Cleveland-Autumn Conference

Transcription

1 Cleveland-Autumn Conference 2017 Position Papers for: The International Atomic Energy Agency

2 Delegation from: Bolivia Represented by: Berea-Midpark High School Position Paper for the International Atomic Energy Agency The issues before the International Atomic Energy Agency are: Enhancing Safety and Security Strategies in the Realms of Radioactive Waste; and Reevaluating the Peaceful Uses Initiative in the Realms of Nuclear Power, Medicinal Purposes, and Infrastructure. Bolivia is dedicated to creating a safer, cleaner, and more efficient world by strengthening the Peaceful Uses Initiative. I. Enhancing Safety and Security Strategies in the Realms of Radioactive Waste. Bolivia supports using nuclear energy and finding efficient ways to deal with nuclear waste. We would like to see a way in which nuclear energy can be safely obtained and waste disposed of properly. Radioactive waste and its containment and disposal, is an important part of nuclear technology expansion. Nuclear energy currently produces 11% of the world s energy and while Bolivia doesn t currently produce any nuclear energy, it is investing money with plans on building nuclear power plants. We have signed an agreement with Russia to produce nuclear energy, which would put Bolivia as the third country in South America to use nuclear energy. This means that to use nuclear energy, Bolivia would have to have a plan on what to do with nuclear waste. Nuclear waste is uranium fuel that is spent and highly radioactive. Currently other countries put their nuclear waste in water for a few years until it can be stored in a large storage cask. Final disposal is geological storage (like under a mountain) or recycling it (put it in a generator again). Bolivia doesn t produce any nuclear waste, partially because we don t currently have any nuclear power plants. Bolivia has signed agreements with Russia to build nuclear power plants and the project will cost more than $300 million dollars. But the main way that The United States of America and Germany store nuclear waste is through salt rock, but this is only considered a temporary solution because uranium is radioactive for many years. Also, scientist have discovered that salt rock can become permeable, which means that nuclear waste can leak out. The United States of America has considered permanently putting it under Yucca Mountains, but this has been delayed because of political and regularity hurtles they have come across. The US Department of Energy is constructing a $12.2 billion dollars facility to process excess radioactive waste. Soviet dumps their nuclear waste into the ocean and France, Great Britain, and The United States of America has done it as well in the past. The problem with this is that it could affect ocean life in general. Once reactor fuel is used in a reactor, it can be treated and put into another reactor as fuel. Finally, Bolivia believes that a permanent nuclear storage facility should be built underground for nuclear waste to be permanently stored in. II. Reevaluating the Peaceful Uses Initiative in the Realms of Nuclear Power, Medicinal Purposes, and Infrastructure. Bolivia believes that the support of the Peaceful Uses Initiative (PUI) is the first step in creating a safer and cleaner world. We have received the help and support of the PUI in the past and plan 2

3 on accepting any other assistance that they are willing to extend to us in the future with our efforts to create nuclear energy. Bolivia was given help to establish our first isotope hydrology lab in A group of Bolivian scientists have been trained by experts in the ways of purifying the contaminated drinking water in the aquifer of Purapurani. With the expansion and revision of the PUI, Bolivia and other developing countries can become more stable and independent of nonrenewable resources. Bolivia has been active in trying to obtain renewable energy sources, such as nuclear power. We have allied ourselves with other countries, including Argentina, Russia and Paraguay. We have also been offered support from France and Iran. The majority of Bolivia s energy comes from fossil fuels. These steps have been taken in an effort to reduce our use of fossil fuels as much as possible. We believe nuclear technology to be the logical choice for renewable energy in Bolivia. The Bolivian government feels as if the PUI should make their assistance more easily available to those in developing countries. With the spread of nuclear technology, Bolivia and many other developing countries can gain a way to provide power to many. Although we are aware of the concerns of some about how this technology will affect the indigenous populations, we feel that the construction of a nuclear power plant will be a boost to our economy. Bolivia intends to obtain nuclear energy for peaceful uses and believes that other countries should do the same. We understand why Cuba, Brazil, and Mexico have abandoned their attempts at nuclear energy, but we still feel that it is the best choice for Bolivia. Looking at the Fukushima incident, we believe that the solution is, not to quit, but to reassess and resolve the issues with nuclear energy. If we create a safer infrastructure, it will benefit others, not only Bolivia. Nuclear technology can and should be used for peaceful purposes by as many nations as want it. Bolivia feels that the best solution to make nuclear energy more widely used is to work together to support and encourage nations to use nuclear energy in a safe and peaceful way. If we can find the proper funding, the world as a whole could be moving to a more ecofriendly and peaceful place to live. 3

