The outcomes from the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) 1^st Technical Meeting on Public Communication in Emergencies: Tackling Misinformation and Retaining Public Trust in Disruptive Information Environments revealed a leap forward in thinking around the implications of AI in public communications during emergency situations. The convergence of researchers, technocrats, public communicators and emergency responders from various private and public sector organisations from 58 countries revealed a multi-dimensional approach for dealing with novel challenges as well as leveraging new opportunities presented by AI in public communications during emergency situations.

The meeting was held on 23 – 27 June 2025 at the IAEA in Vienna, Austria and co-chaired by the Director of Communications at the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, Ann Kristin Salbuvik and the Manager Communications and Stakeholder Relations at the National Nuclear Regulator of South Africa, Gino Moonsamy.

In the panel session titled “Applications of AI for Emergency Response: Past, Present and Future” co-chair Gino Moonsamy emphasised the need for organisations to act swiftly and integrate AI proportionately into its overall strategy. He further underscored the critical importance of co-creating AI solutions through inclusive stakeholder involvement, building trust through partnerships with communities, employee skills development, capacity building and protecting reputation through ethical frameworks designed for the responsible use of AI.