On
September 16, in Vienna, on the margins of the 70th anniversary session of the
IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) General Conference, a joint event was
held by the UN-NYG (United Nations – Nuclear Young Generation) and Rosatom
State Corporation, dedicated to the contribution of the younger generation to
the development of the global nuclear industry. The centerpiece of the meeting
was the ceremonial signing of the Youth Declaration on Nuclear Cooperation, to
which UN-NYG officially acceded.
The
event brought together young nuclear leaders from around the world to reflect
on the seventy-year legacy of the IAEA and to identify ways to further engage
youth in shaping a sustainable nuclear future. Participants discussed the role
of young professionals in scientific achievements, human capacity development,
and the improvement of international nuclear regulatory frameworks – from the
first scientific pioneers to today's diplomats and engineers.
UN-NYG's accession to the Youth Declaration on Nuclear Cooperation confirms a shared commitment to ensuring that the voices of young professionals remain an integral part of the future of the nuclear sector. The Declaration enshrines the principles of open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and intergenerational continuity in the nuclear industry.
"We are shaping the global agenda together with young leaders from different countries. The signing of the declaration opens new horizons for international cooperation among young nuclear professionals and strengthens the foundation for knowledge transfer to future generations," commented Tatiana Terentieva, Deputy Director General for Human Resources at Rosatom.
As part of the event, a panel discussion titled "The Next Generation: Voices from the Youth " was held, featuring representatives from the IAEA, Women in Nuclear Global Young Generation, the African Young Generation in Nuclear (AYGN), ANO "Rosatom Corporate Academy", and UN-NYG. The session was moderated by Dora Csordas, an IAEA HR officer. Opening remarks were delivered to the participants by Margaret Doane, IAEA Deputy Director General for Management, Federico Verly, President of UN-NYG, and Maria Zotova, Chairman of the Industry Youth Council, Rosatom.
"By joining the Youth Declaration on Nuclear Cooperation, we reaffirm that young leaders of the nuclear community are not merely observing change, but are part of it. Our voice matters to ensure a sustainable nuclear future," emphasized Federico Verly, President of UN-NYG.
UN-NYG (United Nations –
Nuclear Young Generation) is Vienna International Center uniting young
professionals in the nuclear industry.
Rosatom State Corporation is one of the global technology leaders, actively supporting youth initiatives in nuclear education and international cooperation.
The Youth Declaration for Nuclear Cooperation was created in September 2025. One hundred young people representing 33 countries and 81 organizations presented and defended the Youth Declaration for Nuclear Cooperation before nuclear industry leaders; the declaration was created as part of World Nuclear Week in Moscow.
Link to the Declaration page: https://impact-mission.org/solutions/declaration/
Principles of the Youth Declaration for Nuclear Cooperation (full version):
1. Nuclear Safety and Security
Nuclear Industry must ensure the
highest level of safety and security including protection from operation
incidents and potential threats in the economic, political and social context.
2. Equal
access to education and knowledge
Education and knowledge of
nuclear science should be accessible to all nations and people – free from
discrimination and monopolies.
3.
Nuclear science at service to humanity for a better world
The power of nuclear science and
technology should be a force for humanity dedicated to solving the pressing
challenges through the innovation in industry, progress in medicine, protection
of the environment.
4. Youth
Leadership Empowerment
Young people are essential
architects of the nuclear future. Their power lies through the six pillars of
action (education, training, public participation, public awareness, access to
information, international cooperation) and multi-generational knowledge
exchange to ensure a safer and sustainable future.
5.
Continuous Development and Future Focus
The nuclear field can only
progress through continuous renewal of knowledge and intentional succession
strategy transferring.
6.
Cooperation, Trust, and Mutual Assistance
The nuclear future is only possible through transparent and honest partnerships built on mutual respect, trust and a willingness to support and work with each other.
7. Responsible access to achievements in nuclear technology
Сountries that adhere to internationally accepted standards and regulations under the aegis of IAEA must have non-discriminatory, equal, and comprehensive access to advanced technological achievements in nuclear energy for their peaceful and sustainable development.
