The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is set to launch a new series of online seminars focused on nuclear law, marking its third installment in a growing initiative to provide legislative support to countries new to nuclear energy. This educational series, commencing on April 24, 2025, aims to address crucial topics and recent advancements under the IAEA’s Legislative Assistance Programme. The goal is to aid policymakers, decision-makers, and other stakeholders globally in crafting solid national legal frameworks for nuclear energy.
Reflecting on the success of the previous 2021-2022 Webinar Series on Nuclear Law, this new initiative is designed to enhance understanding and awareness of nuclear law. Peri Lynne Johnson, the Assistant Director General and Legal Advisor at the Office of Legal Affairs, emphasized the importance of nuclear law as a foundational element that ensures the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear science and technology. Johnson highlighted that the upcoming webinars would provide participants with valuable insights into the significance of nuclear law, especially in the face of contemporary challenges and opportunities.
The earlier series, conducted between October 2021 and August 2022, attracted around 1,000 government officials from nearly 100 countries. These participants, who came from diverse policy, legal, regulatory, and technical backgrounds, engaged in eight sessions. The topics covered included updates in nuclear law, the establishment of a regulatory framework through national nuclear law, issues surrounding decommissioning and the management of radioactive waste and spent fuel, the handling of radioactive sources, liability for nuclear damage, and updates in the 2005 Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material. Additional discussions focused on small modular reactors (SMRs), the legal framework for managing transboundary nuclear risk, and promoting openness and transparency in both international and national nuclear law.
The upcoming series will consist of five webinars, each addressing a specific topic:
Interface Between Safety and Security in Nuclear Law
This session will explore the delicate balance between ensuring safety and security within nuclear law. Participants will learn how legal frameworks can integrate both aspects to protect people and the environment while maintaining the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
Pursuit of the Global Nuclear Liability Regime
This webinar will delve into the global efforts to establish a comprehensive nuclear liability regime. It will cover the mechanisms designed to provide compensation and accountability in the event of nuclear incidents, ensuring that affected parties receive adequate protection and redress.
The IAEA’s Tailored Approach to Nuclear Law
Focusing on the IAEA’s unique approach to assisting countries in developing their nuclear legal frameworks, this session will highlight how the agency customizes its support to meet the specific needs of different nations, helping them navigate the complex landscape of nuclear law effectively.
Legal Framework of SMRs and Civil Marine-Based Nuclear Applications
With the increasing interest in small modular reactors and marine-based nuclear applications, this webinar will examine the legal considerations and frameworks necessary to regulate these emerging technologies. Participants will gain insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating these innovations into national nuclear programs.
Experiences of the IAEA’s University Partnership Programme on Nuclear Law
This session will showcase the experiences of the IAEA’s University Partnership Programme, which collaborates with academic institutions to promote education and research in nuclear law. Attendees will learn about the program’s impact and how it contributes to building expertise and capacity in this field.
These peer-led sessions will offer a comprehensive overview of each topic, followed by an interactive Q&A segment. This format is designed to foster engagement with participants and allow experts to share their experiences and insights, enriching the learning experience.
The series is part of the IAEA Legislative Assistance Programme, which aims to increase awareness of the importance of joining relevant international legal instruments and developing comprehensive national nuclear legislation. The Programme also extends bilateral legislative drafting assistance to Member States, along with workshops and advanced training on nuclear law.
Participation in the webinar series is limited to government officials and stakeholders with an interest in law and policy. It is particularly beneficial for Member States with limited or no involvement in international legal instruments under the IAEA’s auspices and those in the process of revising their national nuclear legal frameworks.
For those interested in more details on the new series, further information is available on the IAEA website.
In conclusion, the IAEA’s new webinar series represents a significant step forward in addressing the evolving needs of countries developing nuclear energy programs. By providing targeted educational resources and fostering international collaboration, the series not only strengthens national legal frameworks but also promotes the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technology worldwide. As the demand for nuclear energy continues to grow, such initiatives play a crucial role in ensuring that all countries can benefit from the advancements in nuclear science and technology while adhering to the highest standards of safety and security.
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