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“Peace Summit” for a World without Nuclear Terrorism Adjourned |
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The 2012 Nuclear Security Summit, which was held at Seoul COEX, came to an end on March 27 following two days of discussion between 58 leaders from states and international organizations.
The Seoul Summit produced concrete and visible plans to implement an international consensus on the issue, thereby taking one step forward to realizing a world without nuclear terrorism. Leaders announced voluntary measures they have taken or plan to take, and further adopted the 'Seoul Communiqué' which lays out comprehensive and specific measures to prevent nuclear and radiological terrorism.
The Communiqué emphasizes the importance of securing and eliminating HEU; encourages States, by the end of 2013, to announce voluntary specific actions intended to minimize the use of HEU; encourages the universal adherence to relevant international instruments, in particular seeking to bring into effect the amended Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials by 2014; and welcomes the establishment of Centers of Excellence for training and education in nuclear security.
The Seoul Summit broadened the scope of discussions on nuclear security by comprehensively addressing issues both dealt with at the Washington Summit - including the protection of nuclear materials and facilities and countering nuclear smuggling, as well as new issues such as the nexus between nuclear safety and security and the protection of radioactive sources.
In particular, in addition to individual national commitments, multiple voluntary joint proposals were announced on countering nuclear smuggling, the security of sensitive information, transport security and other key areas. Such explicit joint efforts by states suggest a new model for international cooperation in nuclear security.
The Korean Government, as the Chair, facilitated the deliberations and announced measures that Korea has taken to strengthen nuclear security, as well as future projects to be conducted in cooperation with other countries.
Meanwhile, Leaders agreed to hold the next Nuclear Security Summit in the Netherlands, which attests to the international community's commitment to maintain the momentum generated by the Summit process. When they reassemble in 2014, Leaders will review the progress made on the commitments made in Seoul, as well as discuss further measures to enhance nuclear security.
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Seoul Communiqué