Over 500 experts, young scientists, and specialists from more than 70 countries, including numerous African nations, gathered at the Youth Nuclear Forum in Obninsk. The forum served as a platform to discuss global challenges facing the nuclear industry with a focus on sustainable development principles. Attendees also explored prospects for the development of nuclear and related sciences, the establishment of new systems for training industry specialists, and career management.
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Nurturing Tomorrow’s Nuclear Specialists
Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom, emphasised the importance of well-trained specialists for the continued development of the nuclear industry and the creation of a sustainable future. He highlighted their efforts in establishing global nuclear education and their mission to assist the youth in shaping the future of nuclear projects.
Likhachev stated, “It is the youth that must define what the education should be like tomorrow and over-tomorrow. Our mission is to help the youth in this work.” The forum, organised in collaboration with the National Nuclear Research University MEPhI, aimed to prepare specialists for future nuclear projects.
The participation of African country representatives in this forum holds significant importance for the development of nuclear energy on the continent. The creation of the International Scientific and Educational Center in Obninsk allows young people from Africa to learn about nuclear technologies in Russia. They can then apply their knowledge and experience in their home countries, contributing to their development and prosperity.
Promoting Clean Energy and Environmental Protection
Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of the World Nuclear Association, highlighted the significance of nuclear power engineering as part of the future’s environmentally friendly energy balance.
According to the DG, “Nuclear power engineering is an integral part of the environment-friendly power balance of the future and also a symbol of decarbonization. It is essential for protection of the environment and improvement of the quality of life. Clean energy shall be available for people all around the world. Education is the key component promoting the formation of a strong basis to understand the importance of nuclear technologies.”
African Voices at the Forum
Several speakers from African countries participated in the event, including Thekla Mutero, Founder of the Emerging Mining Association of Namibia; Professor Dr. Sc Jan Rijin Zeevaart, General Research Manager on Applied Radiation at Necsa (South Africa); Phumlani Zipho Ngcobo, Lecturer of the Physics Department at the University of Zululand (South Africa); Jacobs Carmen, Research Fellow at the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) (South Africa); Ray Kiliho, Programmes Lead at the Office of the Secretary-General at the Pan African Youth Union (Tanzania); Raphael Chesori, Head of African Young Generation in Nuclear (Kenya); Mercy Joshua, Muakitalima Electronics and Telecommunications Engineer (Tanzania); Eliud Canisius Gregory, Founder and National Chairman of Youth in Technology and Engineering (Tanzania); and Elsie Pule, Group Executive of Human Resource at Eskom Holdings Soc Ltd.
In her address, Thekla Mutero encouraged African scholars to seize opportunities and emphasised the role of nuclear energy in the future. She urged young scholars to immerse themselves in their studies and work towards a brighter future collectively.
A Multifaceted Forum
The Youth Nuclear Forum featured scientific readings presenting recent research results in nuclear physics, and the Youth Scientific and Technical Conference was named after Ye. Slavsky, an innovation laboratory, and various educational, sports, and cultural events. The event provided a comprehensive platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among experts and young minds in the nuclear sector.
The collaboration between the Youth Nuclear Forum and African participants underscores the importance of nurturing talent and expertise in the field of nuclear science and technology. As the world grapples with energy challenges and environmental concerns, the contributions of young scholars and experts are vital to shaping a sustainable future.