Closing Plenary Addresses: The Path Ahead

Following the principle that the past is prologue to the future, areview of the history of events and trends in the safeguards programfor civilian nuclear material provides insight about the pathahead. The safeguards program has evolved during the last fiftyyears in response to technology development, significant eventsthat prompted public and government attention, and societaltrends. Experience and current issues reveal trends that are certainto shape the future of safeguards. Many signs point toward afuture with more nuclear facilities, which will pose more safeguardschallenges than existing plants do. Although significantuncertainty exists about the specific future, nuclear power willmost likely be called on to meet future energy requirementsworldwide. Advances in technology and information managementare making it easier to gain access to nuclear technology andmaterial. These changes facilitate proliferation of technology andtechnical capability. If today’s safeguards environment is challenging,tomorrow’s will be more so. The public will demand thatgovernments enhance already stringent controls to ensure nuclearsafety, safeguards, and security. In addition, openness and transparencyare two essential elements of effective programs for safeguardingnuclear material and assuring its safe use. Ourexperience during the last fifty years prepares us to meet thesedaunting challenges. What role will you play as a safeguards professionalin helping to advance safeguards, safety, and security?