Sessions 1&2: Country Report

Moderator:
Ms. Lydia Ilaiza Binti Saleh, Department of Atomic Energy Malaysia (Atom Malaysia), Malaysia
Mr. Chen Chen, State Nuclear Security Technology Center (SNSTC), China

12 countries (Australia, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam) presented their country reports that included the updates on the developments and improvements since the 2021 Workshop regarding the implementation of safeguards and nuclear security, the promotion of nuclear security culture and capacity building activities.

All countries reported close cooperation with international or regional organizations and other countries, to strengthen nuclear safeguards and security capacity building. Almost all countries have implemented activities to continuously improve their respective nuclear security and safeguards regime through bilateral and multilateral cooperation with the IAEA, other countries and organizations.

The consolidation of the country reports is covered in Session 6 of the Country Report Summary.

Session 3: Discussion on Nuclear Forensics

Moderator:
Ms. Kaitlyn Toole, ANSTO, Australia
Presentations were delivered by Thailand, Indonesia and Japan
Ms. Harinate Mungpayaban, OAP, Thailand
Mr. Khairul, BRIN, Indonesia
Ms. NORO Naoko, ISCN/JAEA, Japan
Special Lectures on Regional Cooperation on Nuclear Forensics:
Dr. Eva Kovacs-Szeles, IAEA
Dr. Klaus Mayer, EC/JRC

I. The Plan or Results of the Hands-on Training Exercise on Nuclear Forensics
Ms. MUNGPAYABAN presented plans for a regional hands-on training exercise on nuclear forensics, which is anticipated to be held in July 2023 after being delayed by Covid-19. This event will include lecture sessions, a table top exercise and country reports and will consider characterization and management of crime scenes, nuclear forensics laboratory practices, and interpretation and reporting. Delivery of the training exercise will be supported by the US DOE, EC/JRC and the Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Nuclear Security, Japan Atomic Energy Agency (ISCN/JAEA).

A question was raised by Australia how the effectiveness of the training would be evaluated. Ms. Noro of JAEA introduced some evaluation methods including course survey, observation by instructors and post-course discussion with lecturers.

II. Indonesia's plan for Building Nuclear Forensics Capacity in BRIN
Mr. KHAIRUL outlined the nuclear forensics stakeholders in Indonesia (BAPETEN (regulatory), POLRI (national police) and BRIN (research and innovation)), including their various shared roles. Current and past activities in joint training and exercises, research, outreach and coordination among stakeholders and nuclear forensic analysis were outlined.

Key future activities were then described by Mr. Khairul. These were research (including participation in the upcoming IAEA CRP), improving the quality of the national nuclear forensics library, undertaking a national nuclear forensics assessment (including potential preparation of nuclear forensic laboratories outside Java) and joining the ITWG.

A question was raised by Australia about the number of nuclear forensics laboratory anticipated to be needed outside Java. Mr. Khairul indicated that preliminary consultation suggested the need for a laboratory in each major city.

Bangladesh queried whether it was possible for States to join the upcoming CRP; response to this was deferred to Dr. Kovacs-Szeles' presentation.

III. Outline of short TTX in this WS
Ms. NORO provided an overview of the benefits of table top exercises and provided a high-level overview of table top exercise.

A question was raised by Australia if there was any intention to share the exercise for member states to utilized with their stakeholders. Ms. Noro indicated there was no such intent to date but that materials could be shared in the future FNCA workshop.

IV. IAEA's Activities on Regional Cooperation on Nuclear Forensics
Dr. KOVACS-SZELES commenced with a brief overview of the function of the IAEA and an introduction to nuclear forensics in the context of nuclear security. She then described in detail the mechanisms by which the IAEA support capacity building in nuclear forensics, namely training, publications and advisory services (e.g. expert missions, technical meetings).

An overview of the new Coordinated Research Project on Nuclear Forensics, Nuclear Forensics Science to Bridge the Radiological Crime Scene to the Nuclear Forensics Laboratory (J02020), was provided. This CRP is currently open for proposals.

Dr. Kovacs-Szeles concluded by speaking to specific regional capacity development activities undertaken by the IAEA. Examples of past activities included the October 2022 ASEAN Regional Training Course on Nuclear Forensics hosted by the Republic of Korea and the ANSTO-hosted Regional Training Course on Practical Introduction to Nuclear Forensics in November 2022. Future activities were also introduced, including the International Training Course on Nuclear Forensics to be hosted by Thailand in August 2023 and the proposal to host in Quarter 3 2023 in Indonesia a Regional Workshop on Advancing Nuclear Forensics.

V. EC-JRC's Experiences on Regional Cooperation on Nuclear Forensics
Dr. MAYER provided context to capability development, noting that development of technical capabilities (evidence management and material analysis and interpretation) must be underpinned by strengthening of national frameworks and human capital. A general approach to establishing a road map for capability development was outlined, which highlighted the importance of establishing existing national capabilities and regional partnerships, and then developing a road map to address gaps between what these provide and the required capability. Such a road map will include national effort, regional initiative and international incentive, and be supported by existing guidance (e.g. IAEA, GICNT). Dr. Mayer highlighted that capacity building projects should catalyze process, facilitate inter-agency cooperation, leverage national/regional capabilities and support sustainability.

