‘Enhancing Capabilities for Nuclear Verification — Resource Mobilization Priorities for the IAEA Department of Safeguards’

The Department of Safeguards is responsible for delivering the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA’s) nuclear verification mission, with implementation activities in 183 States* around the world. Along with the IAEA’s Medium Term Strategy, the Department’s strategic planning framework consists of (1) the Department’s Strategic Plan, (2) the Resource Mobilization Priorities (RMP), and (3) the Development and Implementation Support Programme for Nuclear Verification (D&IS). Together, these documents connect high-level strategy with required IAEA capabilities and associated support needs and development and implementation activities. To mobilize stakeholders’ support, the RMP (previously called the R&D Plan) identifies a prioritized set of capabilities the Department needs and for which it is seeking external support, ranging from R&D to expertise to funds. Sustaining and developing these capabilities is essential to overcome challenges and seize opportunities, and to remain effective in a dynamic and resource-constrained operating environment. While operational activities, such as in-field verification, are covered exclusively through the Agency’s regular budget, activities of a developmental nature — such as equipment procurement, development of IT tools, improvement of measurement techniques, and training — are increasingly reliant on extrabudgetary contributions and other support. The RMP conveys to stakeholders the context for pursuing particular capabilities and how they relate to the bigger picture of strengthening the effectiveness, efficiency and resilience of IAEA safeguards. The main audience for the RMP is the Department’s current and future traditional and non-traditional partners. This includes Member State Support Programme (MSSP) Coordinators, R&D organizations, State and regional safeguards authorities, as well as States’ permanent missions to the IAEA. Also, given the IAEA’s strengthened focus on non-traditional partnerships, the audience includes nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), foundations and private sector entities, which are also invited to collaborate with the IAEA in advancing its capabilities. This paper will describe the methodology used in identifying and prioritizing the capabilities needed, the types of support needed, and the processes for mobilizing resources. *And Taiwan, China.