IAEA Hosts Workshop to Strengthen Global Nuclear Security Against Radioactive Threats

As global concerns over nuclear security continue to grow, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has intensified efforts to help countries prevent the misuse, theft, and illegal trafficking of radioactive materials. In a significant step toward stronger international cooperation, the agency recently organised its first interregional workshop focused on materials outside regulatory control (MORC), bringing together experts from Asia and Europe to address evolving nuclear security threats.

The week-long workshop was held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, from 20 to 24 April 2026 and gathered 21 specialists from 12 countries to exchange expertise, strengthen coordination, and improve national preparedness against criminal or unauthorized acts involving nuclear and radioactive substances.

Rising Concern Over Missing and Stolen Radioactive Materials

Opening the workshop, Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Security, warned that missing, lost, improperly disposed of, or stolen radioactive material remains a serious international concern.

She stressed that radioactive materials outside regulatory control pose significant risks because they can potentially be used in criminal activities, environmental contamination, or even acts of terrorism if not properly detected and secured.

According to Buglova, the IAEA’s latest training initiatives are designed to provide countries with a comprehensive understanding of how to establish effective nuclear security systems capable of preventing, detecting, and responding to such threats.

She also highlighted the importance of sustainability, strong national legal frameworks, and international cooperation in building resilient nuclear security regimes.

Focus on Prevention, Detection and Emergency Response

During the workshop, participants explored a wide range of issues related to nuclear security and radioactive materials management.

Key areas of discussion included:

• Legislative and regulatory systems for nuclear security

• Detection of radioactive material outside government control

• Threat assessment and risk analysis

• Emergency response coordination

• Nuclear security culture and awareness

• Prevention of unauthorized access to radioactive substances

• Strengthening cooperation between national agencies

Experts also exchanged practical experiences and reviewed national approaches used by different countries to manage and monitor radioactive materials safely.

The workshop aimed to help participating countries improve their ability to identify threats early, respond rapidly to incidents, and strengthen institutional coordination between law enforcement, customs authorities, emergency services, and nuclear regulators.

International Cooperation Seen as Essential

Participants repeatedly emphasized that international collaboration is critical in dealing with nuclear security threats because radioactive materials can move across borders through trafficking networks, illegal trade, or improper disposal.

Dayanch Charyyev, Senior Specialist in the International Cooperation Division at Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Defense, said the workshop demonstrated the importance of close coordination among competent authorities and continuous professional training.

He noted that for Turkmenistan, hosting the event reaffirmed the country’s commitment to maintaining a strong nuclear security framework aligned with IAEA guidance and international best practices.

According to Charyyev, the knowledge shared during the workshop will help countries improve both national security systems and regional cooperation mechanisms.

Growing Global Focus on Nuclear Security

The issue of materials outside regulatory control has become increasingly important in recent years as governments and international organisations seek to prevent radioactive substances from falling into dangerous hands.

Radioactive materials are widely used in medicine, scientific research, agriculture, and industrial activities. While these applications are generally safe under strict regulations, improperly secured materials can create serious risks if lost, abandoned, or stolen.

International experts warn that unsecured radioactive substances could potentially be used in so-called “dirty bombs,” which combine conventional explosives with radioactive material to spread contamination and panic.

Although such incidents remain rare, the IAEA has repeatedly called on countries to strengthen monitoring systems, border controls, and emergency response capabilities.

Turkmenistan Expands Cooperation with IAEA

Alongside the workshop, the IAEA held bilateral discussions with several ministries in Turkmenistan to explore future cooperation in nuclear safety, emergency preparedness, and technical assistance.

The event also followed recent high-level diplomatic engagement between the IAEA and Turkmenistan.

Earlier in April 2026, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi met with Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan and National Leader of the Turkmen people, during an official visit to the IAEA headquarters in Vienna.

The discussions reflected growing cooperation between the international nuclear watchdog and Turkmenistan on issues related to nuclear security, safety standards, and regional stability.

Nuclear Security Remains a Global Priority

The IAEA continues to play a central role in helping countries strengthen their nuclear security systems amid evolving geopolitical tensions and emerging technological threats.

The agency regularly supports member states through training programmes, technical guidance, equipment support, and international coordination efforts aimed at reducing risks associated with radioactive materials.

Experts say that improving nuclear security requires constant vigilance because threats continue to evolve with changing global conditions, expanding technological access, and increasing cross-border challenges.

The Ashgabat workshop marks an important step toward improving regional cooperation and ensuring that countries are better prepared to prevent radioactive materials from being used for harmful purposes.

As concerns over global security continue to grow, international organisations stress that effective nuclear security is essential not only for national safety but also for protecting public health, the environment, and international stability.