Two specific examples of regional cooperation programs were provided; in ASEAN Countries, with support from the EU CBRN Centre of Excellence in collaboration with the US DOE, and the GUAM countries (Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova), which was a partnership between the EU, US DOE/NNSA-NSDD and GUAM SMEs. A number of common features between the projects were highlighted, such as success of an initial pilot project leading to further funding and the maintenance of a high tempo of activities to sustain momentum.

In the ASEAN countries, the project sought to address the needs of a wide range of stakeholders, with activities ranging from awareness raising workshops for decision makers to hands-on technical training. Key outcomes were capability development and the building of networks. This project catalyzed the greater regional involvement in international forums such as the IAEA, ITWG and GICNT.

The GUAM program has incorporated three key project areas; development and implementation of national nuclear forensic libraries, bolstering, sustaining and standardizing technical nuclear forensics capabilities and human capability development. A number of activities were undertaken in each project area, with a focus on drawing upon regional technical capabilities and sharing of learnings and experiences.

Dr. Mayer concluded by highlighting the benefits of regional cooperation, including building on existing framework and trust, catalyzing development of capabilities, enhancing build-up of expertise and enabling efficient use of resources.

A question was raised by Ms. Noro of Japan if there was any database of experts in nuclear forensics to support sustainment of networks. Both Dr. Kovacs-Szeles and Dr. Mayer identified some significant challenges, including the qualification of experts and data protection. The IAEA and EC-JRC both maintain informal registers of experts who may support training implementation.
Materials analysis and interpretation)

Session 4: Discussion on Good Practice on Export Controls and AP Declaration

Moderator:
Ms. Sung Yoon PARK, KINAC, Republic of Korea
Presentations were delivered by Thailand, Japan, and Indonesia
Mr. Sarun Soongsawang, OAP, Thailand
Mr. Victor Siregar, ISCN/JAEA, Japan
Mr. Khairul, BRIN, Indonesia

In this session, three member countries, Thailand, Japan, and Indonesia, shared their good practices on Export Control (EC) and Additional Protocol (AP) declaration. After the presentations, a round table discussion was held on the next step of sharing good practices on EC and AP declaration. Mr. Victor Siregar from ISCN/JAEA presented Japan's proposals for the next step. He suggested milestones of the next step: collecting information for challenges and good practices on EC and AP declaration from member countries by May 2023, drafting a summary report by August 2023, and holding an online AP-CIT training for FNCA member countries in March 2024. The FNCA Members agreed on the proposal in general by recognizing the explanation of the FNCA secretariat that the suggested timelines may vary after. The FNCA secretariat is communicating with the U.S. and ROK regarding support for the AP-CIT training. The FNCA secretariat will seek the IAEA's procedure and requirements for publishing the final report as an IAEA information circular (INFCIRC).

I. Presentation by Mr. Sarun Soongsawang
Mr. Sarun Soongsawang from the Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP) of Thailand presented on 'AP Implementation and Export Controls in Thailand.' He first elaborated on the legal and regulatory framework for AP implementation and EC in Thailand. He explained the history of safeguards implementation. He also outlined the regulatory structure of the OAP and safeguarding facilities. In addition, he reported the regulatory framework of EC on items related to weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Finally, he accentuated Thailand's National Single Window as a good practice of EC.

II. Presentation by Mr. Victor Siregar
Mr. Victor Siregar from the Integrated Support Canter for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Nuclear Security (ISCN) of Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) presented on 'Good Practices on EC in Japan and AP Declaration.' He first elaborated on the AP and EC provisions and explained the obligations that arose under such provisions. In addition, he outlined how Japan has established and is strengthening its EC system. Finally, he explained the flow of the AP declarations in Japan prior to submit them to the IAEA. As IAEA drew out Broader Conclusion (BC) for Japan in 2022, it is confirmed that all AP declarations for the year 2021/2022 submitted to the IAEA were correct and completed.

III. Presentation by Mr. Khairul
Mr. Khairul from the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN) presented the topic of 'Discussion of Good Practice on EC and AP Declaration.' He explained the status of EC in Indonesia, including its regulatory systems. Although Strategic Trade Control (STC) dealing with dual-use items is not fully established in Indonesia, Indonesia is strengthening STC on the way forwards to include dual-use items by adopting the Online Single Submission (OSS) licensing process in 2020. Finally, Mr. Khairul explained Indonesia's annual AP declaration process, which has been enhanced to guarantee completeness and correctness.

