An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) event next week will focus on the global challenges of capacity building, human resource development, education and training, knowledge management and knowledge networks in the field of nuclear power.

The IAEA International Conference on Human Resource Development for Nuclear Power Programmes: Building and Sustaining Capacity, which will be held on 12 to 16 May 2014 at the IAEA Headquarters in Vienna, Austria, will also include themes reflected in the IAEA Action Plan on Nuclear Safety.

Capacity building is a major first step in the process of ensuring a sustainable supply of suitably qualified people who are ready to assume their responsibility for safe, secure, responsible and sustainable use of nuclear technologies. To support its Member States' efforts to enhance their human resource development, the IAEA held a major conference on the issue in 2010, when participants recommended holding similar meetings every four to five years.

More than 300 participants, from more than 70 countries and four international organizations, have registered for the Conference.

Members of the press are invited to attend all sessions of the Conference which begins at 14:00, 12 May 2014 in Boardroom C of the C-Building at the Vienna International Centre (VIC).

Opening session speakers will include Denis Flory, IAEA Deputy Director General for Nuclear Safety and Security, and Alexander Bychkov, IAEA Deputy Director General for Nuclear Energy.

More information about the Conference, including a daily programme, is available here.

Accreditation

All journalists are requested to inform the IAEA Press Office of their plans to attend. Journalists with permanent credentials to the VIC need no additional credentials. Others should contact Jayne Stringer for accreditation. Please email press@iaea.org or call [+43-1] 2600-21279 or [+43-1] 2600-21273.