Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT) workshop in Hungary

The GICNT was established in 2006 by the Russian Federation and the United States, which continue to serve as its co-chairs, and focuses on preventing, detecting and responding to the threat of nuclear terrorism. Three official Working Groups address challenges relating to nuclear detection, nuclear forensics, and response and mitigation. Through practical engagements and capacity-building activities, the GICNT advances information-sharing between partners, enhances national capabilities, and promotes the sharing of best practices within these fields.

The Fierce Falcon workshop was opened by Deputy State Secretary and Political Director of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Mr. Levente Benkő, Director General of the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority Mr. Gyula Fichtinger, Director General of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences Centre for Energy Research Dr. Ákos Horváth, and by Ambassador Jari Louto, Coordinator of GICNT’s Implementation and Assessment Group.

Fierce Falcon addressed the best practices for preventing radioactive material from falling into malicious hands. In addition to small group facilitated discussions, technical presentations, case studies, and panel discussions, the workshop included a series of survey-based scenario discussions. Participants also received a demonstration of the equipment and procedures that support the search and recovery of radioactive material employed by the Mobile Expert Support Team (MEST) at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences Centre for Energy Research. Fierce Falcon emphasised the comprehensive range of functions and capabilities aimed at securing radiological material, detecting acts of radiological material theft, immediate response actions to theft, and the search for and recovery of stolen radioactive sources.

The workshop focused on the best practices associated with an immediate on site and local law enforcement response to the theft of radioactive material, and was held in Budapest on the joint initiative of the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences Centre for Energy Research, and the United States Department of Energy (DOE).

Hungary’s participation in the GICNT and in exercises such as Fierce Falcon helps enhance national capabilities and facilitates relations and cooperation between responders and stakeholders.

Over 90 participants from 26 countries attended the event.

For more information about the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism, please visit: www.gicnt.org