The Human Dimension of Nuclear Security: Legacy of the Nuclear Security Summit

Abstract

The “human dimension” of nuclear security is a fundamental component of a robust and sustainable nuclear security regime and is based on adequate human resources, international cooperation, networks, and on a strong nuclear security culture. The Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) process, through the Communiqués, Work Plan, and Action Plans, together with a series of commitments in the form of “house gifts” and “gift baskets,” has played a key role in ensuring the development of the human dimension. The achievements of the Nuclear Security Summits have the potential to be the cornerstone for the consolidation and the sustainability of the many capacity-building initiatives generated by the NSS process. I. The Human Dimension and Nuclear Security Summit Process A deeply rooted nuclear security culture and adequate human resources at all levels – involving regulators, law enforcement agencies, academia, and industry – are universally recognized as the prerequisites of a robust and sustainable nuclear security regime, both national and global. International cooperation and networks are fundamental elements in ensuring the development and sustainability of what may be called the “human dimension” of nuclear security, and the Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) process has played a fundamental role in their consolidation. Since the first Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, D.C. in 2010, the human dimension has attracted increasing attention as shown in the official documents of the NSS process (Communiqués, Work Plans, and five Action Plans) and in the further commitments made at the four Summits by States or groups of States (known as “house gifts” and “gift baskets”).