On June 13, 2012, the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP), in collaboration with the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), hosted an event to mark the release of the report titled "Unleashing the Nuclear Watchdog: Strengthening and Reform of the IAEA". Home to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other multilateral organizations, Vienna was a natural start point for the launch of the report and constructive discussion about global nuclear governance.
After the introductory remarks provided by VCDNP Executive Director, Elena Sokova, the author of the report, Trevor Findlay, former Australian diplomat and current CIGI Senior Fellow, presented the findings of the two-year research project on all aspects of the International Atomic Energy Agency's mandate and operations. Mr. Findlay reviewed the current state of the IAEA, noted the indispensable role the Agency plays in the promotion of safe, secure and peaceful nuclear energy and suggested that political, financial and material support are essential for "unleashing the nuclear watchdog".
Mr. Findley's short-term and long-term recommendations and ideas spanned from major programs on safeguards, safety, security and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy to governance, management and finance. Programmatic and strategic recommendations include, but are not limited to: the commissioning of a wide-ranging external management study, the production of a "Strategic Plan", and the formulation of a "Resource Mobilization Strategy"; the pursuit of a "Grand Budgetary Bargain" by replacing zero-real growth with a needs-based approach; the implementation of the post-Fukushima Action Plan for nuclear safety, including IAEA emergency preparedness and response; the strengthening of the Agency's role in nuclear security; and the development of more effective public diplomacy and media strategies.
Mr. Findley briefed a very large and interested audience comprised of Vienna-based diplomats, international civil servants from the IAEA, CTBTO and UNODA, experts from non-governmental organizations, and journalists.
