Media Invited to Attend IAEA’s International Conference on Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC) of Saudi Arabia will host the International Conference on Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies: Building the Future in an Evolving World from 1 to 4 December 2025 at the Hilton Riyadh Hotel and Residences, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The conference, which is open to the media, will bring together policymakers, regulators, emergency responders from more than 100 countries as well as international organizations and six international bodies to discuss how emergency preparedness and response (EPR) can adapt to new technologies, emerging threats, and increasingly complex risk environments. The event will also be livestreamed on the conference website.

The opening ceremony on Monday, 1 December, will feature opening remarks by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi (video statement), and the Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, Karine Herviou,  Dr Khaled Aleissa, President of the NRRC and Conference Chair, and Dr Abel González, Advisor to Argentina’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority (ARN) and Conference Vice-President.

Conference discussions will explore a wide range of topics, including:

• Artificial intelligence and digital innovation in emergency management;
• Preparedness for new reactor concepts, including floating and mobile reactors;
• Decision-making under uncertainty and coordination across international response frameworks; and
• Medical response to nuclear and radiological emergencies.

Side Events and Exhibition Highlights

The programme will be further enhanced by side events offering broader context and engagement opportunities:

• Women in Nuclear: Showcasing the leadership and experience of women across the EPR community, this session highlights achievements, challenges, and opportunities to promote equality of opportunity in emergency response (01 December 2025, 1600-1730 AST, Side Room A)
• Connecting Generations in EPR: An interactive session bridging generations of experts, where seasoned professionals and young responders share “lessons from the field,” mentor future leaders, and invite participants to reflect creatively on their role in shaping EPR in 2030 (Tuesday, 2 December 2025, 1600-1730 AST, Side Room B)
• Lessons Learned from ConvEx-3 2025: Focusing on lessons learned from the world’s largest full-scale nuclear emergency exercise – which took place in June 2025 – this event will explore how international coordination, innovation, and digital tools improve preparedness. (Wednesday, 3 December 2025, 1100-1230 AST, Main Room)

In parallel, a technical exhibition will feature emerging technologies and innovations that enhance assessment, response, monitoring, and communication during nuclear and radiological emergencies. Participating exhibitors will include governments, research institutes, and private-sector partners.

Accreditation

All journalists interested in covering the conference in person should contact the NRRC Media Office at Akhoudri@nrrc.gov.sa or talmussallam@nrrc.gov.sa for accreditation and logistical information.

Please send your name, organization, and press credentials to the email addresses listed below by 28 November.

For interview requests and further information, contact:

IAEA Press Office – 

press@iaea.org

NRRC Media Office – 

Mr. Abbas Khoudri – Akhoudri@nrrc.gov.sa, +966500230302

Ms. Thuraya Almussallam – talmussallam@nrrc.gov.sa, +966533321540