In a continued effort to foster the next generation of leaders in the nuclear industry, the International Youth Nuclear Congress (IYNC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) on 28 September. This milestone took place during the WANO Young Generation Forum in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The MOU strengthens the ongoing collaboration between the two organisations, aligning their efforts to develop the future leaders of the industry.
Building on the foundations of the first MOU signed in 2017, this renewed agreement introduces new opportunities for collaboration within the Young Generation (YG) community. The YG is an invaluable platform for early career nuclear professionals to engage, innovate and connect with their peers. By sparking curiosity and fostering innovation, YG equips participants with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving sector.
The MOU enables both IYNC and WANO to work together on a range of initiatives aimed at promoting knowledge transfer and facilitating intergenerational dialogue. It also emphasises networking and skills development through mentorship, workshops and other collaborative activities, offering participants both national and international opportunities.
Kristine Madden, President of IYNC, echoed these sentiments: “At IYNC, we believe that the future of the nuclear industry depends on empowering young leaders. This partnership with WANO underscores our commitment to fostering innovation, promoting knowledge sharing and upholding global safety standards. Together, we look forward to engaging more young professionals and ensuring the growth, safety and sustainability of the nuclear industry worldwide.”
“This agreement is a fantastic opportunity for WANO to continue its strong partnership with IYNC, further supporting our shared goal of engaging the next generation of nuclear professionals. Our commitment to nurturing talent and developing tomorrow’s leaders remains unwavering at this critical time for the industry,” said Naoki Chigusa, Chief Executive Officer of WANO, commenting on the renewal of the MOU.
The WANO Young Generation Forum in Abu Dhabi, a key component of the YG initiative, attracted 65 participants from around the world. The Forum featured updates from WANO’s Regional Centres in Atlanta, London, Moscow, Paris, Shanghai and Tokyo, each of which highlighted their specific Young Generation activities. These activities, tailored to early career professionals, demonstrated the diverse opportunities available in different regions and provided a platform for further engagement within the nuclear community.
