NTI Experts in Vienna for Global Conference on Strengthening Nuclear Security

Nuclear Threat Initiative experts joined the first-ever review of the only legally binding treaty on nuclear security—the amended Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials (A/CPPNM)—in Vienna from March 28-April 1, 2022, discussing efforts to build a strong and sustainable treaty regime and contributions from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to securing nuclear materials globally.

The Conference of Parties to the A/CPPNM drew government officials and experts from international organizations, non-governmental organizations, academia, and the nuclear industry to review implementation of the A/CPPNM, assess its adequacy, and consider current threats to the security of nuclear materials. This conversation occurred at a particularly important moment. Russian military attacks on nuclear facilities in Ukraine, which represent an unprecedented threat to those installations, raise important questions about the future of international nuclear security efforts. The event also marked the first widely attended nuclear security conference since the International Conference on Nuclear Security in February 2020, providing a valuable opportunity to take stock of the impact of the global pandemic on the security of nuclear materials around the world.

NTI experts participated in the conference throughout the week. Scott Roecker, NTI’s vice president of Nuclear Security Materials, moderated a session dedicated to contributions from NGOs to help secure nuclear materials. Jessica Bufford, Program Officer, represented NTI as a panelist discussing approaches for building a strong and sustainable treaty regime. NTI also hosted a side event on “Next Steps for Ensuring A Strong And Sustainable Treaty Regime,” with Roecker, Senior Director Nickolas Roth, and Jessica Bufford.

NTI experts also attended other NGO-sponsored side events throughout the conference. See their full schedule below. Roecker and Roth also tweeted live updates from the conference. Follow them here: @scottroecker and @Nickolas_Roth.

You can learn more about the A/CPPNM and check out resources developed by NTI on our CPPNM resource page.

NTI Presentations

• March 28: Jessica Bufford at Nuclear Security Considerations for Next Generation Reactors: International Approaches, organized by the Centre for Science and Security Studies at Kings College London
• March 29: Scott Roecker at Global Nuclear Transportation Security: Implementation & Operational Perspectives, organized by the World Nuclear Transport Institute & Nuclear Transport Solutions
• March 29: Scott Roecker and Jessica Bufford in the Conference of Parties Session with Non-governmental Organizations
• March 30: Scott Roecker, Nick Roth, and Jessica Bufford at NTI side event, Strengthening Nuclear Security Outcomes.