A five-day national seminar on emergency preparedness and response to nuclear or radiological incidents has begun at the Uzatom Agency in Uzbekistan, with support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The seminar brings together representatives of government bodies responsible for nuclear and radiation safety, security, public health, and sanitary-epidemiological well-being, as well as specialists from the Directorate for the Construction of Nuclear Power Plants and the Uzatom Agency.
International experts participating in the seminar include Lyudmila Simeonova from Bulgaria, Anton Sudarchikov from Russia, and Andrei Budo from Belarus. The seminar is taking place as Uzbekistan continues construction of its first integrated nuclear power plant in the Jizzakh region. During the groundbreaking ceremony for the first power unit of the integrated nuclear power plant on June 4, 2026, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of nuclear safety.
"Safety is an absolute and unconditional priority for us. The construction of the plant and its preparation for operation are being carried out based on the most modern international standards and advanced engineering solutions, and are subject to constant oversight by the IAEA," the president stated.
Emergency preparedness and response measures are being developed alongside the construction of the nuclear power plant and plans for second and third nuclear power plants. Opening the seminar, Alexandra Khidirnazarova, Head of the Industrial Safety, Occupational Health, and Environmental Protection Department at the Directorate for the Construction of Nuclear Power Plants, emphasized that safety remains a priority at every stage of Uzbekistan's nuclear energy program.
She noted that establishing an effective and coordinated emergency preparedness and response system is necessary to protect the population, maintain infrastructure resilience, and preserve the environment. Khidirnazarova also highlighted Uzbekistan's adherence to international nuclear safety norms and IAEA standards, including the requirements outlined in GSR Part 7.
During the five-day program, participants will review international requirements for nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and response. The seminar will also address protocols for cooperation between government agencies and coordination among organizations responsible for responding to nuclear or radiological incidents.
The first day focuses on the seminar's objectives, emergency preparedness, different types of emergency situations, existing national response measures in Uzbekistan, and an assessment of hazards specific to the country.