4 Delegation From: People Republic of China Represented By: Westlake High School Position Paper for the International Atomic Energy Agency The issues before the International Atomic Energy Agency Committee are: Enhancing Safety and Security Strategies in the Realms of Radioactive Waste; and Reevaluating the Peaceful Uses Initiative in the realms of Nuclear Power, Medicinal Purposes, and Infrastructure. The People s Republic of China is concerned and dedicated to further researching and benefiting the Atomic Energy Agency. I. Enhancing Safety and Security Strategies in the Realms of Radioactive Waste. The People s Republic of China has been producing nuclear waste for quite some time now, the nuclear industry beginning around 1950, and over the past thirty years or so several different attempts have been made to regulate the waste management of the radioactive materials. The People s Republic of China ranks third in the world for nuclear power generated with around 37 or 38 nuclear reactors in operation throughout the country, and more being developed. It is hoped that within the next ten to twenty years nuclear energy will become a much larger and more common energy source in the People s Republic of China, possibly even becoming the main energy source for the country. With the amount of nuclear power generated, this country is deeply concerned about the management, safety, and waste solution for the radioactive materials. The China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) plays a vital role in supporting this mission. It is clear that radioactive waste is being created throughout the world, and the People s Republic of China believes this should not be ignored any longer and that a solution should be proposed for the placement of this waste. The People s Republic of China believes that radioactive waste should be disposed of by being put into facilities to be reprocessed, then vitrified, and then put into final disposal. The People s Republic of China has been researching this possible solution and advocating for it through its long-term research and development plan for geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste. This could be achieved through a shaft-tunnel system in saturated granite underground. The People s Republic of China notes the importance of selecting proper locations to dispose of the radioactive wastes and strongly suggests extensive research and investigating of locations before choosing a location. It is important to check for proper granite formations, possible future climate changes, possible future geological changes, and overall safety of the locations. Other solutions are acknowledged by the People s Republic of China, and are seriously being considered, however, it is believed that this solution is the best option for the environment, and the people. There have been issues with the general public not supporting the solutions to radioactive waste in the People s Republic of China as well as other nations throughout the world. Many people disagree with the ideas for nuclear waste disposals that have been suggested, and it has been noted that politics play a role in the development of nuclear waste programs. The People s 4

5 Republic of China urges governments of nations all over the world to emphasize the importance of proper nuclear waste disposal methods, by describing the consequences of improper disposal of nuclear waste. II. Reevaluating the Peaceful Uses Initiative (PUI) in the realms of Nuclear Power, Medicinal Purposes, and Infrastructure. The People s Republic of China has had the largest installed power capacity since 2012, as well as the world s largest source of carbon emissions that same year. Since then, the Premier (informally known as the Prime Minister ) of China, Li Keqiang, declared a war on pollution to accelerate the closing of coal-consuming power plants. The People s Republic of China aims to reduce carbon emissions by 40-45% and boost renewable/nuclear energy by 15% by By 2030, The People s Republic of China is motivated to use its nuclear power to provide 10% of the total electricity consumption in the country. A clear initiative to convert to nuclear energy is outlined by the People s Republic of China s 13th Five-Year Plan, which was formalized in March The People s Republic of China is aspiring to achieve world leadership in nuclear technology. The People s Republic of China, who joined the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) in 1984, had also acceded to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation treaty in The treaty is an international agreement that limits the spread of nuclear weapons as well as promotes peaceful uses that nuclear energy can provide. The Peaceful Uses Initiative (PUI) is a program created under the IAEA that the People s Republic of China participates in. The PUI promotes the peaceful uses of nuclear energy for all nations while staying environmentally responsible. The PUI also is striving to achieve 8 of the 17 Sustainable Development goals (SDGs). The IAEA wants to accomplish these goals by These goals aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and create prosperity for all people. Radioisotopes, a form a nuclear energy, is used to try and accomplish these goals. Radioisotopes can be used in a variety of ways and across disciplines, including agriculture, medicine, and water resources. Being one of the most densely populated country in the world, the People s Republic of China would benefit greatly from all of these uses of nuclear energy. As far as personal safety policies, the People s Republic of China created the National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA) under the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA). These two bodies maintain international agreements regarding safety and non-proliferation safeguards. The NNSA has been working closely with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and has adopted similar regulations. This, along with a high involvement and commitment with the IAEA, gives the NNSA strong international credibility. 5

