IAEA Stakeholder Engagement School Highlights Tools to Build Trust in Nuclear Energy

Poland is advancing its nuclear programme amid goals to enhance energy security and reduce emissions through modern reactors.

Practical, hands-on learning and real-world insights were the focus of the third edition of the Nuclear Stakeholder Engagement School, reaffirming that effective stakeholder engagement is a strategic investment essential for the success of nuclear power programmes.

Held in Washington, DC, and hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy, the school convened participants from 24 countries, representing government bodies, regulators, nuclear operators and technical organizations. Through immersive sessions, the programme equipped attendees with tools, strategies and leadership skills needed to plan, manage and strengthen engagement throughout the full lifecycle of nuclear projects.

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Stakeholder Engagement: A Strategic, Ongoing Investment

Andrea Borio di Tigliole, Programme Coordinator in the IAEA Department of Nuclear Energy, emphasized that engagement is indispensable from concept to decommissioning:

“Stakeholder engagement is not a one-off activity but a strategic, ongoing investment of time and resources. By involving technical experts, regulators, government agencies and host communities, we shape programmes that are technically sound and socially resilient.”

The message was echoed by Aleshia Duncan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation at the U.S. Department of Energy, who noted:

“Effective stakeholder engagement isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’—it is mission-critical for any country pursuing nuclear energy.”

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Practical Tools, Case Studies and Crisis Communication Training

Participants explored a comprehensive toolkit that included:

• Engagement frameworks and strategic planning

• Risk perception assessment to understand community concerns

• Communication channels and digital media strategies

• Crisis and emergency communication techniques

• Countering misinformation in an age of rapidly spreading digital content

Interactive workshops strengthened leadership skills, while case studies covering:

• Regulatory body engagement

• Host community dialogue

• Radioactive waste management

offered valuable lessons from practitioners with first-hand experience in building public trust.

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Global Perspectives: Poland and Ghana Share Lessons from the Field

Countries at various stages of nuclear development contributed their perspectives:

Poland

Poland is advancing its nuclear programme amid goals to enhance energy security and reduce emissions through modern reactors.

Dorota Chandavoine, Communications and Social Programmes Manager at Polskie Elektrownie Jadrowe, said:

“This experience strengthens our ability to communicate transparently, address public expectations and support Poland’s efforts to build a socially accepted nuclear programme.”

Ghana

Ghana is developing its regulatory infrastructure and prioritizing stakeholder engagement to foster public understanding and trust.

Francis Otoo, Director General of the Ghana Nuclear Regulatory Authority, noted:

“The school provided practical tools that will directly support the revision of our stakeholder engagement strategy. Transparent and inclusive communication is essential to our mandate as an independent competent authority.”

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Human Factors Are as Critical as Technology

With global interest in nuclear energy resurging as countries seek reliable, low-carbon energy, participants stressed that social acceptance and trust-building are as vital as engineering and safety systems.

Open communication with communities, national stakeholders, and local authorities helps:

• Transform misconceptions into informed dialogue

• Build long-term support

• Strengthen national ownership of nuclear programmes

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IAEA’s Role in Building Capacity for Responsible Nuclear Development

The Stakeholder Engagement School forms part of the IAEA’s broader capacity-building framework supporting Member States as they develop safe, secure and responsible nuclear power programmes. The Agency provides training, peer review services, and guidance to help countries meet international safeguards, safety standards and public engagement expectations.

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Next Edition: November 2026 in Trieste, Italy

The next Nuclear Stakeholder Engagement School will be held jointly with the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy, from 23–27 November 2026. A call for applications will be announced on IAEA and ICTP websites.