International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes - Side Events

Monday, 26 May 2025

12:45 – 14:00? |? Private Philanthropy: A Critical and Overlooked Stakeholder

The event will be held in room M2

Private philanthropy is a critical, and often overlooked, stakeholder in the future of nuclear power programmes around the world. As global interest in nuclear energy grows—driven by the dual imperatives of energy security and climate mitigation—philanthropic support for civil society, academic institutions, think tanks, and thought leaders has never been more important. While most climate philanthropy remains stubbornly absent from nuclear funding, there are some notable exceptions of data-driven funders who recognize the importance of bringing private resources to bear on the future of nuclear power as a climate solution.?

This side event will explore the role of private philanthropy as a key stakeholder on nuclear issues, and discuss a few critical initiatives that are designed to grow philanthropy and scale nuclear power at the same time. Key takeaways include growing awareness among climate funders about the importance of nuclear energy in a decarbonized energy mix, strategies for countering misinformation about nuclear technologies, identifying areas for catalytic philanthropic support, and bringing new funders into the fold.?

The event is organized by the?Oppenheimer Project.

Tuesday, 27 May 2025

12:45 – 14:00 ?|? Gendered Perceptions on Nuclear Energy: Understanding the Divide??

The event will be held in room M2.?Packed lunches will be available.

This event will explore the intriguing topic of why women in many countries tend to be more opposed to nuclear energy than men. Panellists will discuss the historical, social, and other factors that shape these different attitudes towards nuclear energy as well as explore strategies to address and mitigate the gap in gendered perceptions.

The event is organized by Women in Nuclear – IAEA Chapter.?

12:45 – 14:00 ?|? Strengthening Stakeholder Engagement and Support for Nuclear Energy: The Role of Research Reactors

The event will be held in room M5

While a research reactor is not a prerequisite for nuclear power, the infrastructure developed to support the construction, regulation, operation, maintenance and eventual decommissioning of a research reactor can help a country to introduce nuclear power. The infrastructure necessary for a research reactor is similar to that required for a nuclear power programme although often differs in scale. In addition, certain research reactor capabilities directly or indirectly support the development and implementation of nuclear power.?

This side event will showcase experiences from Member States where research reactors have served—or are expected to serve—as foundational tools not only for scientific and technological progress but also for enabling future developments in nuclear energy with fucus on relevant stakeholder involvement and support. By highlighting successful national approaches, the event will explore how these facilities have helped countries develop capacity, drive innovation, foster public awareness and acceptance, and lay the groundwork for nuclear power programmes.??

The event is co-organized by the IAEA Department of Nuclear Energy?and the IAEA Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications.

12:45 – 14:00 ?|? Stakeholder Engagement and the Nuclear Fuel Cycle: Considerations for Spent Fuel Management

The event will be held in room M7

As the world looks to expand nuclear energy for security and decarbonization goals, decisions about how to manage spent fuel will play a critical role in shaping the future of this technology and how it is perceived by community stakeholders. The primary options for spent fuel are direct disposal and reprocessing. This event will explore key considerations for these fuel cycle choices and assess the implications of each method for stakeholder buy-in, policy implementation, and long-term fuel cycle strategy. By examining past cases and future scenarios, the discussion will identify key fuel cycle considerations that must be managed strategically to build supportive stakeholder engagement in nuclear energy projects.?

The event is organized by the Nuclear Scaling Initiative through partnership of Nuclear Threat Initiative, Clean Air Task Force, and Energy Futures Initiative Foundation.

12:45 – 13:15? |? Discover the IAEA Lise Meitner Library: Your Gateway to Nuclear Knowledge

The event will be held in the IAEA Lise Meitner Library: F-Building (F0146). Meeting point: M-Building Registration Desk at 12:45. Please register here?by Monday, 26 May.

Join a guided tour of the IAEA Lise Meitner Library to explore its rich collection of resources and to learn more about personalized research support and information services available to Member States and IAEA staff. For over 65 years the IAEA Lise Meitner Library has provided a specialized collection of nuclear information to IAEA staff and Member States. The library also serves government agencies, nuclear research institutes and laboratories, affiliated researchers, and nuclear information centres and libraries across the world.