6 Delegation From: Egypt Represented By: Lakewood High School Position Paper for the International Atomic Energy Agency The issues presented before the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are: Enhancing Safety and Security Strategies In the Realms of Radioactive Waste; and Reevaluating the Peaceful Uses Initiative in the realms of Nuclear Power, Medicinal Purposes, and Infrastructure. I. Enhancing Safety and Security Strategies In the Realms of Radioactive Waste. The Republic of Egypt would like to create containment procedures and future safeguards regarding nuclear waste that can be used to prevent damage to the general populace. Although Egypt's current nuclear program is rather rudimentary, precaution should still be maintained should future progress be made. Egypt s nuclear program is primarily in its research and development stage, the two major nuclear waste producers in egypt being two research reactors. The Egyptian delegation would like to address past actions undertaken by the Egyptian Atomic Energy Association (EAEA) regarding containment and safety procedures surrounding radioactive waste and efforts made. The EAEA is Egypt's largest benefactor to maintaining and developing Egypt s nuclear scientific and technological field and is organized into four centers; the main focus will be the Hot Laboratory and Waste Management Center (HLWMC). Established in 1980 with the support of the IAEA, the HLWMC is Egypt's largest contributor to nuclear waste disposal and concerns itself with the containment of nuclear waste and the development of nuclear projects and contains within it a Consolidated Interim Storage (CIS) along with a liquid lowintermediate level waste (L/ILW) treatment plant. Consolidated Interim Storages are large storage facilities typically housing containers of radioactive compacted solid waste and spent fuel pools. L/ILW plants are compaction units for low level radioactive solid wastes and a cementation units for conditioning sludges, concentrates and compacted solid wastes. Many past attempts to establish a working nuclear power plant have proved unfruitful, various efforts by former egyptian powers cancelled due to barriers like war and lack of funding. Despite these past difficulties, recent decades see the extensive Egyptian efforts to revive a national nuclear program. The possibility of Egypt's possible nuclear future nuclear infrastructure comes with the responsibility to continue the preservation of the safety Egypt and its peoples. Some methods to consider in the future are the aforementioned development of more sites and procedures designed to accommodate future nuclear sites and reactors along with the enforcement and strengthening of current programs. We request the assistance of the IAEA to further assist with the development of these new programs and implore the international community to keep an open mind regarding the containment of nuclear waste and its importance. II. Reevaluating the Peaceful Uses Initiative in the realms of Nuclear Power, Medicinal Purposes, and Infrastructure. The Republic of Egypt highly advocates for the work set out to be accomplished by the Peaceful Uses Initiative and encourages its success, although acknowledges that it is not always benefiting those who require it the most. The PUI was formed with noble intentions, but because it relies solely on extrabudgetary donations the program lacks the funding to produce fruitful programs in developing countries essential to the growth of the use of nuclear power. 6

7 As a nation with a developing economy, Egypt and many others alike rely on nonrenewable energy sources: making the transfer to renewable power simply too expensive and therefore a dependence upon it unreliable. Fossil fuels alone make up 87.7% of the total energy used in Egypt, and while the EAEA has proudly established three major research centers working to use nuclear power in multiple applications, safety precautions have slowed the widespread implementation of this energy. In order to promote the utilization of highly effective and safe nuclear power, infrastructure and medicine, more funds and resources must be allocated to developing member countries of the IAEA. From the $10 million USD the EAEA has received from the IAEA from 1996 to 2012, it has cooperated with fellow member states on a multitude of levels: working to ensure the safety of nuclear energy, furthering nuclear engineering and technology, building on nuclear physics and chemistry and more, but and still has a long way to come. By financially supporting smaller, developing countries to a greater degree the future of the PUI is substantially more promising. Through participating in the IAEA and supporting the PUI, the delegation of Egypt wishes to further current efforts being made by member states: for example the achievement of the eight SDGs by the year This one major task along with many others cannot be accomplished without adequate funding, which is why Egypt stresses the importance of organizing fundraising within the PUI to allocate donations where they are needed most. In addition to that the delegation would like to work with the committee to establish a balance for developing states, an effective way to support them throughout the entire development process and beyond. 7

