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More about: Global Nuclear Safety and Security Network (GNSSN)

General:

The IAEA Global Nuclear Safety and Security Network (GNSSN) is a human network operating at global, regional and national levels, supported by a strong web platform. GNSSN is a key support element of the Global Nuclear Safety and Security Framework (GNSSF) defined here as “the institutional, legal and technical framework for ensuring the safety of nuclear installations throughout the world. The objective of this [framework] is to lead to a world where all nuclear installations are operating safely” (Strengthening the Global Nuclear Safety Regime, INSAG Series No. 21).

The Network:

The aim of the GNSSN platform is to provide a gateway to sharing nuclear safety and security knowledge and IAEA services by making information resources visible and available via Internet access to all affiliated safety and security related networks. It comprises a set of existing networks or a ‘network of networks’, providing comprehensive information resources, as well as an active working platform to facilitate global meetings, multimember discussions and user feedback.

The network relies on process owners to:

  • Take responsibility for content and quality;
  • Recognize that they are part of a broader community of networks;
  • Make continuous efforts to render the network visible and conducive to international cooperation;
  • Strive for common solutions, using best practices and advanced technologies, and for optimal use of resources;
  • Adhere to agreed commitments;
  • Work on sustainability and the continuous improvement of the GNSSN.

 

GNSSN Structure 
The basic structure of the GNSSF.

 

 

The Vision:

The GNSSN is the gateway to sharing knowledge and services in order to achieve worldwide implementation of a high level of nuclear safety and security. 

The Mission:

The GNSSN’s mission is threefold:

  1. Sharing information and knowledge — Ensuring that relevant knowledge, experience and lessons learned related to nuclear safety and security are managed and shared for the benefit of Member States;

  2. Facilitating multilateral cooperation and coordination — Enabling and supporting interaction and collaboration between organizations and subject matter experts;

  3. Building capacity — Establishing a capacity building framework to support the national nuclear safety and security infrastructure in the Member States.

GNSSN Governance:

The GNSSN Steering Committee comprises senior government officials holding national responsibilities for international cooperation relevant to nuclear safety and security. The role of the Steering Committee includes providing guidance on the approach and strategy for the GNSSN, guiding the development of capacity building in the participating countries and reviewing the progress of planned activities and approving proposed projects.

GNSSN Networks:

 The GNSSN provides access to all affiliated safety and security related networks — nationally, regionally and globally, for example:

  • Global networks or fora focus on specific aspects of nuclear safety and security, such as safety regulatory infrastructure (RegNet), technical support organizations (TSO Forum), safety assessment (GSAN), etc. They provide focused collaboration on a particular field of expertise, in support of global nuclear safety harmonization. Global networks support national and international actors in sharing of regulatory knowledge, practices and information and in fostering collaboration on nuclear safety and security matters.

  • Regional networks provide membership to regions around the globe (ANNuR, ANSN, FNRBA, FORO). They constitute a forum for the exchange of regulatory experiences and practices among the radiation and nuclear regulatory bodies of a specific region and help strengthen and harmonize radiation protection and the nuclear safety and security regulatory infrastructure of their members.

  • National Portals. The GNSSN has developed National Nuclear Regulatory Portals (NNRPs) for various Member States. NNRPs are internet portals hosted on the GNSSN platform, allowing the Member States to manage and display their Country Nuclear Regulatory Profile (CNRP) as well as other country specific information, or items of interest to nuclear regulators and operators. The exact scope differs from one national portal to another as all the content is provided on a voluntary basis. The NNRPs can also serve as a platform for exchange of information among various nuclear organizations nationally and as a nuclear knowledge management tool.

Top Ten Benefits of GNSSN:

Access information on advisory and peer review services to assist in implementing IAEA Nuclear Safety and Security standards and guidance

  1. Collaborate with other experts
  2. Develop partnerships
  3. Gain access to workshops and trainings
  4. Help build capacity and competences of other GNSSN members
  5. Improve knowledge of nuclear and radiation protection safety and security
  6. Join communities of practice
  7. Share national safety and security infrastructure best practices and lessons learned
  8. Share knowledge, experience and expertise
  9. Strengthen the Global Nuclear Safety and Security Framework
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