By Cyber Era NG Special Correspondent
The IAEA is at the forefront of transferring nuclear science and technology to countries to improve the lives of millions of people around the world. “The IAEA is a formidable institution that deals with issues of war and peace, of human health, of energy, food and water – fundamental concerns of all human beings,” said IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi.
In recent years, the IAEA has launched key initiatives to harness the full potential of atomic energy towards many facets of sustainable and peaceful development.
Follow this page for the latest updates and status of key IAEA initiatives – Atoms4NetZero, Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative (NHSI), NUTEC Plastics, Rays of Hope and Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action (ZODIAC) – as discussed during side events of the 67th IAEA General Conference.
This page will be updated throughout the week of 25–29 September.
Atoms4NetZero
The Atoms4NetZero initiative, which launched last year at COP27, provides a framework to support countries including through capacity building in energy planning towards net zero energy systems. At the side event, experts will discuss the modelling of energy transition scenarios that address both climate change mitigation targets, including net zero objectives, and the broader context of sustainable development.
This event will be held on Monday, September 25, 2023, from 4.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. in Conference Room CR3, C Building, seventh floor.
Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action (ZODIAC)
ZODIAC was established in 2020 by the IAEA to help prevent future pandemics, by strengthening countries’ preparedness and capabilities to rapidly detect and respond to outbreaks of zoonotic diseases. At the side event, experts will highlight progress made in establishing a network of almost 130 veterinary laboratories. This network is enhancing global capacity building, enabling countries to better control the spread of diseases, which pass from animals to humans such as Zika, Ebola, avian flu and Mpox.
This event will be held on Monday, September 25, from 3.30 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. at ESPACE M01, M building, first floor.
Rays of Hope
Rays of Hope aims to help widen access to cancer care in low- and middle-income countries by improving the availability of radiotherapy services, medical imaging and nuclear medicine. At the side event, country representatives will present their life saving accomplishments in Africa, carried out under the first phase of this initiative, and plans to increase impact, as well as opportunities for donors and partners to join in collective efforts to bring cancer care to all.
The event will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, from 11.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. in Conference Room CR7, C Building, seventh floor.
NUTEC Plastics
NUTEC Plastics initiative has made progress in addressing plastic pollution on two fronts: at point of source, by introducing new technologies to improve plastic recycling; and in the ocean, where the bulk of plastic waste ends up. At the side event, experts will present graphical representations of the initiative’s progress, as well as its prospects.
This event will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, from 11.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. at ESPACE M0E, M Building, ground floor.
Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative (NHSI)
The NHSI aims to advance the harmonization and standardization of small modular reactor design, construction, regulatory and industrial approaches. More than a year after the establishment of NHSI, experts will provide information on the goals and progress made by the regulatory and industry tracks and discuss the way forward.
This event will be held on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, from 2.00 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. in Conference Room CR4, C Building, seventh floor.