8 Delegation from: The French Republic Represented by: St. Edward High School Position Paper for the International Atomic Energy Agency The topics before the International Atomic Energy Agency are: Enhancing Safety and Security Strategies in the Realm of Radioactive Waste; and Reevaluating the Peaceful uses Initiative in the realms of Nuclear Power, Medicinal Purposes, and Infrastructure. The French Republic is devoted to safely producing energy through nuclear means and responsibly managing the resulting nuclear waste. Furthermore, the French Republic expresses support for global peaceful initiatives aimed at advancing and utilizing nuclear technology. I. Enhancing Safety and Security Strategies in the Realm of Radioactive Waste. The French Republic supports other nations in their peaceful use of nuclear power reactors under the condition that those entities comply with international standards set forth by the world community and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). As nation which produces 72.28% of its own annual power production through nuclear means, France understands that many nations want to become self-reliant. However, France also recognizes the dangers involved in the production of nuclear waste and remains firm its support of security and safety strategies which prevent these dangers. The French Republic operates fifty-eight nuclear power reactors spread across nineteen nuclear power plants. France recognizes the importance of complying with international standards for the way it deals with nuclear waste and maintains these standards at each of its nuclear plants. Following a review by the Operational Safety Review Team (OSART) an IAEA team of experts concluded that the operation of France s Bugey Nuclear Power Plant demonstrated a commitment to safety. The review covered many areas and the identified good practices that can help to improve safety in other countries if applied to their operations. France believes that these practices can help nations deal with their nuclear waste problems in several ways. France produces roughly 44,300 cubic meters of nuclear waste a year and has developed many procedures to help combat this. In fact, France has developed a whole agency for this called the National Radioactive Waste Management Agency (ANDRA). France pursues policies which work to develop long term and more efficient programs rather than short term solutions, a practice which the world community is reluctant to follow. France invests considerably in its own research and development making it very active in developing nuclear technologies such as reactors and fuel products. These new technologies allow France to make its facilities much more efficient at cutting its costs, fuel, and waste. France has also developed a technique to reuse its nuclear fuel. In % of nuclear energy production was generated using recycled fuel and France has invested in several companies such as Areva to help improve this process and introduce it to other nations. However, not all of the fuel can be recycled, so France is developing facilities which can hold the waste long term under controlled conditions until it becomes safe to dispose of properly. The waste is first taken to several centers which sort the waste by radioactivity level and type. When possible, certain types of waste are processed so that they can be disposed of or used for something else and the others are sealed in containers designed for that specific type of waste. They are then stored accordingly, some being placed in a deep geological disposal repository currently being built. France hopes that other nations will follow this refined process in order to safely store their waste long term, however France also wishes to ensure that these facilities are accessible for hundreds of years in case new, more effective, waste management solutions are created. 8

