Stakeholder Involvement. Nuclear Issues. INSAG and IAEA perspective BASIS FOR KNOWN PUBLIC CONCERN. INSAG-20 Stakeholder Involvement in

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BASIS FOR KNOWN PUBLIC CONCERN Stakeholder Involvement in Nuclear issues: INSAG and IAEA perspective In general, at the heart of the public s concern is often an unwillingness to delegate power to

1 BASIS FOR KNOWN PUBLIC CONCERN Stakeholder Involvement in Nuclear issues: INSAG and IAEA perspective In general, at the heart of the public s concern is often an unwillingness to delegate power to centralized authority, and a general scepticism related to science. What stakeholders want is greater consistency and proportionality in nuclear and radiological interactions and clearer channels for communicating concerns and accessing the information that is provided to them. INSAG-20, Stakeholder Involvement in Nuclear Issues IAEA Project Communications Plans why you should have one too! Eric Weinstein Safety Officer IAEA Department of Nuclear Installation Safety and Secretariat for the International Nuclear Safety Group (INSAG) INSAG-20 Stakeholder Involvement in Nuclear Issues CORE STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATION VALUES to disseminate information to all stakeholders in both routine and emergency circumstances. to be attentive to and address public concerns in an open and transparent manner. to maintain public trust and confidence by keeping people informed of safety standards and how they are enforced. to facilitate the decision making process on nuclear matters by presenting safety related factual information in a timely, clear, and consistent manner. to integrate and maintain an information network to exchange and share information at the international level. to improve co-operation with Member States and international organizations on nuclear and radiological safety related matters. to encourage the dissemination of factual information on nuclear radiation related matters to the general public through every reasonable means. to establish effective engagement and communications processes which are reliable and sustainable. to establish a strong dynamic communication culture within the international nuclear and radiological community. 2 Now available along with other INSAG documents on INSAG s Website

2 What is INSAG? What is INSAG s objective? The International Nuclear Safety Group (INSAG), constituted following the Chernobyl event in 1986, is a group of experts with high professional competence in the field of nuclear safety working in regulatory organizations, research and academic institutions, and the nuclear industry. INSAG is constituted under the auspices of the IAEA with the objective of providing authoritative advice and guidance on nuclear safety approaches, policies and principles. In particular, INSAG provides recommendations and informed opinions on current and emerging nuclear safety issues to the international nuclear community and public. INSAG has published 21 documents in the INSAG series. 5 6 INSAG 20 Purpose INSAG 20 Purpose (2) To advocate open, transparent, factual, timely, informative, and easily understandable multilateral communications among members of society and those operating or developing a nuclear or radiological project To establish that substantive stakeholder communications contribute to the safe operations of nuclear or radiological projects To present the major attributes of an effective communications programme Discusses ways and means for the efficient and rational involvement of stakeholders in the consideration of nuclear issues 7 8

3 INSAG 20 contains What is a Stakeholder? Information on the safety relevance of stakeholder involvement Information relevant to both regulators and operators Information on the importance of credibility Vehicles to encourage participation by stakeholders in decision making processes Examples Stakeholders are defined in this report as those who have a specific interest in a given issue or decision. This group can include the general public. There are normally two types of stakeholders: internal and external and each plays a vital role. Internal stakeholders are those involved in the decision making process. External stakeholders are most often affected by the potential outcome of the project, either directly, or emotionally What is the safety relevance of stakeholder involvement? Operators and regulators confronted with questions and concerns from stakeholders may have to re-examine the basis for previous decisions. Stakeholder involvement may result in attention to issues that otherwise might escape scrutiny. Continuing opportunities for dialogue can serve as a basis for positive communications when problems occur. Recognition of important concepts In no case should the public s ability to comprehend issues be underestimated or used as an excuse to withhold information The aim of an effective stakeholder involvement programme is NOT to gain consensus A timely opportunity for affected stakeholders to provide input can expedite the decision making process Reasonable issues and concerns that are presented by stakeholders should be factored into decisions

Credibility INSAG-20 Conclusions It is your most important communications Public participation in decisions can promote a greater degree of understanding and can ensure a more reasonable appreciation

While opportunities for public participation in decisions may vary from country to country, it is still recommended that all countries create instruments that enhance stakeholder involvement, to the

4 Credibility INSAG-20 Conclusions It is your most important communications Public participation in decisions can promote a greater degree of understanding and can ensure a more reasonable appreciation of risks and benefits. While opportunities for public participation in decisions may vary from country to country, it is still recommended that all countries create instruments that enhance stakeholder involvement, to the degree possible. Stakeholder involvement can provide substantial improvement in safety and enhance the general acceptance of the ultimate decision taken. asset It is very easy to lose Once lost, it is very difficult to regain 13 INSAG-20 Conclusions (2) AN IAEA PROJECT COMMUNICATIONS PLAN The obligation to inform and include stakeholders is not always clearly stated or well developed within a Member State s legal framework. It is recommended that relevant institutions and authorities establish procedures for meaningful interaction with stakeholders. It is recommended that the IAEA and OECD/NEA continue to pursue ways to enhance and improve stakeholder involvement in their areas of interest. What is it? Why should I a consider having one for my organization? 15 14

