World experts discuss public acceptance of nuclear energy at Expo 2020

World experts discuss public acceptance of nuclear energy at Expo 2020

On 24 January 2022, Rosatom (www.Rosatom.com) hosted ‘Public demand for nuclear energy: how nuclear technologies improve our lives’, a strategic session that took place as part of Rosatom Week at Expo 2020 in Dubai. Alexander Voronkov, CEO of Rosatom Middle East and North Africa, moderated the session.

Public acceptance of nuclear energy was the focus of the discussion. As Mr Voronkov said: “Transparency and open dialogue are the beacons of effective communication in the nuclear sector. They ensure that correct information about sensitive topics is delivered and that common myths and stereotypes about nuclear energy are debunked. Moreover, they help win public trust.”

During the session, distinguished speakers from all over the world talked about global communication approaches for raising awareness about nuclear technologies, as well as the challenges that need to be overcome.

Sama Bilbao-y-Leon, the Director General of the World Nuclear Association, kicked off the discussion. She mentioned that access to reliable and clean electricity plays an important role in strengthening public health both directly and indirectly. “It goes beyond medical facilities; it includes protecting children’s lives, providing safe drinking water and food security,” said Bilbao-y-Leon.

The second speaker was Jeffrey Donovan, a Communication, Outreach and Stakeholder Involvement Officer at the International