Session 5: Nuclear Security Stakeholder Matrix

Moderator:
Ms. Gerelmaa Gombosuren, The Executive Office of the Nuclear Energy Commission (NEC), Mongolia
Presentations were delivered by Japan
Mr. NAOI Yosuke, ISCN/JAEA, Japan
Ms. NORO Naoko, ISCN/JAEA, Japan

I. Presentation by Mr. NAOI Yosuke
Mr. NAOI presented the outcome of the virtual Technical Workshop on Nuclear Security Stakeholder Matrix in July 2022. His outcome is based on 3 contents which include an objective matrix table, three years of activities in FNCA, and the outcome of the technical workshop. He first introduced objectives of nuclear security stakeholder matrix project.
The objectives are to get a full picture of the nuclear security activities of a state, identify gaps in infrastructure development for a state's nuclear security regime, identify gaps in capacity building on nuclear security, and facilitate coordination and cooperation among the relevant agencies. He also presented the summary of 3 years of activities in FNCA.
The proposal to start the matrix table project was first discussed at the 10th Annual Workshop of NSSP online. After the 11th Annual Workshop of NSSP via online, six member countries Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Philippines, and Thailand completed the matrix table and share the results.
In July 2022, the Technical Workshop on the Nuclear Security Stakeholder Matrix was organized via online with the participation of Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Philippines, and Thailand. In this workshop, findings from the trial, and instructions for making the tables were presented. As a result of the findings from the trial the following issue was brought out: it is difficult for one organization to cover all the parties involved in ensuring nuclear security in a state, creating a matrix table enables each FNCA Member State to identify the roles of stakeholders, identify gaps, and understanding of the national nuclear security regime. In order to identify the gap between responsibilities and capabilities, it is necessary to describe the responsibilities and necessary capabilities in as much detail as possible.
General instructions for matrix development were introduced. Among them, the matrix should reflect the current status and identify gaps for improvement, describing responsibilities and capabilities. The matrix template is just a template, so that each country should modify it to be appropriate for its national regime, there is no intention to share any sensitive information in this Stakeholder Matrix Project; however, it is still strongly recommended to share among the stakeholders at the national level, and if possible, interview stakeholders for accuracy.

II. Presentation by Ms. NORO Naoko
Ms. NORO presented the next step of nuclear security stakeholder matrix project.
Ms. Noro proposed a regional workshop on specific topics which FNCA Member States identified through matrix project, and such workshop can be developed or supported by NSSCs of FNCA Member States. She also suggested to support the development of an NSSC of FNCA members. Ms. Noro mentioned that the achievement of the Stakeholder Matrix Project outside of FNCA can be shared with other networks such as IAEA NSSC Annual Meeting Feb. 2023.

Session 6: Country Report Summary

The compilation of the country report summary (from Sessions 1 and 2) was presented by Ms. Harinate Mungpayaban (OAP). Edits and comments were received and incorporated in the country report summary. The Summary is attached to this report as "Country Report Summary." The updated Country Report Summary will be posted on the FNCA website.

Session 7: Concluding Session

Mr. NAOI Yosuke, Project Leader of Japan, concluded the workshop by providing a summary of what had been discussed and the proposals that were made. He encouraged FNCA members to provide ideas of possible projects that may be undertaken for the future. He also delivered the closing remarks, as the FNCA representative and expressed the appreciation to Thailand for hosting the workshop for 2022. He announced that the country hosting the 2023 workshop will be announced later.

Ms. Darunee Peekhunthod, Director of Regulatory Technical Support Division, OAP, affirmed the Thailand's commitment in the FNCA project of Nuclear Security and Safeguards. She encouraged collaboration among FNCA members to achieve the objectives of this project.

After the delivery of the closing remarks, the hybrid part of the Workshop was closed.

Session 8: Short TTX on Nuclear Forensics (ONLY in person)

Facilitator:
Ms. NORO Naoko, ISCN/JAEA, Japan
Mr. YAMAGUCHI Tomoki, ISCN/JAEA, Japan

As a special event at the workshop, the Table Top Exercise (TTX) on Nuclear Forensics was provided at OAP with the participation of Royal Thai Army Chemical Department, Office of Police Forensic Science, and Central Institute of Forensic Science, together with the FNCA Member States who joined the workshop in person. The background information on the TTX was presented by the TTX facilitator, Ms. Noro of ISCN/JAEA. TTX used a scenario of fictitious nuclear security incident to discuss the necessary capability on nuclear forensics and identify the gaps. TTX was facilitated by Ms. Noro and Mr. Yamaguchi of ISCN. During the TTX, OAP demonstrated the equipment used for detecting and identifying nuclear and radiological materials can be used for radiological crime scene management. Active participation during the discussions has identified important issues that should be addressed or strengthened or reinforced by the designated or responsible relevant entities in the FNCA Member States.

1. Agenda
2. List of Participants
3. Summary of Country Reports

Online Open Seminar

As online open seminar, Ms. Harinate Mungpayaban (Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP)), the Member of Thailand in the FNCA Nuclear Security and Safeguards Project, made a presentation.

For inquiries concerning this presentation, please find contact information as below.(until March 31, 2023)