International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes - Programme - Day 5

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).

09:00 – 09:15 | Keynote speaker: Ms Pilar Lucio, Commissioner, Spanish Nuclear Safety Council, Spain

09:15 – 10:15 | Panel discussion:

Moderator: Mr Stefan Mayer, IAEA

Mr Csaba Dohóczki, Paks II, Ltd., Hungary

Ms Lucrecia Gringauz, National Atomic Energy Commission, Argentina

Ms Joanne Jacyk, Nuclear Waste Management Organization, Canada

Mr Fabian Sjöberg, Mayor of Östhammar, Sweden

Ms Ann Verhey-Henke, University of Michigan, United States of America

10:15 – 10:30 | Q & A

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.

11:00 – 11:15 | Keynote speaker: Mr William Timothy Coombs, Eastern Illinois University, United States of America

11:15 – 12:15 | Panel discussion:

Moderator: Ms Nayana Jayarajan, IAEA

Ms Yeonhee Hah, Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety, Republic of Korea

Ms Holly Hardin, US Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration, United States of America

Mr Leslie Mabon, The Open University, United Kingdom

Mr Bilal Mushtaq, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, Pakistan

Ms Mariko Nishizawa, Associated Member of the Science Council of Japan and Member of governmental advisory committees at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan

Mr Saiyadi Sulaiman, Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Nigeria

12:15 – 12:30 | Q & A

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.

14:00 – 14:15 | Keynote speaker: Mr Stefano Monti, President of the European Nuclear Society, Italy

14:15 – 15:15 | Panel discussion:

Moderator: Ms Lisa Lande, IAEA

Mr Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Transition, Nigeria

Ms Olivia Blackmon, Social Science Research Council, George Mason University, United States of America

Ms Camelia Halib Walid, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, Indonesia

Ms Lynne Matthews, EDF Energy, United Kingdom

Mr Emmanuel Wandera, Ministry of Energy, Kenya

15:15 – 15:30 | Q & A

15:30 - 16:30 | Closing session