Amman, April 28 (Petra) – HRH Prince El Hassan, chairman of the Higher Council for Science and Technology (HCST), Monday patronized a workshop on nuclear security in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), organized by the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC) in cooperation with the US Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

In his address, Prince Hassan stressed that real security starts with a focus on human dignity and achieving sustainable development, especially in areas located along the 35th parallel east, where countries witness wars and political, economic, and other conflicts.

The protection of lives and safeguarding human dignity are not marginal concerns, but rather key pillars of any sustainable security structure, His Royal Highness pointed out, adding that human security is the focus, not just military and political security.
He called for adoption of human-centered policies to bridge the gap with a vision of stability, objectivity, and sustainability.

Prince El Hassan urged a focus on collective action and strengthening cross-border cooperation to build trust and partnership, rather than conflict and division, to focus on constructive and meaningful dialogue to enhance global and regional nuclear security, "the most important issue of our time."

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, emphasized collective action, adding that nuclear security knows no boundaries and is transnational, and that regional cooperation in such a workshop is vital and of utmost importance.
He said nuclear security directly contributes to peacebuilding and development, and enhances the continued use of nuclear science and technology in support of health, food, energy security, and combating climate change and pollution.

Ernest Moniz, NTI co-chair and chief executive officer, highlighted the value of regional leadership and enhanced cooperation, adding that the new era is witnessing rapidly evolving risks that require meetings, like these, to diagnose and address them to enhance nuclear security.

Moniz, a former US Secretary of Energy, stressed the need that the conference emulate other regions of the world, particularly those facing decisive decisions on the management of nuclear facilities, the integration of AI, and complexities of evolving geopolitical dynamics.

Former Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa stressed regional and global cooperation in addressing nuclear challenges, and action to remove any dubieties regarding nuclear armament and proliferation in the MENA region.

In light of regional and global confrontations, true security and stability must be achieved through discussion of a nuclear-weapon-free MENA region, he recommended.

For his part, JAEC Chairman Khaled Toukan said that in an era of rapid geopolitical transformation, technological advancements, and new and evolving risks of cybersecurity and emerging technologies, such as AI, there is a more urgent need than ever to address nuclear security with clarity and cooperation, adopt a collective approach to nuclear security, and expand the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

//Petra//SS


28/04/2025 18:12:32