9 The international community must begin to develop multinational accepted procedures for waste management. France has outlined several effective procedures which it has developed and hopes that other nations will begin to mobilize on this issue. It is critical that any nations which wants to develop a peaceful nuclear power system with the intent to generate electricity must comply with IAEA standards and dispose of their nuclear waste in a safe and secure manner. II. Reevaluating the Peaceful uses Initiative in the Realms of Nuclear Power, Medicinal Purposes, and Infrastructure As a member of the Peaceful uses Initiative (PUI) the French Republic has had a long standing devotion to developing peaceful uses of nuclear technology and believes that it plays a pivotal role in human advancement. The PUI allows the IAEA to work much more flexibility while also pursuing a few of the Sustainable Development Goals. For these reasons France has contributed and will continue to contribute to the PUI while also helping it work more effectively. Nuclear technologies are prompting many great advancements throughout many fields that expand beyond power generation, something France understands as a main member of both the Nuclear non- Proliferation Treaty and the PUI. The focus of the PUI aligns with that of France when it comes to nuclear technologies. France is one of just a few countries that contains a comprehensive nuclear industry, something which strengthens the ties between its industry and companies in foreign markets. This can create a web of investment allowing France to easily support organizations working in the fields the PUI covers such as Lemer Pax, a company which develops technologies in nuclear medicine. This has a wide range of effects, but it essentially means that France has the ability to support both physically and fiscally initiatives such as the PUI and it allows France to help develop nuclear technologies in peaceful ways such as the applications it has in curing cancer through medicinal programs. Using this same system France is able to support fledgling nuclear industries in other countries. France developed its nuclear industry with the goal of becoming self-reliant after the large oil shock in France would like to help other nations become self-reliant as well, through sustainable development. Whether it be investments in infrastructure, health, advanced agriculture, or environmental protection, a nation receiving capital from the PUI or state bodies such as France can get up and running sustainably without the burden many other developing nations face. Building a nuclear infrastructure is very expensive, but just a few reactors can greatly benefit a developing nation. Since the IAEA is involved, standards can be put in place to maintain security at these facilities and ensure they are being developed with peaceful intentions. The Peaceful uses Initiative does a lot of great work, but it often lacks funding and political support. France is willing to support this initiative with funding and its industrial backing/experience. Hopefully other developed nations will follow the same path gaining a more global mindset. France sees this not just as an opportunity to do something good but as a way to benefit itself and grow its own industry while supporting peaceful and sustainable development/progress. France believes the Peaceful uses Initiative should focus on helping other nations reach self-reliability through sustainable means in order to create longer lasting solutions and strengthen the developing world. 9

10 Delegation from Italy Represented by Orange High School Position Paper for the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency The issues before the United Nations Economic and Social Council are: The Social and Economic Consequences of Religious Intolerance; and Family Poverty and Social Exclusion. Italy supports the resolution of these issues in conjunction with the cooperation of other delegations, and shares is fondest hopes in ensuring the best possible solutions for all nations in IAEA. I: Enhancing Safety and Security Strategies In the Realms of Radioactive Waste The use of nuclear energy has been a hotly debated topic ever since the first nuclear power plant was erected in Following disasters such as Chernobyl, many countries that had previously been utilizing nuclear power then began phasing out dangerous plants that had not been regulated. Italy was one of these countries, as it is continuing the process of decommissioning all of its four nuclear plants. However, all countries who had at some point utilized nuclear energy must now grapple with the consequence of nuclear waste by utilizing the best possible methods for its eradication. Italy is an international leader in the decommission of nuclear power plants, and has pioneered the way for the utilization of the ARTEMIS review. The ARTEMIS review is a comprehensive service performed by IAEA for Member States with services ranging from inspecting governmental policies concerning nuclear cleanup to advising on specific technological aspects of radioactive waste management. ARTEMIS works with participating volunteer countries to ensure that the best policies are enacted and the safety of citizens are ensured. Director of the IAEA's Division of Nuclear Fuel Cycle, Waste Technology and Research Reactors, Christophe Xerri, denotes, We have developed the ARTEMIS reviews as a holistic service with a flexible approach, so that we can adapt as best as possible to the different needs of a Member State or organization. The benefits of this program include protecting national sovereignty through personalization and cooperation with the country of interest. When ARTEMIS offered these reviews, Italy was the first to have the team review its state-owned system, SOGIN. The team was comprised of several experts from various countries as well as specific IAEA members, and this review lasted for twelve days. After the review, ARTEMIS offered suggestions for improvement and growth in terms of nuclear waste management. Italy strongly supports the efforts that IAEA has made in creating a team that addresses the problems and questions that various countries have with their decommission of power plants. Even moreso, Italy advocates for the compilation of the new data that ARTEMIS will collect to create a model of several programs that would best benefit all countries with a past, present and future in nuclear energy. These models would differentiate between countries that still utilize are phasing out nuclear energy, nuclear energy, or planning on implementing nuclear energy in the safest way. Italy recognizes that not all nations are in the process of phasing out nuclear energy, and so Italy would look favorably upon instead ensuring the safety of all implementations of this volatile energy source. Every benefits from ensuring the safety of their citizens and using the most reliable energy, and so Italy looks forward to seeing cooperation among nations. 10

