Exciting Updates from the 31st WiN Global Annual Conference

October 28, 2024 marked the beginning of the 31st WiN Global Annual Conference, 35th SNM Annual Congress, and 1st WiN ARCAL Regional Congress, starting with Board meetings followed by the General Assembly. Notable moments included:

- Dominique Mouillot presenting her comprehensive mandate report, which highlighted her accomplishments over the past term.

- The announcement of the election results, with the WAW team lead by Melina Belinco , emerging as winners, showcasing their strong performance and support.

After a brief intermission, the event continued with the inauguration and exhibition opening, attended by various officials. This segment celebrated the achievements and contributions of the participants and organizations involved.

We were treated to video messages from Rafael Mariano Grossi (IAEA), Sama Bilbao y Leon (WNA), and William D. Magwood, IV (NEA). Additionally, we gained valuable insights from opening remarks on the prospects for nuclear energy in the region by Javier Palacios (ININ) and Hortensia Jimenez (ABEN). There was also a discussion on the importance of championing a diverse and inclusive industry, featuring Jooho Hwang (KHNP, video) and Hind Abdulla Saeed Alnaqbi (WiN Barakah).

The day concluded with engaging Plenary Sessions that offered valuable discussions on critical topics:

- Creating the Pathways to a Clean Energy Transition

Moderated by cecilia martin del campo (Mexican National Autonomous University, UNAM), the session featured industry leaders like See-Moon Park (KHNP), Jhansi Kandasamy (The Nuclear Company), Hortensia Jiménez (ABEN), Julio Cesar Bermudez Nu?ez (TFV), and Irene Aegerter (1st WiN Global President). This session focused on the crucial steps and collaborative efforts required for achieving a clean energy transition.

- Leaving No One Behind

Moderated by Angela Abadia Zapata (Ministry of Mines and Energy, Colombia), this session featured Aleshia Duncan (DOE & IFNEC), Shaukat Abdulrazak (IAEA, Virtual), and Melina Belinco (WiN Global & WiN ARCAL) and Shaukat Abdulrazak (IAEA, Virtual) who has been awarded as "Change Maker" special distinction with the support of DoE. They discussed how inclusivity and equitable access to clean energy are vital for successful global energy transitions.

- Fostering Innovation through Industry

Led by Xiaohong Cheng (Women in Nuclear in Innovation Initiative), this session emphasized the critical role of industry collaboration in driving innovation within the nuclear sector. Key speakers included Tina Hernández (INMM President), Dominique Mouillot (Nuvia), Javier Palacios (ININ), and Ivan Dybov (Rosatom Latam).

Attendees also enjoyed a delightful Welcome Cocktail, providing an excellent opportunity for networking and informal interactions.

Overall, the first day was a wonderful blend of formal presentations, celebrations of achievements, and opportunities for collaboration and discussion. Today promises to be just as exciting, featuring poster presentations, technical sessions, and workshops. Notably, the WiN Global Young Generation has two sessions lined up:

- 9 AM: "Strategic Influencing for Energy Transition," managed by our dear Safa Abdo

- 1:45 PM: "Global Pathways to Nuclear Energy: Crafting Regional Roadmaps," which I am honored to conduct alongside esteemed facilitators: Aleshia Duncan (DOE & IFNEC) , Tina Hernández (@INMM President), Jhansi Kandasamy (The Nuclear Company), Eva Gyane (Chair WiN Global Groups of Expertise), and Jessica Burniske (NSW Initiative).

If you are attending, enjoy the conference! I look forward to seeing how our insights unfold throughout this event!