More than 270 legal and technical experts from 128 countries and four international organizations have convened this week in Vienna, Austria, to review progress achieved in the safety and security of radioactive sources and address areas in need of improvement.
Radioactive sources play an indispensable role in many domains. In medicine, they help treat cancer. In agriculture, they allow scientists to develop improved crop varieties to adapt to climate change and address food security. In art and archaeology, they help to preserve priceless cultural heritage. But these sources must be handled with proper safety and security measures.
To help countries tackle risks and protect people and the environment from accidental radiation exposure or intentional unauthorized acts involving radioactive sources, the IAEA developed the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources, which was approved in 2003 by the IAEA Board of Governors and is marking its 20th anniversary this year.
"Twenty years have passed since the approval of the Code of Conduct, and we are making steady progress in improving the safety and security of radioactive sources around the world," said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi at the opening session of the Open-Ended Meeting of Technical and Legal Experts for Sharing Information on States' Implementation of the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources. "But further work must be done to achieve even greater political commitment and to share global best practices for the sustainable, safe and secure management of these sources."
Spanning five days, the meeting serves as a platform for global experts to exchange information on national implementation practices of the Code of Conduct and its two supplementary Guidance documents. These types of meetings take place every three years, enabling countries to share experiences, exchange lessons learned and identify existing and future challenges in the implementation of the Code.
Throughout the week, the participants will delve into diverse topics, including the evolution of nuclear safety and security, legal aspects, international cooperation, future development and the impact of the Code of Conduct. Discussions will address challenges and priorities related to the establishment of the appropriate regulatory framework for the safety and security of radioactive sources, their lifecycle management, their import and export regulations and how these sources should be managed when they are declared as disused. Crucially, the meeting will offer participants the opportunity to share their respective approaches to effectively implementing the provisions of the Code of Conduct.
Twenty years have passed since the approval of the Code of Conduct, and we are making steady progress in improving the safety and security of radioactive sources around the world
Essential guidance for a safe and secure future
Speaking at the opening event, Co-Chair of the meeting, Ramzi Jammal, Executive Vice-President and Chief Regulatory Operations Officer at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, emphasized that the implementation of the Code of Conduct is essential in ensuring the protection of the environment, public and workers. "Our ultimate goal is to ensure the overall safety and security of radioactive sources during their complete lifecycle to avert accidental radiation exposure and prevent radioactive sources from being used with malicious intent. This is a collaborative, ongoing effort."
In introducing a special session on the history of the Code, Theresa Clark, a Deputy Division Director at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, also addressed attendees as Co-Chair: "In reflecting on, and in celebration of, these twenty years, we wanted to achieve a common understanding of the background of the Code from the legal and technical perspective, so we can share experiences, best practices and learn from each other to improve the implementation of the Code globally."
The Code of Conduct details how countries can ensure the safety and security of radioactive sources from their initial production to final disposal. It contains international considerations and offers recommendations on the development, harmonization and implementation of national policies, laws and regulations, as well as on cooperation between countries. Although it is a legally non-binding instrument, 146 states have expressed their political support for implementing the Code's provisions since its approval by the Board of Governors in 2003.
The Code of Conduct is supplemented by two Guidance documents. The Guidance on the Import and Export of Radioactive Sources addresses roles and responsibilities in ensuring safe and secure import and export. The Guidance on the Management of Disused Radioactive Sources provides guidance for the management of disused sources, delineating end-of-life management options such as recycling and reuse, long-term storage and disposal as well as return to the supplier. This Guidance also encourages the establishment of a national policy and strategy for the management of disused sources.
"The Code of Conduct and its Guidance documents bring tangible benefits to national and international radiation safety and nuclear security, enabling to take full advantage of radioactive sources for a sustainable future," concluded co-chair Aayda Ahmed Al Shehhi, Director of Radiation Safety at the UAE Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation.
The IAEA works and cooperates closely with countries to ensure the harmonized, safe and secure management of radioactive sources. It supports them in implementing the principles of the Code and provides extensive assistance in developing strategies and action plans for implementing the Code; improving licensing, inspection, enforcement and management systems; and strengthening the capacity of national regulatory bodies in line with IAEA safety standards, nuclear security guidance and international best practices.
Strengthening diversity and inclusion in the nuclear field
The side event 'Role of gender equity and Inclusion and the Code of Conduct on Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources: 20 years of progress'. (Photo: W. Wawrzuta/IAEA)
In the margins of the meeting, a side event titled 'Role of gender equity and Inclusion and the Code of Conduct on Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources: 20 years of progress', was hosted by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). It brought together 120 participants to discuss ways of promoting and strengthening women's participation in the nuclear field - including in nuclear safety and security - and providing equal opportunities to all individuals, regardless of gender.
"Having diverse representation at the table contributes to strengthening the questioning attitude, which increases the safety culture and trust in the organization. It is not strictly about gender equity, but it is a societal issue to be addressed," said Rumina Velshi, President and CEO of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, adding that the growing demand from human resources makes it vital to have opportunities for women in the nuclear field.
"Nuclear safety and security rely on a questioning and learning attitude, openness for constructive feedback and the capacity to combine different views and mobilize different expertise. Diversity including gender diversity is a true asset in this regard. We are stronger and more efficient when we embrace diversity and encourage our staff to voice their opinion," said Lydie Evrard, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, during the event.
Margaret Doane, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Management, said that "enhancing the participation of women and people from diverse backgrounds in nuclear-related sectors is vital to any organization." She highlighted the IAEA's initiatives on improving gender equality, including Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme and Lise Meitner Programme, aimed at bringing more women into the nuclear field.
Christer Viktorsson, Director General of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) of the United Arab Emirates, gave his perspective on the topic: "FANR has focused activities to promote gender equality. Leadership commitment and support are vital, including surveys on how we can improve inclusiveness and fair treatment of all staff. It is equally important to have appropriate framework and effective implementation that are inclusive."
