IAEA Nuclear Security Plan for 2010-2013

The objective of the Nuclear Security Plan for 2010–2013 is to contribute to global efforts to achieve worldwide, effective security wherever nuclear or other radioactive material is in use, storage and/or transport, and of associated facilities, by supporting States, upon request, in their efforts to establish and maintain effective nuclear security through assistance in capacity building, guidance, human resource development, sustainability and risk reduction. The objective is also to assist adherence to and implementation of nuclear security related international legal instruments; and to strengthen the international cooperation and coordination of assistance given through bilateral programmes and other international initiatives in a manner which also would contribute to enabling the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear energy and of such applications with radioactive substances. The proposed Plan is consistent with the objective of the Agency’s Medium Term Strategy 2006–2011, to “establish and achieve global acceptance of an agreed international framework for nuclear security and support its application”

Background

The Agency’s activities in nuclear security date back to the 1970s when the Agency began providing ad hoc training courses in physical protection. However, after 11 September 2001, it became clear that much more needed to be done to protect both nuclear and other radioactive material from malicious acts.

In March 2002, the Agency embarked on its first comprehensive programme to combat the risk of nuclear terrorism by assisting States in strengthening their nuclear security. Approved by the IAEA Board of Governors, the first three-year plan described a programme of work encompassing eight Activity Areas. The achievements of the first nuclear security plan were detailed in the Review of the Implementation of the Nuclear Security Plan of Activities: 2002–2005 which was submitted to the Board of Governors and General Conference in September 2005.

Nuclear Security Plan 2010-2013

In September 2009, the Board of Governors approved a new Nuclear Security Plan covering the period 2010–2013. The new Plan builds upon the accomplishments of the first and second Plan, reviews the threat picture as it has evolved since the configuration of the priorities and approach set in 2002, and promotes strengthened international instruments to combat nuclear terrorism.

The Nuclear Security Plan 2010–2013 covers four elements:

• Needs assessment, information collation and analysis
• Contributing to the enhancement of a Global Nuclear Security Framework
• Providing Nuclear Security Services
• Risk Reduction and Security Improvement

Further information or activities covered by these elements can be found in the Nuclear Security Plan.

Specifically, the new Plan prioritizes:

• providing advice concerning the implementation of binding and non-binding international instruments;
• development of guidance and documents;
• review and assessment of needs;
• providing support to States for the implementation of nuclear security recommendations; and
• outreach and information exchange through databases, conferences, workshops and fellowships.

Activities originally conceived for safeguards, and nuclear and radiation safety purposes, but which also support nuclear security objectives, are also covered in the Plan.

For further information please contact