Global Dialogue on Nuclear Security Priorities Convenes to Discuss Review Conference Preparation and More

Led by acting program lead Samantha Neakrase, NTI welcomed more than 70 participants from twenty countries to a virtual meeting of the Global Dialogue on Nuclear Security Priorities in March. This was the 13th meeting since the first Global Dialogue convened in 2012.

At the meeting, participants discussed national preparations for the amended Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials (A/CPPNM) Review Conference preparations, which will be held in 2022; IAEA nuclear security priorities; and lessons learned from the impact of COVID-19 on nuclear security. Participants included representatives from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the United Nations (UN), and other industry and nongovernmental entities.

Participants developed ideas for how states can prepare for and participate in the upcoming A/CPPNM Review Conference using the preparations of three fictional countries as a basis for discussion. Specific topics included the preparation process, stakeholder involvement, the composition of national delegations, and the content of national statements.

Participants also discussed the IAEA’s nuclear security priorities in 2021 and beyond and proposed ways for member states and other stakeholders to support a robust, forward-looking nuclear security mission at the IAEA. Suggestions included prioritizing nuclear security resources, creating efficiencies in assistance projects by improving coordination across divisions, using multi-donor frameworks, and developing a more inclusive narrative about the benefits of nuclear security that could improve engagement and support.

Participants also shared their insights on COVID-19’s impact on nuclear operations and regulatory oversight. They discussed lessons learned and provided suggestions for fortifying the nuclear security architecture against future crises, which included more efficient and secure ways to share information virtually and opportunities to improve risk management and organizational culture. The group also discussed common 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.

Find more on the A/CPPNM and the Review Conference here.

The Global Dialogue project is led by NTI Vice President Laura Holgate and NTI Senior Director Samantha Neakrase. Learn more about the Global Dialogue here.