International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes - Programme

Preliminary Programme

Monday, 26 May 2025

10:00 – 12:30 | Opening session

[10:00 – 11:00] Dialogue between IAEA Director General Mr Rafael Mariano Grossi and Mr Robert Stone, Director of the documentary film Pandora's Promise, moderated by nuclear energy influencer Ms Isabelle Boemeke.

[11:00 – 12:30] Opening panel

12:30 – 14:00 | Break/side events

14:00 – 15:30 | From Past into the Future: What Has Changed and What Have We Really Learned?
Over the decades, effective stakeholder engagement has proven essential for building trust, ensuring transparency, and fostering public confidence. This panel brings together experts from diverse sectors to share lessons learned in engaging communities, regulators, industry, and media. Discussions will highlight what has worked, what hasn’t, and how practices have evolved to address changing societal expectations. From navigating public concerns during plant operations to introducing innovative technologies, panellists will showcase real-world successes and challenges. Key takeaways include strategies for clear communication, managing misinformation, and fostering inclusive dialogue to support nuclear energy’s role in a sustainable, safe and secure future.

15:30 – 16:00 | Break

16:00 – 17:30 | From Vision to Action: Navigating the Nuclear Newcomer Journey
This panel will explore the journey of “nuclear newcomers,” countries that are either considering or already embarking on nuclear power programmes to meet energy needs and sustainability goals. With around 30 newcomers worldwide, and advanced projects underway in Bangladesh, Egypt, and Türkiye, this panel will discuss the challenges and opportunities and lessons learnt in engaging stakeholders for the development of a sustainable, safe and secure national nuclear infrastructure for new nuclear power programmes. 

18:00 – 20:00 | Reception

Tuesday, 27 May 2025

09:00 – 10:30 | Nuclear Energy for Real-World Needs: An End-User Dialogue 
The panel on End-Users of Nuclear Energy will explore the growing role of industrial sectors and high-tech companies in adopting nuclear energy and advanced nuclear technologies for their energy needs. As industries seek cleaner and more reliable energy sources, nuclear power offers a sustainable solution for energy-intensive sectors. The session will focus on how these sectors can leverage nuclear energy to meet decarbonization goals, support innovation, and drive economic growth. It will also discuss the potential for advanced nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors for powering future industrial and technological advancements.

10:30 – 11:00 | Break

11:00 – 12:30 | Voices That Matter: How Public Hearings Can Shape Nuclear Decision Making 
Public hearings are a cornerstone of transparent decision-making and trust in nuclear energy projects. This panel will delve into what it takes to organize and conduct a sound public hearing that addresses the concerns of the public, including those living the vicinity of the future nuclear installation, community leaders, civic groups and other interested parties. Panellists will share insights into fostering inclusive participation, ensuring clear and accessible communication, and managing complex or contentious discussions. The discussion will highlight good practices, challenges, and examples of successful public hearings that have built public confidence and informed decision-making.

12:30 – 14:00 | Break/side events

14:00 – 18:00 | Nuclear Communities and Mayors in Focus 

Wednesday, 28 May 2025

09:00 – 10:30 | Facts to Trust: Engaging Information Makers and Shapers
This panel will explore communicating through traditional media, social platforms, and emerging influencer networks. Experts from the nuclear industry, media and influencers will discuss strategies for crafting compelling narratives and building trust. Topics include leveraging new media to reach broader audiences, collaborating with influencers to amplify accurate information, and adapting communication styles for diverse platforms. Attendees will gain insights into effective media management, successful campaigns, and navigating the fast-changing communication landscape.

10:30 – 11:00 | Break

11:00 – 12:30 | “All Smoke, No Fire”: Strategies to Counteract Misinformation and Disinformation 
The panel will explore the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation during nuclear emergencies, offering tools and strategies to effectively counter false narratives and to protect the integrity of communication. Experts will discuss best practices for mitigating public anxiety and fostering trust in situations with no real impact on nuclear safety or security. It will also explore how Generative AI is transforming the field of communication and what are the risks of AI with regard to disinformation and misinformation.

12:30 – 14:00 | Break/side events

14:00 – 15:30 | Digging Deeper: Stakeholder Insights from Uranium Mining 
Uranium is an exceptional source of energy but, like for all mineral exploitation activities, mining requires careful consideration of stakeholder engagement to address environmental, social, and health concerns, ensuring that all relevant parties, including local communities, government bodies, and environmental organizations, are actively involved in the decision-making process. This panel will explore the key strategies and good practices for effective stakeholder engagement in uranium exploration, mining and remediation.

