The International Youth Nuclear Congress (IYNC) 2024 took place on September 29-October 4 in Abu Dhabi, the UAE. It marked a significant milestone, bringing together 350 participants from 47 countries, and achieving a historic moment with gender parity among attendees — 47% of the participants identified as women. The conference saw a remarkable 50% increase in international participation and a 30% rise in geographic representation, underscoring the IYNC’s commitment to inclusivity and diverse voices within the nuclear industry.
This year’s event was the result of tireless efforts from the IYNC team, in partnership with the local host, the Barakah Youth Council. Together, they designed a comprehensive and dynamic program featuring seven multigenerational plenaries, seven inspiring keynotes, six thought-provoking panels, 14 interactive workshops, 10 technical tracks, and seven technical tours. The congress served as a platform for young professionals, many of whom presented their work for the first time, bringing fresh energy and innovative ideas to the forefront of discussions on nuclear energy.
The atmosphere throughout the event was electric, as participants expressed their shared commitment to addressing global challenges like net zero emissions, clean energy through both fission and fusion, as well as solutions for water and food scarcity. A key highlight of IYNC2024 was the introduction of the inaugural IYNC Global Youth Statement, a call to action empowering the next generation of leaders in nuclear science and technology to take charge in shaping the future.
IYNC2024 owes its success to the unwavering support of the host, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, along with the steadfast contributions of the sponsors: Technology Innovation Institute, Urenco Global, Anthropocene Institute, NICE Future Initiative, Nuclear Energy Institute, World Nuclear Association, CNNC China Nuclear Power Engineering Co., LTD, and Westinghouse Electric Company. Their collaborative efforts transformed the congress into an impactful and memorable experience for all attendees, fostering a shared vision of nuclear innovation.
The IYNC2026 will be hosted in France.
