(Taguig City). As part of its commitment in exploring all alternative energy resources to ensure supply security and stability, the Philippine government will host the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation (IFNEC) Conference on the prospects of nuclear power in the Asia-Pacific region from 30 August to 1 September 2016 at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

Spearheaded by the Department of Energy (DOE) as host agency, together with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Science and Technology through the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) and the National Power Corporation, member-states in the Asia-Pacific region will gather to discuss common issues and challenges related to the introduction of a nuclear power program.

Topics to be tackled in the conference include fostering an international cooperation in nuclear programs, global status and prospects, legal frameworks, atomic waste management, funding and financing, human resource development and capacity building, social communication for public understanding and even environmental considerations.

A total of 18 IAEA member-states will participate in the conference: Bangladesh, Canada, Finland, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America, Viet Nam and the Republic of the Philippines.

Local participants invited to attend the conference are representatives from the three branches of the government (i.e., executive, legislative and judiciary), the academe and scientific community, energy sector participants, professional organizations and non-governmental organizations.

The DOE mandate is to ensure a reliable, stable, sustainable, secure and reasonably priced energy.

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