11 II: Reevaluating the Peaceful Uses Initiative in the realms of Nuclear Power, Medicinal Purposes, and Infrastructure In order to protect the planet, end poverty and create prosperity for all people, it is crucial that the international community base the use of nuclear power on three principles: disarmament, nonproliferation, and peaceful use of nuclear power. Along with 29 other nations, Italy joined IAEA in 1957 to promote the use of nuclear technology in relation to the increase food security, healthcare technology, water sanitation, desertification prevention, and to keep ecosystems in place while decrease biodiversity loss.in the words of IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy, Mikhail Chudakov, nuclear power can play a significant role in helping Member States achieve their energy security, development and climate change mitigation goals. However following the 2011 Japanese nuclear accidents, the Italian government put a one-year moratorium on plans to revive nuclear power, as the nation has become increasingly concerned with the lack of safety in the use of nuclear power plants.the delegation of Italy hopes to follow the precedent set by Jordan, as they significantly strengthened regulatory framework for nuclear and radiation safety in recent years. Looking ahead, it noted that the regulator will continue to face human resources challenges as the country prepares for a nuclear power programme. Nonetheless, Italy recognizes that the increase in peaceful uses of nuclear power for medicine, infrastructure, and irrigation are beneficial. In terms of medical advancements, nuclear medicine is a key aspect in the management of non-communicable diseases from early detection to monitoring a patient s response to treatment. PET/CT that use small amounts of radioactive materials can help detect the early onset of disease by identifying changes at the molecular and cellular levels to evaluate organ and tissue functions. Additionally, it is important that the IAEA continues to work to improve the availability of nuclear technology in health care in developing countries. The Human Health Programme provides a comprehensive approach to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of health conditions in four main areas: nutrition; nuclear medicine and diagnostic imaging; radiation oncology and radiobiology; and dosimetry and quality assurance. According to IAEA director general Yukiya Amano, the cooperation between the IAEA and EANM in expanding educational opportunities for medical professionals was extremely valuable. The EANM provides experts as well as infrastructure for IAEA training courses and expert missions to low- and middle-income countries. Amano explained that within the past two years, more than 140 nuclear medicine professionals benefited from the cooperation between the two organizations, mostly through training in European countries. By inviting doctors, technologists, radiopharmacists and medical physicists as IAEA Fellows to Italy for training, Italy will have a real impact in saving lives in developing countries. Following the IRRS team s recommendations, Italy holds that the EMRC should revise its regulatory framework to include classification of exposure situations and requirements for protecting workers undertaking remedial actions. To do so, the international community should consider completing its internal arrangements regarding the organization of the team acting on its premises during an emergency. Additionally, by establishing the minimal duration of training of medical personnel, the protection of patient with radiation-related issues can be improved. Thirdly, and most importantly, the delegation of Italy asks this the committee to implement the accreditation of radiation and nuclear safety inspectors. 11

