The UAE leads global efforts to strengthen oversight of the nuclear sector during the International Atomic Energy Agency conference

The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, headed by its Director General Christer Viktorsson, is participating in the International Conference on Effective Nuclear and Radiological Control Systems, organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria, during the period from April 27 to 30, 2026.

The conference brings together regulatory bodies and experts from around the world with the aim of strengthening nuclear and radiation control systems, with a focus on efficiency, flexibility and international cooperation to confront emerging challenges.

During the conference, the Authority reviewed the UAE’s most prominent achievements in building an effective and future-proof regulatory framework, including strengthening national capabilities through organized competency development programs and international cooperation, supported by initiatives such as the Emirates Nuclear and Radiological Academy.

The Authority also highlighted the development of a flexible regulatory framework capable of dealing with new technologies and evolving challenges in the field of nuclear security, by adopting an approach based on risk assessment and continuous adaptation.

The Authority reviewed the progress made in enhancing the effectiveness of oversight through innovation and digital transformation, including the use of modern tools to support supervision and decision-making processes, in addition to initiatives such as the smart nuclear operational safety system to enhance flexibility, while these efforts are integrated with strengthening international cooperation and the leadership role of the UAE, which contributes to supporting the global regulatory dialogue and contributing to shaping the international agenda within the axes of efficiency, flexibility, and interconnectedness.

The Authority confirmed the UAE’s leadership in launching the “Global Call to Action” initiative for the first time following the 2023 conference in Abu Dhabi, which moved the focus from dialogue to practical application, by enabling member states to transform recommendations into concrete projects.

This initiative has contributed to establishing an organized framework supported by a specialized work team, implementation plans and application tools, and has resulted in tangible progress in key areas including leadership, organizational flexibility, enhancing trust, international cooperation and capacity building, with increasing participation and practical contributions from member states around the world.

Christer Viktorsson said that the Authority’s participation reflects the UAE’s continued commitment to strengthening nuclear and radiological regulatory systems through innovation, cooperation and sustainable capacity building, which confirms the progress achieved since the previous conference and the importance of transforming dialogue into practical measures that contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of regulatory systems at the global level.

The conference is a major international platform for developing regulatory approaches and enhancing cooperation among member states, ensuring the safe, secure and sustainable use of nuclear and radiation technologies.