Interested individuals have until 11 May 2026 to apply for the next edition of the Nuclear Stakeholder Engagement School. The five-day training programme is designed to equip participants with the skills, tools, and knowledge needed to engage stakeholders effectively at an early stage of project implementation.
Organized by the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) and the IAEA, the school will take place from 23 to 27 November 2026 in Trieste, Italy.
The school is aimed at professionals involved in stakeholder engagement activities in government institutions, regulatory bodies, technical support organizations, operating organizations and other organizations across the nuclear industry.
Through lectures, interactive sessions and group projects, participants will learn about decision making, stakeholder engagement tools and the roles and responsibilities of key organizations involved in stakeholder engagement for nuclear power programmes. Other topics include the design and implementation of stakeholder engagement programmes, crisis and emergency communication strategies and ways to counter disinformation.
The IAEA Milestones Approach , a comprehensive, phased method for developing nuclear power programmes, identifies stakeholder engagement as one of the 19 key infrastructure issues necessary for programme success. Transparent, inclusive and continuous engagement with all relevant stakeholders supports informed decision making, public confidence and long-term project sustainability.
Building Capacity for Sustained Success
Since the first school was held in 2024, 82 participants from 45 countries have strengthened their stakeholder engagement skills with IAEA support.
The school is part of the IAEA's broader efforts to support countries in building strong and sustainable stakeholder engagement capacities. The IAEA offers guidance on how to effectively engage with a broad range of stakeholders. It also organizes national and regional workshops, incorporates the topic into its review missions and publishes resources to support countries in strengthening, and sustaining their stakeholder engagement strategies.
In May 2025, the IAEA held the first ever International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes , bringing together nearly 900 participants from around the world. The conference featured a special session with around 70 community representatives and local leaders sharing their perspectives and experience with hosting nuclear facilities.