INTRODUCTION PURPOSE Define who you are and what you want to do The purpose of developing a communications plan for a nuclear or radiological project is to promulgate a strategy to communicate an

5 INTRODUCTION PURPOSE Define who you are and what you want to do The purpose of developing a communications plan for a nuclear or radiological project is to promulgate a strategy to communicate an accurate, timely and consistent message to stakeholders and concerns the necessity to maintain a positive, proactive safety culture and, within this context, enhance the prospects for a successful project. Example: INSAG members are selected because of their technical expertise and because of their personal and professional commitment to nuclear safety. They bring perspectives on safety from many points on the globe. Moreover, they have obtained insights on safety-related issues from discussions with the IAEA staff, from interactions with WANO, from participation in global conferences, and through individual involvement with nuclear regulators, nuclear researchers, and the nuclear industry. Although INSAG assessments do not always arise from comprehensive first-hand study, they reflect informed judgment. 17 Perception of Risk Information Iceberg It happens that for a common vice of nature, that we conceive greater trust or stronger terror for the things we have not seen and that are hidden and unknown. Julius Caesar 19

Risk Communications KEY MESSAGES Explain nuclear and radiation safety issues to stakeholders in a clear, concise manner which they can easily understand; Address specific concerns about nuclear and

nuclear power plant operators and regulatory bodies to adhere to nuclear and radiation safety standards and principles; Encourage proactive dialogue with stakeholders of all kinds, without promoting

21 22 TARGET AUDIENCE/STAKEHOLDERS (mapping) Communication and coordination with internal stakeholders May be operators or regulators Communication with external stakeholders Professional

regional, national) departments Senior Political officials Non-Governmental Organizations International partners and membership organizations (IAEA, NEA) Vendors Academics Nuclear contractors

6 Risk Communications KEY MESSAGES Explain nuclear and radiation safety issues to stakeholders in a clear, concise manner which they can easily understand; Address specific concerns about nuclear and radiation related activities and independently evaluate the significance of those concerns; Encourage stakeholders participation in the decision making process to the extent practicable; Influence nuclear power plant operators and regulatory bodies to adhere to nuclear and radiation safety standards and principles; Encourage proactive dialogue with stakeholders of all kinds, without promoting the use of nuclear energy; and Clarify any false information or misunderstanding concerning the peaceful use of nuclear energy throughout the world TARGET AUDIENCE/STAKEHOLDERS (mapping) Communication and coordination with internal stakeholders May be operators or regulators Communication with external stakeholders Professional organization (WANO, NEI, National Nuclear Societies,) Licensees Public Interest groups Local community leaders Public Employees of nuclear industry The media National regulators Government (local, regional, national) departments Senior Political officials Non-Governmental Organizations International partners and membership organizations (IAEA, NEA) Vendors Academics Nuclear contractors Emergency services organizations within member states COMMUNICATIONS TOOLS (ACTION PLAN) FOR CONSIDERATION Website Meeting with senior officials Taking advantage of conferences and other venues to communicate the safety message Newspaper articles Issue Opinion pieces for publication Radio and Television interviews Biennial newsletter on issues of significance Attend regular meetings on nuclear safety issues Issue press releases when appropriate 23 24

COMMUNICATIONS TOOLS (ACTION PLAN) FOR CONSIDERATION - 2 Communicate consistent positions as reflected in published documents Establish web-based mailing list of nuclear stakeholders Encourage

7 COMMUNICATIONS TOOLS (ACTION PLAN) FOR CONSIDERATION - 2 Communicate consistent positions as reflected in published documents Establish web-based mailing list of nuclear stakeholders Encourage dialogue through Internet feedback and QAs Develop posters on commitment to safety Issue generic letters on topics of interest and consideration Conduct Stakeholder Opinion surveys periodic Implement a Process for Engagement and Benchmarking Employ a Regular Feedback mechanism regular and periodic to determine effectiveness Include Stakeholders in appropriate advisory groups QUESTION & ANSWERS: Have a set of generally accepted QAs for use by your communicators to build confidence and consistency in your interactions sing to the same song sheet! Examples: Q1. What is the potential effect of complacency on nuclear safety? Q2. How safe are older nuclear plants and should their licenses be extended? Q3. Are their enough highly qualified experts to support the international nuclear industry? Q4. Are we making any progress on the disposal of nuclear waste? Overall conclusions Thank you for your attention Promote the concepts in INSAG-20 to all Member States (the IAEA s Director General will be promoting INSAG and its products) Include a Project Communications Plan in your stakeholder communications tool bag 27 28

SWEDEN. Statement. H.E. Ambassador Mikaela Kumlin Granit. International Atomic Energy Agency. General Conference. 62 nd session.

SWEDEN. Statement. H.E. Ambassador Mikaela Kumlin Granit. International Atomic Energy Agency. General Conference. 62 nd session. SWEDEN Statement by H.E. Ambassador Mikaela Kumlin Granit International Atomic Energy Agency General Conference 62 nd session 2018 Vienna 2 Thank you, Allow me first to congratulate you on the election