The International Conference on Preparedness and Response to Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies (Closing Ceremony)

The International Conference on Preparedness and Response to Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies, organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in cooperation with the Saudi Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC), concluded its work in Riyadh from December 1-4. In his address, Dr. Khalid Al-Essa, CEO of NRRC and Chairman of the Conference, reviewed the key outcomes of this global event. He emphasized that emergency preparedness is an ongoing effort based on scientific knowledge and international cooperation, extending beyond written plans to building sustainable readiness. He stressed the importance of investing in human capital, particularly empowering women and youth in the nuclear sector and enhancing their leadership role. He explained that radiological emergencies, by their very nature, are multi-risk events requiring integrated planning and flexible, evidence-based decision-making. He also pointed to the necessity of developing national capabilities and enhancing international coordination to keep pace with modern nuclear technologies, including data sharing and the application of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in emergency management. The conference's vice-chair, Abel Gonzalez, expressed his gratitude to the Kingdom for hosting this global event, praising the conference and stating that he had never witnessed such a fruitful, successful, and globally representative gathering, nor such excellent organization and warm reception in any of the conferences he had attended throughout his long career. He described it as truly remarkable and exceptional, adding that the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia should be extremely grateful for this. The renowned international expert, Gonzalez, indicated that the conference's outcomes should be submitted to the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and that its success should be built upon in the future, welcoming the development of a plan of action based on its results. In her address, the conference's scientific secretary, Monica Dobbertin from the IAEA's Incident and Emergency Centre, emphasized the maturity and diversity of the scientific contributions presented at the conference and announced that its outcomes would be made available soon. She also stated that a full report would be published in 2026. For the first time, the conference included an infographic competition with over 350 entries from around the world. Ms. Monica Dobbertin noted that this conference achieved a record number of participants compared to previous IAEA conferences, a feat that will be difficult to surpass. This sets a challenge for all subsequent conferences. The conference concluded its work after serving as a global platform for dialogue and the exchange of expertise, contributing to the strengthening of international cooperation and raising standards of safety and response to nuclear and radiological emergencies worldwide. This aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which supports the development of a modern, peaceful nuclear sector, enhances national capabilities in scientific research and advanced technologies, raises the level of preparedness for the protection of human health and the environment, and achieves sustainable development for society and the economy.