IAEA Head Highlights Nuclear Law’s Role in Global Security, Safety, and Non-Proliferation at U.S. Workshop

In addition to lectures, young professionals and students gained insights into career opportunities in nuclear and humanitarian law with the United Nations, IAEA, and intergovernmental organizations.

The International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi underscored the IAEA's pivotal role in nuclear non-proliferation, safety, and security in two keynote addresses at a nuclear law workshop held in Washington, D.C. This three-day event, the first of its kind, convened at Georgetown University Law Center, George Washington University Law School, and American University Washington College of Law in collaboration with the IAEA. Students, nuclear policy experts, legal professionals, and industry stakeholders gathered to explore the legal frameworks supporting nuclear non-proliferation, safety, security, and liability.

Grossi emphasized the IAEA’s commitment to advancing nuclear science and technology, from small modular reactors (SMRs) for carbon-free power generation to radiotherapy for cancer treatment, illustrating the potential of nuclear technology in addressing climate change, global health, and food and energy security challenges. Workshop attendees participated in expert-led panels covering the IAEA's safeguards, legal structures for nuclear safety, and civil liability measures, providing a comprehensive look at international nuclear law’s influence on peace and security.

IAEA Legal Adviser and Assistant Director General Peri Lynne Johnson highlighted the IAEA’s efforts to foster nuclear law expertise, particularly through this workshop’s collaboration with leading U.S. law schools. In her keynote, Johnson addressed the legal frameworks mitigating nuclear terrorism, noting that strong international cooperation in nuclear security law is essential amid increasing geopolitical risks.

The event also focused on how IAEA safeguards work globally, with inspectors monitoring nuclear material across more than 190 nations to ensure adherence to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and nuclear-weapon-free zone treaties. These safeguards verify that nuclear materials are not diverted for weapons use, underpinning global security and maintaining international trust in nuclear technology’s peaceful applications.

In addition to lectures, young professionals and students gained insights into career opportunities in nuclear and humanitarian law with the United Nations, IAEA, and intergovernmental organizations. Panelists discussed nuclear security law as it relates to emerging global challenges, highlighting nuclear law as a field critical to both safety and diplomacy.

Grossi’s closing remarks underscored the IAEA’s commitment to international law, peace, and security. He encouraged participants to consider careers in nuclear law to support safe, secure, and peaceful nuclear technology worldwide. The workshop marks a collaborative step forward in promoting nuclear law’s essential role in a safe, secure, and sustainable nuclear future.