On 18 February 2025, the VCDNP and the International Affairs Institute (IAI), in the framework of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI), hosted a virtual event titled "IAEA Safeguards in Action: Implementation and the Life of a Nuclear Inspector." The event featured Eva Gyane, WiN for Peace Leader at Women in Nuclear (WiN) Global and former nuclear safeguards inspector at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Ms. Gyane provided an insightful overview of the IAEA’s safeguards system, detailing the technical measures used to verify that nuclear material is not diverted for military purposes. She also shared personal experiences from her time as an IAEA nuclear safeguards inspector, highlighting the challenges and rewards of the profession. Ms Gyane shared first-hand insights from inspections conducted at various facilities worldwide, explaining how inspectors have different tools at their disposal and apply different verification techniques. The discussion highlighted the demanding nature of being a nuclear safeguards inspector, including extensive travel, working in high-security environments, and managing complex technical verifications. At the same time, Ms. Gyane highlighted the exciting opportunities and rewards that come with this unique job and provided an overview of opportunities for young professionals in the field, encouraging them to explore careers in nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where participants engaged with Ms. Gyane on topics ranging from the evolution of IAEA safeguards to the impact of emerging technologies on nuclear verification. The event also included a quiz segment, reinforcing key points discussed throughout the session.  This event was made possible thanks to the generous support of the European Union. About the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI) The YWNGI, an initiative by the VCDNP and IAI within the framework of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC), aims to inspire young women and the next generation to explore careers in non-proliferation, arms control, and disarmament. The initiative provides mentorship, workshops, and outreach opportunities to address gender and age imbalances in the field. More information about the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI) and the Mentorship Programme can be found below: Mentorship Programme Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI)

On 4 December 2024, Federica Dall’Arche, Senior Research Associate at the VCDNP, and Paola Tessari, Senior Research Fellow at the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), joined professor Erzsébet N. Rózsa and the faculty of the Ludovika University of Public Service at a public event aimed at engaging students and young scholars to raise awareness of arms control, non-proliferation, and disarmament issues. The event was organised in cooperation with the HUN-REN CERS Institute of World Economics in Budapest. Federica Dall'Arche (right) and Paola Tessari (left) During the first panel discussion, Ms. Dall’Arche and Ms. Tessari shared their experience as researchers and professionals in the field of arms control, non-proliferation, and disarmament. They also introduced the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC) – a group of six European research organisations, including the VCDNP and IAI – and the opportunities it offers to young professionals. Among these is the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative, an effort of the EUNPDC to encourage young women and the next generation to enter the non-proliferation, arms control, and disarmament field. The discussion, titled “Weapons Proliferation at Land and at Sea”, saw the participation of current and former EUNPDC interns as well as faculty members of the Ludovika University of Public Service: Gyula Speck, Assistant Lecturer and former EUNPDC intern, examined how Afghanistan's enduring state fragility has facilitated the proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW), highlighting the complex interplay between weak governance and uncontrolled SALW flows and the need for tailored approaches to address such challenges. The presentation was based on the recent EUNPDC publication: SALW Proliferation and State Fragility. Virág Novák-Varró, Assistant Lecturer, focused on the threats posed by landmines, using Afghanistan as a case study to illustrate their devastating impact. The presentation emphasised the importance of raising awareness through community engagement while stressing the need for innovative approaches. Ms. Novak-Varro highlighted that certain existing methods have inadvertently exposed especially children to greater risks. She stressed the importance of reformulating military strategies to ensure the protection of civilians. She also advocated for tailored games and exercises designed to teach children how to recognise and avoid landmines. Right to left: Virág Novák-Varró, András Bartók and Gyula Speck András Bartók, Associate Lecturer and current EUNPDC intern, focused on weapons proliferation in the 21st century within the naval domain, shedding light on its implications for global security. The presentation emphasised the evolving nature of maritime threats, including the challenges posed by advanced weapons technologies and the increased accessibility of naval armaments. Mr. Bartók highlighted the need for enhanced international cooperation and robust regulatory frameworks to curb proliferation, while also addressing gaps in existing approaches to ensure that they effectively tackle emerging risks in the maritime sphere. The panel discussion sparked a great level of curiosity among students, who asked questions, demonstrating a genuine interest to learn more. Both panels were moderated by Erzsébet N. Rózsa, Professor at Ludovika University andAdvisor at the HUN-REN CERS Institute of World Economics. The visit was organised in the framework of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative. The YWNGI, an effort of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium, is possible thanks to the generous support of theEuropean Union. The VCDNP and IAI thank the HUN-REN CERS Institute of World Economics and the Ludovika University of Public Service for hosting this event.    

On 12 November 2024, the IAI, as a member of the EUNPD Consortium, organised the EU Next Generation Nonproliferation and Disarmament Workshop. The annual event, in its seventh edition, was attended by young academics in the field of nonproliferation, arms control and disarmament, who were selected through a call for applications. During the event, participants presented their ideas on how to address the main challenges in this field. In particular, the following themes were addressed this year: - The Weapons of Mass Destruction Free Zone in the Middle East: Current State and Prospects - China's advances in artificial intelligence and the implications for regional arms control in South Asia - The expansion of nuclear programmes in the Gulf region - The nuclear risk reduction agenda - The role of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) in promoting international peace and security and exploring how the CTBT can support and strengthen the NPT regime - Evolution of the use of Russian hypersonic missiles in the Russia-Ukraine conflict - An IAEA for artificial intelligence? Lessons from nuclear non-proliferation for international governance of artificial intelligence - Trust and Verification in Space Arms Control: Different Perspectives and New Approaches The presentations were followed by questions and comments from other participants, including EU representatives. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOUJjQyufJg[/embed]

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