Strengthening the Global Nuclear Safety Regime

The Global Nuclear Safety Regime is the framework for achieving the worldwide implementation of a high level of safety at nuclear installations. At its core are the activities undertaken by each country to ensure the safety and security of the nuclear installations within its jurisdiction. But national efforts are, and should be, augmented by the activities of a variety of international enterprises that facilitate nuclear safety — intergovernmental organizations, multinational networks among operators, regulators or scientists, the international nuclear industry and other stakeholders (public, news media, NGOs). All of these efforts should be harnessed to effectively enhance the implementation of safety principles. The existing Global Nuclear Safety Regime is functioning at an effective level today. However, its impact on improving safety could be enhanced. This report recommends action in the following areas: use of the review meetings of the Nuclear Safety Convention as a vehicle for open and critical peer review and a source for learning about the best safety practices of others; enhanced utilization of IAEA Safety Standards for the harmonization of national safety regulations to the extent feasible; enhanced exchange of operating experience for improving operating and regulatory practices and multinational cooperation in the safety review of new nuclear power plant designs. These changes, which are described more fully in this report, should serve to enhance the effectiveness of the regime.