12 Delegation from: Kazakhstan Represented by: Westlake High School Position Paper for the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) The issues before the International Atomic Energy Agency are: Enhancing Safety and Security Strategies In the Realms of Radioactive Waste; and Reevaluating the Peaceful Uses Initiative in the Realms of Nuclear Power, Medicinal Purposes, and Infrastructure. Kazakhstan is devoted to lessening the issue of radioactive waste before it becomes even more out of control and promoting the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes such as energy production, desalination, and medicine. I. Enhancing Safety and Security Strategies In the Realms of Radioactive Waste The Republic of Kazakhstan strongly supports enhanced safety regulations and security strategies for radioactive waste, a problem Kazakhstan is very familiar with. Radioactive waste can be extremely harmful to the environment, wildlife, and the people living around it. It is extremely important that safe, effective, and efficient disposal and storage methods be implemented, and mining methods that produce less waste be utilized. Since 2009, Kazakhstan has been the world leader of uranium exports, but currently has no nuclear power plants. With the mining of uranium also comes the byproduct of radioactive waste. Citing statistics from the IAEA, over 240 million tons of radioactive waste are located throughout the entire territory of Kazakhstan from a variety of causes, primarily mining. There have been efforts since 1992 to inventory and dispose of radioactive waste, but there is currently no effective regulatory body in place to make decisions regarding the disposal, so progress is slow. Some progress has been made on an international scale, however. Kazakhstan is a part of INFIRC/546, or The Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management. The question of the construction of disposal facilities is unlikely to be answered until Kazakhstan expands into nuclear power plants, which is expected to be by Kazakhstan would like to see widespread adoption of the mining technique known as In-Situ Leaching (ISL). This technique involves dissolving minerals in a solution for extraction. The radioactive wastes formed by this method are 0.1 kg per I kg extracted uranium, as compared with 3000 kg per 1 kg extracted uranium for traditional mining techniques. Although there are circumstances in which this method is not possible, such as when groundwater is at risk for contamination, it is very effective at minimizing the amount of radioactive waste being produced. Kazakhstan would also like to see guidelines established for effective long term storage and disposal of existing radioactive waste, a problem that has gone unaddressed for far too long. II. Reevaluating the Peaceful Uses Initiative (PUI) in the Realms of Nuclear Power, Medicinal Purposes, and Infrastructure. 12

13 The Republic of Kazakhstan fully supports the use of nuclear power for peaceful purposes. Although Kazakhstan has no functioning nuclear power plants currently, there are plans to greatly expand the role of nuclear power in our country. As the world s leading producer of uranium, Kazakhstan hopes to see an increase in the peaceful use of nuclear power across the world. Kazakhstan has supported nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament since achieving independence. After the break up of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan decided to give up the world's fourth largest nuclear weapon arsenal. Kazakhstan is a member of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Kazakhstan has plans to work with countries such as Russia, Japan, India, and the United States to increase the use of nuclear power. Before it was decommissioned in 1999, the BN-350 fast reactor in Aktau, Kazakhstan was used to produce electricity and to desalinate 80,000 m³ of water per day. Kazakhstan has already seen the benefits of using nuclear power for desalination and hopes that more countries begin using it. With access to potable water becoming a large problem worldwide, Kazakhstan believes using nuclear power desalination plants will greatly help. This will help work toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Most desalination plants are currently powered by fossil fuels. Nuclear power provides an environmentally friendly alternative way to power desalination plants. Kazakhstan hopes that this committee will work to promote the use of nuclear power for desalination. Kazakhstan also recognizes the benefits of nuclear technology for medicine. Recently, Kazakhstan has built a new center of nuclear medicine in Semey. Radioisotopes are useful in medical diagnoses and treatment of diseases such as cancer. Kazakhstan hopes that nuclear medicine technology is expanded especially in developing countries. Kazakhstan has worked closely with the IAEA to develop these technologies. Kazakhstan also recognizes the Peaceful Uses Initiative (PUI) requires more funding to be effective. Kazakhstan would like this committee to find ways to increase the funding for the PUI. Kazakhstan already contributes over 1 million euros to the PUI. With more funding the PUI will be able to better promote the peaceful use of nuclear technology for every country. 13

14 Delegation from: the United Kingdom Represented by: Saint Edward High School Position Paper for IAEA The issues for the IAEA or International Atomic Energy Agency are: Enhancing Safety and Security Strategies In the Realms of Radioactive Waste; and Reevaluating the Peaceful Uses Initiative in the realms of Nuclear Power, Medicinal Purposes, and Infrastructure. The United Kingdom believes in using nuclear energy and doing it safely to protect all who could be injured from the said reactors or other nuclear items. The IAEA main objective is to promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The IAEA was established in July of Though not part of the United Nations they work closely and report to the UN and the Security Council. The overall message being to promote peaceful nuclear use. I. Enhancing Safety and Security Strategies In the Realms of Radioactive Waste After the United Kingdom left the European Union known as Brexit they will not hold nuclear waste for them anymore. The UK threatened to return nuclear waste to the country of origin if they can not reach an agreement. The main plant processing the waste called Sellafield Plant has been harboring nuclear waste since the 1970 s. They have been able reuse this waste by converting it to uranium, plutonium, and radioactive waste, but they are holding on to around 126 of waste and other nuclear items from Germany, Italy and Sweden alone. Because they are not in the EU they do not want to be directly involved in storing radioactive material for free. The UK would like to install around 19 more reactors buy 2025 and another 16 by the year This would make a bigger percent of clean nuclear energy for the whole country to use and maybe other European countries to possibly use but that is not very likely. The UK threatens to just deliver the waste to the coast of said countries and leave it there if there is not any kind of agreement that can be reached. The UK would still like to contribute to the EU but they won t be apart of it. This would work like a allie like the UK is with the USA. The UK does wish to help and keep nuclear energy clean and safe but will not hold onto nuclear waste that belongs to the EU. II. Reevaluating the Peaceful Uses Initiative in the realms of Nuclear Power, Medicinal Purposes, and Infrastructure The Peaceful Uses Initiative or PUI has around 8 categories in which it wants to help nations deal with. The 8 are; Enhancing food security, Combating zoonotic disease, providing water to underprivileged countries, Strengthening and Development of nuclear infrastructure, Dealing with climate change, Sustainability of oceans, Supporting the terrestrial ecosystem. These are 14

