. The workshop is a key component to continued progress in radiological security after the fourth and final Nuclear Security Summit. 

“NTI will work with WINS and others to examine how to improve the international framework for securing radiological sources, as well as increase voluntary reporting,” said Andrew Bieniawski, Vice President for Material Security Minimization at NTI.

At the workshop, 39 experts representing 15 countries from the private, public and academic sectors will identify critical gaps in international security of radiological materials, which can be used to make “dirty bombs.” The aim of the workshop is to identify existing mechanisms to report achievements, challenges and best practices in securing radiological materials, to measure their effectiveness as well as to explore further opportunities for sharing best practices between and among states. 

NTI and WINS will share key findings from the workshop at the International Workshop on Nuclear Security Gift Basket – Enhancing Radiological Security, also taking place in Berlin, September 13-15, 2016.  This second workshop is the result of a Nuclear Security Summit “gift basket” (vernacular for state and international pledges made to improve nuclear security at the Nuclear Security Summit) and will gather government representatives around the world to discuss radiological security. The expert input from the NTI-WINS workshop will help inform and educate as government officials identify state-level actions that can enhance security for radiological materials across borders.  The NTI-WINS Workshop helps advance the recommendations in the NTI Radiological Security Progress report that was released prior for the fourth and final Nuclear Security Summit.  Click here for link to NTI Radiological Report.

About the Nuclear Threat Initiative

The Nuclear Threat Initiative works to protect our lives, environment, and quality of life now and for future generations. We work to prevent catastrophic attacks with weapons of mass destruction and disruption (WMDD)—nuclear, biological, radiological, chemical, and cyber. Founded in 2001 by former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn and philanthropist Ted Turner, NTI is guided by a prestigious, international board of directors. Sam Nunn serves as chief executive officer; Des Browne is vice chairman; and Joan Rohlfing serves as president.