The VCDNP was pleased to participate in the 2025 edition of the ICSANT Universalization Youth Academy, organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), from 7 to 10 July 2025 at the Vienna International Centre. The Academy, financially supported by the Government of Canada, aimed to deepen young professionals' understanding of international legal instruments against nuclear terrorism, particularly the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT).
Three members of the VCDNP team contributed as speakers and mentors: Federica Dall’Arche, Ingrid Kirsten, and Laura Rockwood.
Day 1: Ingrid Kirsten on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy
On 7 July, during the foundational session on international legal frameworks to counter CBRN terrorism, Ingrid Kirsten delivered a presentation on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and nuclear applications. Her talk emphasised the benefits of peaceful nuclear technologies for development and climate change mitigation, highlighting the need to expand their applications, especially in the Global South, to address the world’s most pressing challenges. She underlined the importance of legal instruments like ICSANT to protect against the misuse of nuclear materials, ensuring the continued ability to reap the benefits of peaceful nuclear applications.
Day 2: Laura Rockwood on Legal Frameworks and Civil Society
On 8 July, Laura Rockwood participated in the panel titled “INTERPOL, Organization of American States (OAS), and Civil Society”, alongside experts from INTERPOL and the African Center for Science and International Security. Ms. Rockwood, who previously served as Section Head for Non-Proliferation and Policy at the IAEA, offered insights into the role of civil society in promoting treaty adherence and compliance, drawing from her extensive experience in international nuclear law.
Day 3: Federica Dall’Arche on Gender Mainstreaming
On 9 July, Federica Dall’Arche contributed virtually to the session on Gender Mainstreaming in the context of CBRN terrorism prevention. Alongside experts from the UNODC and the Gender Team of the Office of the Director-General, Ms. Dall’Arche highlighted the importance of integrating gender perspectives into non-proliferation and disarmament strategies. She also addressed the need for inclusive policy-making to reflect the diversity of voices in the field.
Later that afternoon, Ingrid Kirsten and Laura Rockwood returned as mentors in the session on Youth Mentorship, offering personalised guidance and career insights to participants interested in nuclear security and international cooperation.
The VCDNP is proud to support capacity-building initiatives, such as the ICSANT Youth Academy, which provide a platform for dialogue between experts, practitioners, and the next generation of disarmament professionals. The active participation of the VCDNP team reflects the Center’s ongoing commitment to promoting nuclear non-proliferation and security through education, research, and advocacy.
For more information about the ICSANT Convention and how civil society supports its universalisation, visit unodc.org.