News
This statement is issued by The African Young Generation in Nuclear (AYGN)
Date: 04 September 2018
ZAMBIA COMMITED TO SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE NUCLEAR DEVELOPMENT
On the 30th August 2018, Zambia launched a local chapter of the globally renowned African Young Generation in Nuclear (AYGN) network. The launch took place during the Gala Dinner of a vitally important Conference on Enhancing Africa’s capacity on nuclear safety, security and safeguards in SADC countries, which was organized by AYGN in collaboration with the Zambian Radiation Protection Authority and the Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization (NEPIO).
AYGN is a continental network of young nuclear professionals that seeks to provide a platform for sharing ideas on peaceful and safe applications of nuclear science and technology as well as facilitate the transfer of knowledge between generations and across international boundaries.
Secretary to Cabinet Dr Roland Msiska noted that nuclear is directly in line with Zambia’s national development plan, this in a speech read for him by Bernard Kapasa of the Cabinet Office during the official opening of the conference. “No country in the world has ever achieved real and sustainable development without putting technology, research and development at the core of its developmental agenda.”
Dr Msiska also thanked AYGN for choosing Zambia to host the conference and declared the government’s full support for the formation of the Zambian Young Generation in Nuclear chapter.
The AYGN President, Mr Gaopalelwe Santswere noted that the network also seeks to facilitate the increase of knowledge and skills transfer as most professionals in the nuclear industry are now in what he referred to as “the afternoon of their lives”. Mr Santswere also emphasized the importance of ensuring that young people are properly integrated into the industry as the future major role players in order to prevent them from migrating to other continents.
The conference is among the collaborated activities which are implemented by International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) under the EU funded Project MC 5.01/15B: Support to Southern African States in Nuclear Safety and Safeguards. The main objective was to create public awareness on matters pertaining nuclear safety, security and safeguards in Southern African Development Community (SADC) Member states. The activity also intended to provide an opportunity to design a roadmap in building sustainable nuclear safety regimes in the project participating countries-Namibia, Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania.
To wrap-up the 3-day event, AYGN had its inaugural “Nuclear Fun Walk” involving more than 100 learners from schools in the surrounding areas. The main aim was to create more awareness amongst the public about the benefits of nuclear technology.
Conference delegates also had an opportunity to visit the Zambia Cancer Disease Hospital to see the state- of-the art facility that has brought hope to many patients in Zambia and the SADC region.
The AYGN and ISTC officials signed a “positioning statement” which elucidates the two organizations commitment to promote public awareness on nuclear safety and security in SADC region and Africa. The statement was read by the Secretary General of AYGN, Mr. Raphael Chesori during the conference closing ceremony.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Ms Princess Mthombeni
Head: Communication
African Young Generation in Nuclear (AYGN)
Tel: +27 82 384 2144