15:30 – 16:00 | Break

16:00 – 17:30 | Transition to a Sustainable Future with Nuclear 
Across the globe, nations are planning or already embarked on the expansion of existing nuclear power programmes to meet energy demand and sustainability goals. Successfully scaling up these programmes requires effective energy planning and early consideration of integrating nuclear power into the electrical gird, communication on the benefits and challenges of nuclear power in the clean energy transition. This panel will bring together experts from nuclear and renewable sectors’, grid specialists, and from expanding countries to share their unique experiences in stakeholder engagement in the clean energy transition.

Thursday, 29 May 2025

09:00 – 10:30 | Atoms for Peace: Partnerships for Securing the Future 
This panel will explore the critical role of stakeholder engagement in advancing nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear security. Key topics include fostering trust, breaking misconceptions that link nuclear energy to weapons proliferation. These discussions will highlight best practices as well as share challenges, and real-world examples that demonstrate how effective engagement enhances transparency, dispels myths, and ensures alignment with international non-proliferation and nuclear security goals. This will give the opportunity to attendee to gain insight into how collaborative efforts, partnerships and communication can secure a safer future through the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

10:30 – 11:00 | Break

11:00 – 12:30 | Harnessing the Atom: The Safe and Secure Journey 
This panel will explore the evolving role of stakeholder engagement in supporting the safety and security of operating nuclear power plants, from long-term operation to emerging innovative technologies like Small Modular Reactors. Featuring perspectives from national regulators, plant operators, community representatives, and the media, the discussion will address the challenges of safety and security communication in an ever-changing landscape. Topics include building public trust, addressing safety and security concerns, and fostering meaningful dialogue across diverse audiences. Through real-world case studies and shared experiences, the panel will showcase how collaboration enhances transparency, supports regulatory compliance, and prepares for the safe and secure adoption of innovative nuclear technologies. Attendees will gain practical insights into the future of safety and security‑focused stakeholder engagement.

12:30 – 14:00 | Break/side events

14:00 – 15:30 | Flash Talks
This event will feature concise and dynamic presentations on the key themes of the conference. Each speaker will have a limited time to share their insights, ideas, and innovations, covering a wide range of topics and perspectives, and providing attendees with a broad overview of the latest developments and trends in the field.

15:30 – 16:00 | Break

16:00 – 17:30 | Finding New Value Together: Repurposing Nuclear Sites 
As all nuclear facilities reach the end of their operational life, the decommissioning involves careful planning and implementation to ensure sustainable solutions encompassing safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance. This session will highlight the critical role of engaging local communities, owners/operators, governmental agencies, regulators, and other key stakeholders in decision-making processes and implementations. The panel will discuss strategies for transparent communication, addressing public concerns, and ensuring that all parties are informed and involved throughout the decommissioning process in the view of future site use. Additionally, the session will examine the need for collaboration in managing the technical, economic, and social aspects of decommissioning, ensuring a safe, secure and responsible transition to new life of sites for the benefit of both the local communities and the broader nuclear energy sector.

Friday, 30 May 2025

09:00 – 10:30 | Closing the Circle: Stakeholder Synergy in Nuclear Waste Solutions 
What about the waste? While radioactive waste and spent fuel have been safely managed since the inception of nuclear energy, public concerns remain a challenge – even as innovative solutions reshape the conversation. Panellists will discuss the science, policy, and public perception of waste management, exploring how transparent communication can build trust. Attendees will gain insights on the value of transparency regarding radioactive waste management associated with nuclear power and will learn from experience of gaining public confidence and acceptance of radioactive waste management facilities (e.g. siting programmes).

10:30 – 11:00 | Break

11:00 – 12:30 | When Every Word Counts: Engaging Stakeholders in High-Stakes Situations
In nuclear emergencies, maintaining public trust through transparent, timely, clear and accurate information is critical. The panel will address best practices for managing communication during emergencies and nuclear security events, handling public perception, and maintaining cooperation among stakeholders. It will also address people's attitudes, judgments, and feelings toward risk, and incorporate the wider social and cultural values, as well as outlook, people adopt toward hazards.

12:30 – 14:00 | Break/side events

14:00 – 15:30 | Splitting the Atom, Uniting Talent: Developing the Nuclear Workforce 
This panel will highlight key approaches to strengthening human resource strategies and ensuring the long-term success of nuclear energy initiatives. It will explore strategies for recruiting diverse talent, fostering innovation, and providing training and career development opportunities to meet the evolving needs of nuclear power programs, including by increasing access to the sector to women and other underrepresented parts of society. The panel will discuss the importance of offering training, scholarships, and job opportunities to local communities near nuclear sites to foster inclusive development and enhance public acceptance. Experts will discuss the importance of educational partnerships, industry-academia collaboration, and the development of specialized training programmes to build a capable and future-ready workforce.

15:30 - 16:30 | Closing session