Abu Dhabi: The “Effective Nuclear and Radiation Regulatory Systems: Preparing for the Future in a Rapidly Changing Environment” conference taking place from February 13 to 16 has begun in Abu Dhabi. The conference is organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and hosted by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR).
Ms. Lydie Evrard, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Deputy Director-General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, commented that “this conference, the sixth international conference on effective regulatory systems, plays a key role in the field of nuclear and radiation safety and nuclear security.”
“Collectively sharing regulatory experiences and expertise, disseminating knowledge, as well as sharing the best practices, lessons learned, and novel solutions, will help regulators and the international community contribute to worldwide efforts to enhance nuclear safety and security,” Ms. Evrad added.
The conference will cover regulatory approaches to innovation, emerging technologies, and new technologies over the course of four days, as well as regulatory harmonisation and international and regional cooperation.
Mr. Hamad Al Kaabi, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the IAEA, observed that “given the likely impacts of issues on the nuclear industry, such as cybersecurity, the introduction of artificial intelligence, small modular reactors, and nuclear fusion, these challenges require from us that we be prepared and foresee the future to ensure that our regulatory infrastructure is both efficient and effective and is able to address these trends.”
Other key topics that will be discussed are the concrete efforts to maintain regulatory credibility and trust as well as capacity building to ensure regulators are prepared for future needs through the use of education, human resources, knowledge management, and knowledge networks. In addition, life extension of nuclear facilities, decommissioning, as well as safe and secure management of radioactive sources and radioactive waste, will also be discussed.