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Terms of Reference for the Technical Working Group on Radioactive Waste Management and Technologies (TWG-WATEC)

Background

The Technical Working Group on Radioactive Waste Management and Technologies (WATEC) is a group of experts which provides advice to the IAEA and which supports programme implementation, reflecting a global network of excellence and expertise in the field of radioactive waste management.

Scope

The following areas are within the Scope of the TWG-WATEC:

  • Policy and strategies on radioactive waste management;
  • Safe disposition of radioactive waste and spent fuel;
  • Technologies and processes for sustainable management of radioactive waste, fulfilling safety, security, and safeguards (3S) requirements;
  • Waste Inventories;
  • Stakeholder involvement in radioactive waste management programmes;
  • Information sharing tools and professional networks on radioactive waste subjects;
  • Cradle to grave management of Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources;
  • International collaboration in radioactive waste management programme;
  • Management of radioactive waste generated from Small Medium Reactor (SMR) and advanced reactor design.

Functions

The functions of the TWG are the following:

  1. To provide advice to DDG-NE on specific topics of relevance to the IAEA’s programmatic activities;
  2. To share information and knowledge on national and international programmes;
  3. To contribute to the development and/or review of selected IAEA publications, in particular from the IAEA Nuclear Energy Series, assess existing gaps and advise on the preparation of new publications or e-learning materials;
  4. Upon request, to present to the Standing Advisory Group on Nuclear Energy (SAGNE) the key findings of the TWG meeting; and
  5. To share experience and advice on increasing the participation of young professionals and improving the gender balance in the nuclear sector.

Membership and Responsibilities

  1. Members of the TWG shall be subject matter experts who work in the areas within the Scope of the TWG and possess strong links with national and international technical and professional networks in their area of expertise.
  2. DDG-NE appoints Members in their individual capacity following their endorsement by their respective Member State(s). Members shall be appointed taking into account geographical distribution and gender balance. In addition, to the extent feasible, a fair distribution of Members shall be sought from among countries at different stages of development and utilization of nuclear technologies. When justified, up to two TWG Members from the same country may be appointed.
  3. International Organizations1/ (“IOs”) may be invited by DDG-NE to designate experts to participate in the TWG as Observers. Observers shall participate in their capacity as official representatives of their respective Organizations.
  4. The duration of a TWG (“term”) is four (4) years, which may be renewed multiple times, without limitation. Members/Observers are appointed for the term (or any remaining portion thereof) and may serve for a maximum of two consecutive terms.
  5. Members may propose one (1) Technical Advisor from his/her Member State to assist and advise him/her for a specific TWG meeting. The participation of Technical Advisors is approved by DDG-NE, who shall invite Technical Advisors to attend the specific TWG meeting, subject to the endorsement of the respective Member State.
  6. Members of the TWG shall partake in the discussions and deliberations of the TWG and shall actively contribute in the formulation of recommendations, in line with the TWG’s advisory functions. Observers and Technical Advisors may partake in the discussions of the TWG and provide their subject matter expertise; however, they shall not partake in the formulation of recommendations or in the decision-making process of the TWG.
  7. The total number of Members of a TWG shall not exceed 20 (i.e. excluding Observers and Technical Advisors).

Term Duration

4 years, 2023-2026

__________

1/ The term “International Organizations” includes Intergovernmental Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), UN specialized agencies, regional organizations, etc.

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