Effective stakeholder engagement: It's not just a good idea, it's the cornerstone of successful nuclear power programs! The IAEA's Nuclear Stakeholder Engagement School recently wrapped up its third edition, and the results are in: understanding and involving the public is a strategic investment that pays dividends.
What exactly happened at this pivotal event? Held from November 3rd to 7th, 2025, the school focused on practical tools and real-world insights. Participants from 24 different countries gathered to learn how to plan and execute effective engagement strategies throughout the entire lifecycle of nuclear projects.
Andrea Borio di Tigliole, Programme Coordinator in the IAEA Department of Nuclear Energy, emphasized that stakeholder engagement is an ongoing investment, not a one-off event. By including a wide range of voices – from technical experts and regulators to government agencies and local communities – nuclear programs can be shaped to be both technically sound and socially accepted.
But here's where it gets controversial... Aleshia Duncan, from the US Department of Energy, highlighted that effective stakeholder engagement is absolutely essential for any country considering nuclear energy. The school provides the experience, technical knowledge, and leadership skills needed to build lasting confidence in nuclear programs.
What did they actually learn? The school brought together representatives from various sectors, including government agencies, regulatory bodies, and operating organizations. They explored various tools and methods for engaging stakeholders. They also learned how to create engagement frameworks and strategies and practiced risk perception assessment to better understand stakeholder concerns.
Sessions on communication channels, digital media, and crisis communication sparked lively discussions. Immersive workshops boosted participants' leadership skills, and case studies offered firsthand lessons from experienced engagement practitioners.
Global Perspectives and Insights
Countries at different stages of nuclear power development shared their experiences. For example, Poland is working to lower emissions and strengthen energy security. Dorota Chandavoine from Polskie Elektrownie Jadrowe, a nuclear power reactor developer in Poland, stated that the experience strengthens their ability to communicate transparently.
Ghana is developing its regulatory framework. Francis Otoo, Director General of the Ghana Nuclear Regulatory Authority, explained that the program provided practical tools and insights that will directly enhance their stakeholder engagement strategy.
Building Capacity for Building Confidence
With the resurgence of interest in nuclear energy as a low-carbon power source, participants agreed that the human aspect of nuclear programs is just as important as the technical side. Open and honest communication can transform uncertainty into understanding and build long-term confidence.
What do you think? Is effective stakeholder engagement the key to a successful nuclear future? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Looking ahead: The next edition of the school will be held jointly with the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy, from November 23rd to 27th, 2026. Keep an eye on the ICTP and IAEA websites for the call for applications.
