In light of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's significant advancements in the application of nuclear and radiological technologies across medical, industrial, and other developmental sectors, and its ambition to maximize the utilization of nuclear energy for electricity generation while commercially exploiting its natural resources, including uranium, the IAEA, in collaboration with the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC) of Saudi Arabia, will convene the Meetings of the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management in Riyadh from December 8 to 12, 2024.

Saudi Arabia demonstrates its unwavering commitment to its nuclear and radiological regulatory responsibilities on the global stage by adhering to the requirements of key international instruments, including treaties, conventions, and resolutions. The Kingdom actively engages in all major international agreements that advance the peaceful use of nuclear energy and establish robust standards for nuclear safety and security. Notably, the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management serves as the cornerstone of these efforts. This legally binding international instrument obligates member states to develop and implement comprehensive, integrated strategies for the safe management and eventual disposal of radioactive waste, ensuring the protection of human health and the environment. As the only global instrument addressing the safety of spent fuel and radioactive waste management from generation to disposal, the Joint Convention exclusively governs the civilian applications of nuclear energy, reinforcing a shared commitment to sustainable and secure nuclear practices.

As the national authority responsible for ensuring compliance with Saudi Arabia's obligations under relevant international treaties and conventions, the NRRC oversees the regulation of nuclear and radiological facilities and practices. It also manages radioactive waste resulting from the peaceful applications of nuclear and radiological technologies in the Kingdom. In this context, the NRRC received a request from the Joint Convention Secretariat at the IAEA, proposing that Saudi Arabia host a meeting for non-party states in Asia to promote awareness of and encourage accession to the Convention. Recognizing the critical importance of the Convention, the Kingdom welcomed the opportunity to host this meeting from December 8 to 12, 2024.

As the national authority tasked with ensuring compliance with Saudi Arabia's obligations under relevant international treaties and conventions, the NRRC oversees nuclear and radiological facilities and practices while managing radioactive waste resulting from the peaceful use of nuclear and radiological technologies. In response to a request from the Joint Convention Secretariat at the IAEA, the NRRC welcomed the opportunity to host this meeting from December 8 to 12, 2024 which aims at engaging non-party states in Asia. This meeting seeks to raise awareness and encourage accession to the Convention, further advancing its global reach and impact.

Representatives from regional IAEA member states will convene to discuss the Convention's obligations, benefits, and challenges, with the program also highlighting Saudi Arabia's national policy, strategy, and regulatory framework for radioactive waste management. The Kingdom will contribute to the event by organizing specialized lectures on the preparation of national reports and readiness for participation in upcoming review meetings of the Convention. A simulation of a review meeting, conducted in collaboration with IAEA experts, will provide attendees with practical insights and procedural understanding. As a contracting party, Saudi Arabia is committed to preparing its national report, reviewing the reports of other member states, and engaging in constructive dialogue through questions, comments, and responses.

This collaborative effort reflects the NRRC's strategic objective of fostering international partnerships with specialized organizations and underscores its commitment to fulfilling the Kingdom's obligations under international agreements. The event also represents a valuable opportunity to exchange expertise and enhance national capabilities in radioactive waste management, reinforcing the Kingdom's role as a global leader in this critical area.

In pursuit of global excellence in nuclear governance, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the highest standards of nuclear safety and security, guided by a vision of fostering sustainable and strategic international partnerships to ensure the peaceful and secure use of nuclear technologies.​