Unique Messages In Unusual Times - Communicating The Messages Of The Iaea Department Of Safeguards During The Covid-19 Pandemic

As the international organisation tasked with performing nuclear verification around the world, communicating the messages of the IAEA Department of Safeguards presents a unique set of challenges. During 2020, with the public health measures undertaken to tackle the spread of the COVID-19 virus, achieving effective communication of technical nuclear safeguards messages encountered additional barriers. Addressing the challenge of communicating scientific and technical information to both external and internal audiences during a global pandemic required the Department to adapt and utilize new and innovative approaches and solutions. This paper discusses the challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned of Department of Safeguards’ external and internal communication during 2020, along with highlighting some of the communication products produced during this time. The paper also discusses the work undertaken to ensure continuous communication regarding key Departmental projects, while overcoming such challenges as limited access to the Vienna International Centre and global travel restrictions. Ultimately, to help ensure that nuclear safeguards “do not stop for a single minute”, the Department’s agile approach to communication allowed for different ways and means of delivering its unique messages in unusual times.