The president of the Spanish Nuclear Safety Council (CSN), Juan Carlos Lentijo, has spoken at a seminar on nuclear safety, invited by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), within the scope of the Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Meeting . During his speech at a session on the role of nuclear and radiological safety in the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology, the president of the Spanish regulator emphasized the fundamental and essential role that nuclear safety and radiological protection plays in all applications related to the use of ionizing radiation.

Lentijo underscored the importance of having a stable regulatory framework and a clear allocation of responsibilities at the national level for the safety and sustainability of these applications. "This is a fundamental element for the authorization and operation of nuclear facilities and all the peaceful uses of ionizing radiation", assured the president of the CSN and highlighted Spain's commitment to the development and application of IAEA regulations, as well as with the organization and hosting of international IAEA review and assistance missions.

The sessions, organized jointly by the IAEA and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, are part of a series of virtual events organized as a preliminary to the tenth conference of the parties in charge of the review of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Since the CSN doesn´t have specific powers in the field of non-proliferation, Lentijo highlighted the role of international organizations such as the IAEA, the EU institutions and the NEA, as well as other regulatory groups and associations; and insisted on the importance of having "strong and reliable" international cooperation, in the field of competence of the CSN (nuclear safety and radiological protection). Likewise, he pointed out the need to identify and work on the synergies between the so-called 3-S (Safety, Security and Safeguards), complementary disciplines, although with important mutual implications.

Juan Carlos Lentijo participated together with Bismark Tyobeka, former director of the South African regulator, and Sol Pedre, general director of the National Atomic Energy Commission (Argentina). The session was moderated by the Dutch ambassador, Ingeborg Denissen, and also included contributions from the United Nations High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, and the IAEA Deputy Director General for Nuclear Safety, Lydie Evrard.

 

Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

The objective of the seminar is to highlight the role of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as a facilitator for the peaceful applications of nuclear technology, whether for energy or other uses (medical, industrial or research applications), according to article 4 of the Treaty. Similarly, this forum aims to stimulate dialogue on How can the NPT Review Conference contribute to better promote the intersection between Governments, national regulators, the industry, and the IAEA to improve nuclear and radiological safety globally.

The safety of nuclear activities is an essential element in the application of this type of energy. Since its creation, international organizations such as the IAEA have made efforts to strengthen nuclear and radiological safety in the world to optimize the contribution of this type of energy and technology through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Non-Proliferation Treaty is an agreement whose objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament and general disarmament and complete. The NPT is the only multilateral treaty that represents a binding commitment for the nuclear-weapon States to the goal of disarmament. Spain has been a signatory to this treaty since 1987.