Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism

Abstract

Global initiative to combat Nuclear Terrorism The Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT) is a voluntary partnership of 88 nations and Six International observer organizations that are committed to strengthening global capacity to prevent, detect and respond to nuclear terrorism by conducting multilateral activities that strengthen the plans, policies, procedures, and interoperability of partner nations. The GICNT was launched in 2006 by the Russian Federation and United States of America as co-chair and has grown to its current status. The objectives of the GICNT includes the integration of collective capabilities and resources to strengthen the overall global architecture to combat nuclear terrorism, convening experience and expertise from non-proliferation, counter-proliferation and counter-terrorism disciplines and providing the opportunity for nations to share information and expertise in voluntary, non-binding network. The organization has recorded some milestone achievements such as the convention of multilateral exercise that raise awareness of nuclear security challenges, bring together policies, technical and operational experts from different fields and countries, and promote capacity building across GICNT focus areas. GICNT activities from the year 2017 to 2019 are carried out through different working groups namely the Implementation and Assessment Group (IAG), Nuclear Detection Working Group (NDWG), Nuclear Forensics Working Group (NFWG) and Response and Mitigation Working Group (RMWG). The 2017 plenary meeting held in Tokyo featured 74 partner nations and 4 observer nations. At this meeting plans for work for 2017-2019 which would address the enduring priorities of the GICNT‘s working groups were reviewed. Finland was also endorsed by consensus as the Implementation and Assessment Group (IAG) Coordinator for the term 2017-2019. Also, Nigeria and Paraguay were officially admitted as new partners, raising the number of partner nations to 88. Subsequent plenary were held in 2018 at Helsinki, Finland and in 2019 at Buenos Aires, Argentina. Each GICNT working group has its objective and is tasked with a specific part of nuclear security and detection. At the 2019 plenary, Nigeria delivered a statement that further enunciated its dedication towards global nuclear security architecture and its commitment towards formulation and implementation of a comprehensive counter terrorism strategy. The statement also articulated Nigeria’s commitment towards promoting inter-agency collaboration to guarantee prevention, preparedness and response capabilities. The working groups at this plenary also highlighted their future working plans and the means by which they would be achieved. Thus, it is highly recommended for the benefit of the NNRA, that it keeps a note of the activities of the GICNT and prepare for its meetings accordingly. In addition to this, partnership with other countries and NNRA’s identification and contact with other mature regulatory bodies is highly recommended for the possibility of having agreements with them on structures to combat nuclear terrorism. Moyosola Abubakar Panebi Imbiakpa