[MUNUC 34] International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an independent organization composed of 173 member states dedicated to international cooperation on matters of nuclear energy and weapons. Despite answering to the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly, the IAEA is an autonomous organization chartered by an independent international statute. Guided by a mission to expand the peaceful and safe use of nuclear technology, the IAEA provides a platform for nearly every member state of the U.N. to voice their concerns regarding nuclear technology.

Topic A: Improving the Decommissioning Process for Nuclear Plants
While much planning goes into the construction of nuclear power plants, many are not aware of the complicated and difficult task of decommissioning nuclear power plants. With increasing worldwide use of renewable energy sources—including nuclear energy—it is important that safe plans for decommissioning plants are put into place to protect the health of all peoples. Incidents and bad practices in the decommissioning process have already threatened the lives of many in France, Japan, the United States, and elsewhere. As nuclear energy expands, it is important the health of citizens is not only protected while the facilities are in use, but also while they are decommissioned. Delegates will create innovative frameworks for the decommissioning process by learning from previous mistakes to create a safer nuclear future.

Topic B: Enforcement of the NPT
Since opening for signature in 1968, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) has been ratified by 191 U.N. Member States. As the only binding, multilateral treaty with the goal of nuclear disarmament, the NPT plays a critical role in nuclear weapons policy. However, several non-signatory states are believed or are known to possess nuclear weapons. Furthermore, incidents with signatory nations along with varying interpretations of the NPT threaten to jeopardize the NPT’s disarmament goals. Delegates will address the shortcomings of the NPT to find solutions that build trust among nuclear-weapon possessors while continuing to progress towards nuclear disarmament.

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