Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan presented its national nuclear energy development experience and youth initiatives at the World Atomic Days international forum, held in Antalya, Türkiye, on 12–13 November.
The event brought together government officials, major nuclear industry companies, international organisations and young people. Uzbekistan was represented by senior officials from its nuclear sector and members of the international youth initiative Impact Team 2050.
The forum was organised by Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom, with support from the BRICS Nuclear Energy Platform, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Nuclear Association.
Discussions focused on the future of global nuclear energy, its role in energy security, climate targets and sustainable development. Participants also addressed international cooperation, technological innovation and training the next generation of specialists.
Nuclear energy and sustainable development
On 13 November, the plenary session titled "Nuclear Energy for People and the Planet" brought together Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev, Uzatom Director Azim Akhmedkhadjaev, World Nuclear Association Director General Sama Bilbao y León, Kazakhstan's Atomic Energy Agency Chairman Almasadam Satkaliyev, BRICS Nuclear Energy Platform Chief Coordinator Elzy Poule and Paks II Ltd Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board Attila Shagodi.
The discussions centred on the prospects for nuclear energy, its role in meeting growing electricity demand and its contribution to energy security.
The agenda is particularly relevant to Uzbekistan as it implements a project to build the country's first integrated nuclear power plant. Uzbekistan views nuclear energy development as an important part of its long-term energy security strategy, industrial growth and efforts to expand the technological capabilities of its economy.
Youth participation in shaping the future of nuclear energy
Youth engagement was another focus of the forum. Uzbekistan was represented by Mukhiddin Umidov, a member of the Impact Team 2050 Council under the Rosatom director general and a graduate of the Tashkent branch of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI.
He took part in a meeting of the Impact Team 2050 Council attended by Likhachev, Rosatom Deputy Director General for Human Resources Tatyana Terentyeva, Rosatom International Network Director General Yegor Kvyatkovsky, Rosatom Corporate Academy Director General Yulia Uzhakina, and 16 council members and mentors.
The meeting presented the results of national youth nuclear dialogues organised by Impact Team 2050 council members. The initiatives were held in 15 countries and brought together more than 15,000 young people across several continents.
The dialogues gave future nuclear industry specialists an opportunity to meet officials from relevant government agencies and energy companies, discuss the prospects for peaceful nuclear energy and exchange views on career opportunities in the sector.
A large-scale study was also conducted through surveys of university students, school pupils and young professionals. It aimed to identify the main barriers preventing young people from entering the nuclear industry.
Plans for an international youth nuclear platform
Following the presentation of the dialogue results to the Rosatom director general, Impact Team 2050 Council members proposed several initiatives to develop an international youth ecosystem.
These included establishing national Impact Team 2050 groups in individual countries, followed by the creation of regional youth nuclear platforms. A global youth nuclear platform could coordinate the network and support initiatives at national and regional levels.
The proposed structure is intended to expand international exchanges, strengthen professional ties among young people in the nuclear sector and create more opportunities for their participation in international projects.
Uzbekistan had previously hosted its own national youth nuclear dialogue. Representatives of the nuclear industry, students and young professionals discussed career prospects, international cooperation and the role of the next generation in shaping the future energy sector.
Uzbekistan's participation in World Atomic Days marked another step in international cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The forum provided an opportunity to discuss strategic industry issues, establish professional contacts, exchange experience and strengthen youth cooperation.
