The provision of accurate and timely information, alongside the opportunity for meaningful stakeholder participation, as well as avenues for dialogue and debate, are essential elements of a nuclear regulatory organisation’s communications strategy. Effective communications relies on the continuously evolving practices as a result of technological innovation, which has become increasingly effective at delivering tailored messages to and from larger and more diversified audiences through online and digital media platforms. However to strategically achieve the greatest impact, the use of a combination of traditional and new media platforms should always be considered.

On 28-29 November 2022, the GNSSCOM Steering Committee held its 6th Annual meeting at the IAEA Offices in Vienna. The meeting was held in a hybrid format which allowed in-person and virtual participation. The meeting was officially opened by Mr. Shahid Mallick, Director NS-NSOC, IAEA who outlined the high-level priorities for international collaboration in nuclear safety and the GNSSCOM Steering Committee Chairperson Mr. Gino Moonsamy from the National Nuclear Regulator of South Africa emphasised the need for continuously looking for innovative ways to use public communications more effectively, as an instrument for engagement, consultation, information sharing, creating awareness and building public trust.

The Steering Committee focused on;
• Receiving updates from steering committee members on their recent communication practices, challenges, successes and lessons learned.
• Reviewing the GNSSCOM activities implemented in 2022.
• Discussing synergies and cross cutting issues with other networks under GNSSN
• Internal communications to influence staff behaviours and build trust.
• New and emerging communication issues affecting member states in the different regions.
• Discussion on the work plan for 2023 to advance the objective of the GNSSCOM specifically in the area of capacity building in regulatory communications.

Mr. Moonsamy shared insights on the evolving nature of the role of public communications and the shift in mindset required by regulatory organisations to communicate effectively and build public trust. The participants included communication experts from AMSSNUR – Morocco, the National Nuclear Energy Commission – CNEN, Brazil, CSN – Spanish Nuclear Safety Council, IRSN France, SEC NRS-Russian Federation, Office of Nuclear Regulation – United Kingdom, USNRC- United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, NNR South Africa and IAEA officials. The IAEA secretariat reconfirmed its support for the GNSSCOM network.