25 Years of Joint Convention: Key Global Nuclear Milestone

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management. This important international agreement has helped shape how countries protect people and the environment from the potential hazards of radioactive waste and spent fuel.

When it entered into force in 2001, the Joint Convention became the first legally binding global instrument to address these issues comprehensively. Today, its impact is visible in stronger national frameworks, deeper international cooperation, and a shared commitment to transparency.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, in a video address, highlighted that the Convention has established a culture of transparency, peer learning and shared responsibility.

The Joint Convention was created to address a universal challenge: every country that uses nuclear technologies must manage radioactive waste safely and responsibly over the long term. The Convention provides a structure for doing so - one built on peer review, mutual learning, and continuous improvement.

"The Joint Convention is a living framework - one that evolves through its peer review process. This process is the heart of the Joint Convention", said Karine Herviou, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, adding that "it is where experts engage in open, frank, and transparent dialogue. It is where challenges are examined, solutions are proposed, and good practices are identified."

At each Review Meeting, Contracting Parties present national reports, engage in open discussions, and examine one another's progress. This process is central to the Convention's effectiveness. It drives the sharing of lessons learned, promotes good practices and brings critical gaps to the forefront. Over time, it has helped build a culture of openness, accountability, and trust, with tangible benefits for participating countries.

Participation has steadily increased, with 93 Contracting Parties now part of the Convention. This reflects a shared understanding that safe management of radioactive waste and spent fuel is a global responsibility and that cooperation strengthens safety worldwide.

The nuclear landscape has changed significantly since 2001. Many countries are expanding or considering nuclear power to meet climate and energy goals. Advanced reactors, innovative fuel cycles, and new applications of radiation technologies are emerging.

These developments bring opportunities but also new types of waste and safety considerations.

The Joint Convention has adapted by emphasizing preparedness, long‑term planning, and robust regulatory frameworks. It has also supported countries with small or emerging nuclear programmes, helping them build the foundations needed for safe radioactive waste and spent fuel management from the outset.

This focus on inclusivity and capacity building remains essential as more countries explore nuclear technologies.

Several themes have guided the Convention's evolution:

• Transparency and public confidence: open reporting and peer review help countries demonstrate their commitment to safety.
• Regional and global cooperation: many waste management challenges such as transport, storage, and disposal, have transboundary aspects. The Convention provides a forum for addressing them collectively.
• Preparedness and adaptability: safety approaches must evolve alongside new technologies. The Convention supports countries in planning for future waste streams and long‑term disposal solutions.
• Universalization: expanding participation strengthens global safety.

The next 25 years will bring new challenges and opportunities. Nuclear energy is expected to play a growing role in low-carbon transitions, and many countries are exploring advanced reactor designs.

Ensuring the safe management of radioactive waste and spent fuel will require continued cooperation, innovation, and vigilance.

The Joint Convention is well positioned to guide this work. Future priorities include enhancing the peer review process, strengthening knowledge management and supporting countries at all stages of nuclear development.

Its history shows that multilateralism, cooperation and shared responsibility are key to maintaining high levels of safety worldwide.

For 25 years, the Joint Convention has helped countries address complex technical challenges through cooperation, transparency, and continuous learning. Its role remains important as countries continue to use nuclear technologies to support sustainable development.