This event is organized by the IAEA Department of Nuclear Energy.

Wednesday, 28 May 2025

12:45 – 14:00? |? What are the Opportunities and Challenges of Hosting a Nuclear Facility???

The event will be held in room M5.?Packed lunches will be available.

Join a discussion on the potential benefits and challenges that communities encounter when hosting a new nuclear facility. While economic opportunities such as construction jobs and well-paid operations positions at the sites are often highlighted, there are also broader considerations. Communities also face challenges such as public trust concerns, long term waste management, environmental impacts and the need for emergency preparedness. Once operational, these facilities provide a stable power supply, which can attract energy-intensive industries like data centers and manufacturing. Some communities are exploring how these developments align with their long-term economic and social priorities, while also considering the challenges. The speakers will discuss different approaches, experiences, and perspectives from communities involved in the planning of new nuclear facilities.? The panelists will also discuss the new wave of new nuclear energy development and how current and future host communities will play a role in the projects.

The event is organized by the?Global Partnership of Nuclear Communities, Group of European Communities with Nuclear Facilities, Energy Communities Alliance and Canadian Association Nuclear Host Communities.

12:45 – 13:45? |? Sustainable Nuclear Security and National Stakeholders: The Key Role of the IAEA’s Integrated Nuclear Security Sustainability Plan (INSSP) Mechanism

The event will be held in room M2

This side event will focus on the national stakeholders’ role in fostering sustainable nuclear security regimes in countries with existing or planned nuclear power programmes, leveraging the Integrated Nuclear Security Sustainability Plan (INSSP) mechanism. The event will feature a panel discussion with representatives from Member States, highlighting how the INSSP involves and supports national stakeholders in fulfilling their nuclear security responsibilities.?

The event is organized by the IAEA Department of Nuclear Safety and Security.

Thursday, 29 May 2025

12:45 – 13:45? |? Nuclear Pop! Redefining Nuclear Energy in Art and Culture

The event will be held in the VIC Rotunda

“Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it."- Bertolt Brecht

As the climate crisis intensifies, a bold new genre is taking shape — nuclear art. No longer confined to Cold War-era symbolism or dystopian imagery, nuclear art is being reimagined by a new wave of artists, designers and communicators who see atomic energy not as catastrophe, but as catalyst. The way the Pop Art movement in the 60s revolutionized the way society viewed mass culture and consumerism, Nuclear Pop! asks you to reclaim nuclear energy’s cultural narrative — from fear and fallout to innovation and sustainability.

Featuring exclusive artworks made for the IAEA International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes.

The event is co-organized by Generation Atomic and the IAEA.

12:45 – 13:45? |? Bridging Perspectives: Non-Nuclear Insights on Enhancing Stakeholder Engagement in the Nuclear Sector

The event will be held in room M5

This session will bring together non-nuclear experts from fields such as environmental science, communications, and social policy to assess the nuclear industry’s approach to stakeholder engagement. Through a collaborative discussion, we will explore the strengths and weaknesses of current engagement practices, share lessons learned from other sectors, and identify best practices that can enhance the transparency, trust, and collaboration between the nuclear industry and external stakeholders. The goal is to offer fresh perspectives and actionable recommendations to improve stakeholder relations and ensure a more inclusive, effective approach to nuclear industry engagement.?

The event is organized by the International Youth Nuclear Congress (IYNC).

12:45 – 13:15? |? Discover the IAEA Lise Meitner Library: Your Gateway to Nuclear Knowledge

The event will be held in the IAEA Lise Meitner Library: F-Building (F0146). Meeting point: M-Building Registration Desk at 12:45. Please register here?by Monday, 26 May.

Join a guided tour of the IAEA Lise Meitner Library to explore its rich collection of resources and to learn more about personalized research support and information services available to Member States and IAEA staff. For over 65 years the IAEA Lise Meitner Library has provided a specialized collection of nuclear information to IAEA staff and Member States. The library also serves government agencies, nuclear research institutes and laboratories, affiliated researchers, and nuclear information centres and libraries across the world.

This event is organized by the IAEA Department of Nuclear Energy.