To date six panel discussions were held and five fact sheets produced. The reports on the discussions as well as the facts sheets were circulated to the diplomats attending the panels, as well as to the broader G77 community and are posted on the VCDNP website. The panels and facts sheets have been well received by the diplomatic community and the IAEA. Judging from the feedback received on each of the panels the project has improved the understanding of the participants on: 1) the benefits of peaceful uses; 2) the role of nuclear security as it relates to peaceful uses; and 3) the important contribution made by the IAEA and other partners in supporting Member States to sustainably apply nuclear technology for peaceful uses.

Whilst the 2018-2020 project achieved its objectives, there is more work to be done. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the national budgets of Member States is bound affect the IAEA’s budget. After the 2008 financial crises, budget restrictions resulted in the emergence of the perception that nuclear security competes as a priority in the Agency with technical cooperation. Through this project, the VCDNP can assist Member States to identify and avert similar misunderstandings in the post-Covid-19 era. This project can also engage with the current focus on increasing the role of peaceful uses in addressing current and future development challenges in developing countries. This presents an opportunity to advance nuclear security by reframing it within the context of the development goals of countries, which this project is perfectly poised to do. The inclusion of case-studies in the project will increase the focus on the human face of peaceful uses and nuclear security, making the work and impact more relatable to policy makers and diplomats. Last but not least diplomats are also regularly changing posts and this platform provides useful and important information to new diplomats, as well as an opportunity to constructively engage in debates inside and outside of IAEA on pertinent issues.

The VCDNP will be responsible for planning, organizing and executing the panel discussions, as well as preparing all the required reports. The VCDNP will also be responsible for producing the fact sheets, case studies and the final report to the donors. These activities will be executed in consultation with the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) and the project funder. The VCDNP is exploring the use of a virtual platform for panel discussions, should the Covid-19 pandemic continue to restrict movement between countries or physical meetings.