International Atomic Energy Agency Deputy Director General Nuclear Safety and Nuclear Security's closing remarks [International conference on management of spent fuel from nuclear power reactors: Learning from the past, enabling the future, Vienna (Austria), 24-28 June 2019]

At the Agency, we have noted that there is strong interest in this conference, and that holding it regularly brings several benefits. This conference is the fourth of its kind, with the most recent held in 2015. The conference series allows all involved to regularly review progress made in the safe, secure and sustainable management of spent fuel. Holding the conferences regularly also enable the spent fuel community to keep the momentum and underline the message that the safe, secure and sustainable management of spent fuel is a must – not only because it is the right thing to do, but also because it is the key to the future of nuclear energy. In addition, regular conferences on spent fuel management help the Agency develop and adjust its activities related to this topic.