15 just the main ones they deal with. The UK is a first world country so any of the ones that help third world would not apply. The other main goal of the PUI is to promote peaceful use of nuclear energy The UK does believe in using nuclear energy for good but they have 215 nuclear warheads but the US maintains most of them being one of their greatest allies. As stated in the first part the UK uses nuclear power to power around 25-30% of the country's electricity. They have been holding on to some of the EU s nuclear and does not want to hold on to it anymore which could lead to them dumping it off at the border of the EU that could lead to nuclear contamination of the English Channel, North Sea, and possibly the Atlantic ocean. By 2030 the UK will have around 35 nuclear reactor that can lead to there being a excess of nuclear waste but the UK does recycle to waste into reusable nuclear products. The UK does wish to keep their own country and the rest of Europe safe from nuclear environment destruction. 15

16 Delegation from: the United States of America Represented by: Westlake High School Position Paper for the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency The topics presented to the International Atomic Energy Agency are: Enhancing Safety and Security Strategies in the Realms of Radioactive Waste and Reevaluating the Peaceful Uses Initiative in the Realms of Nuclear Power, Medicinal Purposes, and Infrastructure. The United States stands for a policy of open communication but heavy disengagement unless absolutely necessary to protect US citizens. I. Enhancing Safety and Security Strategies in the Realms of Radioactive Waste The United States advocates strongly for the emphasis of communication between states with radioactivity operating in their territories and for analytic security reform. Our own intelligence agency has become aware of the strategic intelligence failures and the outdated industrial age intelligence production model still being utilized from the Cold War, and has since been working to almost entirely rebuild this model, urging other countries to do so as well. The United States encourages states to advance the global standard on evaluating the evolving threats to public safety of radioactivity, addressing inevitable gaps and vulnerabilities. The United States has been front line in a constant reinforcement and renewal of recommended counter-radioactive actions. We are in favor of a global standard of communication and safeguards against unlawful interference of international radioactive policy. Jeh Johnson, Secretary of Homeland Security of the United States, during a ministerial meeting of the Security Council in which Resolution 2309 (2016) was adopted, stated the idea that states following the model set by the United States of increased safety measures and information-sharing would lead to better radioactive security. The United States hopes that the states can agree to a re-emphasis of the measures set in Resolution 2309 and an increase in the global standard of radioactive security, including a rework of any outdated intelligence models similar to those currently being enacted in the United States. As the radioactive threat evolves, so must the methods used to decrease them, so not only do delegates need to promise to update their security standards, but they must also continue to be evaluated and improved upon. II. Reevaluating the Peaceful Uses Initiative in the Realms of Nuclear Power, Medicinal Purposes, and Infrastructure The United States believes in a continuation of the peaceful uses of nuclear power in any way which they can be utilized, such as medical applications, clean and renewable energy, improving food security, and expanding access to clean water. We strongly support the Peaceful Uses Initiative (PUI), as the United States provides half of the financial support, $50,000,000 annually. The United States recognizes the efforts made towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) established by the United Nations. 16

17 We hope to see more countries contributing to the PUI and the goals it is striving for. While ambitious, they only serve to make the world a better place and maintain it for future generations. 17