By: Abby Kirton

The International Atomic Energy Agency finally came together on passing some resolutions. Resolution IAEA/I/1 was passed late Sunday night after two long days of deliberation, followed by the passing of resolution IAEA/I/3 early Monday morning. These resolutions are huge steps forward in strengthening nuclear security.

When asked to describe resolution IAEA/I/1 in one word, Representative Jack Asmus of the Holy See and Representative Carrigan Huner of Venezuela responded in unison, “progress.” This resolution will ensure more protection of the transportation of nuclear material, “while also retaining state sovereignty,” said Representative Cam Holmes of Côte d’Ivoire. 

At a press conference Sunday afternoon, representatives explained that issues between states on nuclear material are best left to the United Nations so every Member State can be equally represented and have their voice heard. Resolution IAEA/I/1 calls upon the IAEA to create a special committee dedicated to overseeing the transfer of nuclear material and ensuring nuclear security across the globe. Member States of this committee would be chosen at random, and 30 percent of those members would represent small Member States. 

IAEA/I/3 passed first thing Monday morning with a unanimous vote. This resolution addresses education and cybersecurity while putting an emphasis on knowledge sharing. Furthermore, it also focuses on giving states the necessary knowledge and resources so they can take charge of their own nuclear security.

“Scientific knowledge is a nuclear security issue,” says Representative Sara Smith of Mozambique. Representative Josefina Castillo of Indonesia added, “We are very pleased to have this resolution passed, as we believe education is the foundation of safety.” Representative Smith goes on to say, “We hope this resolution makes things more fair for the countries who are often left out of important conversations about nuclear security.”

Representative Castillo talked about regional training programs that are already in place, and hopes this resolution can expand on them and make them more well known and available to countries. Specifically, the nuclear security and demonstration center in Vienna, which is a nuclear training facility, will hopefully be spread to every subregion with this resolution. This will give states the ability to get the proper knowledge and training to be nuclear safe within themselves.

Now that these two resolutions have passed, countries will have more safety both at their borders and within their borders. With only two sessions remaining, the committee is still in discussion of two resolutions under the topic of Nuclear Security and deliberations and draft resolutions have begun under topic area Strengthening the Agency’s Activities Related to Nuclear Science, Technology and Applications. Will there be enough time to come to a consensus and pass these resolutions?