From May 26 to 30, the International Atomic Energy Agency held the first International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes. More than 500 participants from 81 countries and 17 international organizations gathered in Vienna, Austria. Throughout the week, experts shared their experience and discussed how proper engagement with diverse social groups can contribute to the success of national nuclear programs.
The conference was opened by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi together with filmmaker Robert Stone, author of the documentary Pandora's Promise that addressed the growing significance of nuclear power and its benefits. The discussion focused on the changing attitudes towards nuclear industry, the destruction of myths surrounding it and its importance for sustainable development, decarbonization and energy security.
“I think there is this struggle to point out that nuclear is in fact absolutely necessary. The growth in energy demand all over the world is so dramatic. Renewables are growing, but we have not reduced the amount of fossil fuels. The percentage of fossil fuels to clean energy has remained static since the turn of the century,” said Robert Stone. “So, I think that is the next front in terms of making the case for nuclear energy.”
The flash-talks included discussions on public outreach, combating misinformation and providing educational opportunities. Margarita Solovieva, Project manager, delivered a presentation on the experience of Rosatom Technical Academy in conducting educational activities for nuclear infrastructure development in partnership with the IAEA.
Margarita highlighted the possibility of attending the production sites of Russian nuclear enterprises, “Technical tours to leading nuclear industry facilities allow participants of our events to see the work of the industry with their own eyes. Such an experience helps to build trust and contributes to the increase in informed public acceptance of nuclear power”.
Olga Zhuravleva, Specialist for international activity, presented the educational program “Train-The-Trainers”, implemented by Rosatom Technical Academy in partnership with Rosatom core universities with the aim of assisting faculty members of foreign universities and key nuclear industry specialists from all over the world in mastering cutting-edge Russian nuclear technologies and practices.
“Within the framework of our program we aim to create a platform for cooperation between universities of our partner countries and Russian educational organizations. This way, we hope to contribute to the establishment and maintenance of long-term interaction with the global expert community in the field of nuclear energy”, Olga said.