The fourth International Conference on Nuclear Security (ICONS 2024), entitled “Shaping the Future”, is taking place this week at the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA) in Vienna.
In light of the ever central relevance and of the constant evolution of security threats in the nuclear sector, ICONS has proved to be, since 2013, a periodic event of great importance for the international community, focussing on the risks connected with the physical and cyber security of facilities and of nuclear and radioactive materials. The responsibility for nuclear security within a State rests entirely with that State. The IAEA’s mandate includes, however, providing assistance to Member States upon request in establishing and improving their national nuclear security regimes, developing revelevant guidelines, offering training and technical advisory services.
ICONS 2024 follows the success of the 2020 Conference, with the participation of governmental representatives and experts from ca. 140 countries, as well as of several inter- and non-governmental organizations. The event has been opened by a ministerial segment (20-21 May), providing a forum for high-level political discussions, with statements by the Director General and the national heads of delegation of the IAEA’s Member States. A joint statement on the negotiations that have taken place over the past months on nuclear security priorities was also presented by the two Conference Co-Chairs.
The Conference continues with a scientific and technical segment, that, with regulatory authority officials, technical experts and representatives of industry and academia participating in a rich programme of over 100 technical sessions and side events, provides an important opportunity of dialogue on the future of nuclear security worldwide.
As expressed in her statement in the plenary session by the Head of the Italian delegation, Ambassador Lepre, in light of growing challenges to nuclear stability and non-proliferation, it is essential to strengthen international cooperation, through the sharing of information and best practices, related to national legislation, emerging technologies and capacity building initiatives in this area. Security – has underlined Ambassador Lepre – is one of the priorities of Italy’s G7 Presidency, and in this framework our Country is committed to promoting, alongside our partners, a full implementation by all States of the highest standards of nuclear security, in line with international legal instruments and the IAEA’s guidelines.
Italy actively takes part in the ministerial and technical segments of the Conference, both with the presentation of high-level scientific works, and the organization of an event by the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) on nuclear security and physical protection of radioactive materials in medical facilities.
