Riyadh, December 1, 2025

The International Conference on Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR2025) opened today in Riyadh, organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in cooperation with Saudi Arabia's Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission, under the theme "Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies: Building the Future in an Evolving World." The conference draws participants from more than 100 countries along with a broad turnout of national and international bodies, experts and specialists.

Running for four days, the conference programme includes more than 120 scientific papers and 100 posters, alongside extensive panel discussions involving more than 700 experts and six international organizations, aimed at discussing global best practices and strengthening readiness and response capabilities for nuclear and radiological emergencies.

The conference also features an accompanying exhibition in which national and international entities showcase their advanced expertise, alongside global companies presenting the latest technologies and systems that support effective response to nuclear and radiological emergencies.

During the opening ceremony, the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission affirmed that the concept of emergency preparedness continues to evolve to keep pace with rapid changes and modern technologies, stressing the importance of integration among national entities and the role of proactive planning and effective communication in a comprehensive emergency-readiness system.

The IAEA highlighted the importance of building sustainable national capabilities and strengthening response systems at both the national and international levels, alongside supporting information-exchange channels and expanding technical cooperation between countries, in ways that enhance the efficiency of managing nuclear and radiological emergencies and limit their impact.

The agency also underscored the vital role of the international instruments it sponsors, in which Saudi Arabia participates, as well as the importance of international coordination platforms and networks that help build countries' capacity to respond to nuclear emergencies.

The conference marks a global milestone as the first of its kind held outside IAEA headquarters, aiming to strengthen international cooperation and build more efficient systems for handling nuclear and radiological emergencies, while discussing modern challenges and innovations and reviewing mechanisms that support integration between national and international systems.

Saudi Arabia's selection to host the conference reflects its advanced standing within the global nuclear-safety framework, the maturity of its regulatory structure, and its capacity to support international efforts in nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and response.