James Kon
As a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen the nuclear security framework, Brunei is on the verge of finalising its Integrated Nuclear Security Support Plan (INSSP) following a workshop hosted by the Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) at The Centrepoint Hotel yesterday.
The workshop was a follow-up to the preparatory meeting on INSSP for Brunei Darussalam on September 14-15, 2022 during which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) introduced the INSSP, an IAEA initiative in bolstering national nuclear security measures.
The INSSP is a product of collaborative work between the IAEA and Brunei representing a significant milestone in the IAEA’s efforts to enhance nuclear security on a global scale.
Recognising the evolving nature of nuclear security challenges, the plan comprises six functional areas – legislative and regulatory framework, threat and risk assessment, physical protection regime, detection and response to unauthorised acts involving material out of regulatory control and sustaining a nuclear security regime.
SHENA Interim Chief Executive Officer Datin Zubaidah binti Haji Mahmud, in her capacity as the INSSP point of contact for Brunei Darussalam, said, “Thanks to the IAEA, with the guidance provided, we have made significant strides in our collective efforts to strengthen nuclear security measures within our borders. The collaborative spirit, unwavering commitment and knowledge shared by participants have been worth the while.
“I am assured that the INSSP will serve as a comprehensive roadmap outlining strategic measures that can strengthen our national capabilities in ensuring the safe and secure use of radioactive materials, and safeguard our society from potential threats.”
The presence of the IAEA experts in the country, she said, “is a testament to the unwavering support and guidance that the IAEA provides to its member states. The expertise stemmed from knowledge and experience gained from international best practices will undoubtedly contribute to the development of a robust INSSP tailored to our specific needs and at the same time, aligned with global standards”.
The implementation of INSSP will facilitate the establishment of a national nuclear security regime to address emerging challenges in nuclear security, including cyber threats, the illicit trafficking of nuclear materials, and the potential misuse of nuclear technology by terrorist organisations.
By adopting a holistic and integrated approach, the plan aims to strengthen and sustain the nuclear security regime of the country to ensure the safe and secure use of radioactive and nuclear materials in Brunei Darussalam, and to contribute to the collective efforts towards the promotion of global nuclear security architecture.
Following the workshop, a four-day meeting will be conducted to facilitate discussion between the IAEA and Brunei Darussalam to review the INSSP formulated by the stakeholders represented at the meeting.
IAEA Nuclear Security Officer Andrew Prosser, nuclear security experts from Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, and the United States, as well as representatives from national government agencies, were also present.
