March 2021 Global Dialogue

NTI convened the 13th meeting of the Global Dialogue on Nuclear Security Priorities virtually on March 12, 16, and 18, 2021. This meeting was attended by government officials from 20 countries, representatives from the European Union, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), INTERPOL, and the United Nations, and industry and non-governmental experts from numerous other countries around the world.

The meeting addressed three topics:

• National Preparations for the Amended Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (A/CPPNM) Review Conference: NTI used three fictional countries to demonstrate how different countries might prepare for and participate in the upcoming A/CPPNM Review Conference. Based on the materials, available here, which included fictional national statements, participants discussed ways in which countries can best prepare for the upcoming A/CPPNM Review Conference, including preparation process, delegation composition, stakeholder involvement, and the content of countries’ national statements. For more on the A/CPPNM and the Review Conference, see www.nti.org/cppnm.
• Nuclear Security Priorities at the IAEA in 2021 and Beyond: The group discussed ways that member states and other stakeholders can support a robust and ambitious nuclear security program at the IAEA. Suggestions included prioritizing activities, creating efficiencies in assistance projects by improving interagency coordination across divisions, using multi-donor frameworks, and developing a more inclusive narrative about nuclear security that could improve engagement and support.
• Lessons Learned from the Impact of COVID-19 on Nuclear Security: The group discussed COVID-19’s impact on nuclear operations and regulatory oversight. In particular, the group discussed lessons learned for building resilience against future global crises, including the need for more efficient and secure ways to share information virtually and opportunities to improve risk management and organizational culture. Participants also highlighted the difficulties their countries and organizations experienced in the nuclear security sector due to disruption to other industries and government processes such as air travel, commercial shipping, and border control.