Speech by Ramzi Jammal to the Contracting Parties to the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management

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Esteemed colleagues, Mr. Chair, it is my honour to stand before you today as your candidate for President of the Eighth Review Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management. I am ready for the opportunity to serve and contribute to the global mission of ensuring the safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste.  

Canada, through the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, is proud to have been among the first group of 42 member states to ratify the Joint Convention when it came into force on June 18, 2001. Together, as Contracting Parties, we have worked hard to build a strong legacy of excellence, leadership, and unwavering commitment to implementing world-class waste management safety standards—and this is the very foundation that I will build on as your president.  

As we stand at the forefront of a period of growth and innovation in the nuclear sector to address climate change, we must rise to the occasion. The world looks to us as stewards in addressing the urgent challenges of ensuring the safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste.   

My vision for the future of the Joint Convention is focused on four key priorities.  

First, we need to raise greater awareness of the importance of the Joint Convention and the role it plays in protecting people and the environment. By communicating more about our work, we can encourage more member states to join as signatories to strengthen our global efforts for the safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste.  

Second, I am committed to increasing participation in the Joint Convention among emerging nations. Every country, regardless of size or resources, has a role to play when it comes to safeguarding our environment for generations to come. I want everyone to have an equal chance to have a voice at our table. Building a more diverse and inclusive Joint Convention is the right thing to do, and the smart thing to do. We know equity, diversity, and inclusion bring many important benefits, including strengthening the quality of our work and increasing innovation and safety by bringing diverse ideas and perspectives together.     

Third, I will support and encourage the introduction of new proposed measures  and support existing continuous improvements to our national reporting and peer review processes. Transparency and accountability are essential in our mission to maintain the highest standards of safety.  

And fourth, I am committed to facilitating and modernizing participation, especially for nations with limited resources.    

I will lead with a steadfast commitment to safety, ensuring that the actions and decisions of the Contracting Parties remain unbiased and free from the influence of politics or geopolitics. It is our duty to do all we can to support a safe and sustainable future. 

I thank our outgoing president, Mr. Hans Wanner, who did a brilliant job of leading us through the pandemic and setting us up for continued success.  

In conclusion, if given the opportunity to assume the role of President of the Joint Convention, I will do so with honour and humility. I am aware of the challenges that lie ahead, but I am confident that together with the soon-to-be-elected vice-presidents we will make a mighty leadership team and I will be eager to serve and achieve our goals. 

Thank you, truly.