The first International Nuclear Eco-Camp for the youth of Central Asia was held in Kazakhstan, DKNews.kz reports.
The eco-camp became the key event of the “Energy of the Atom for Central Asia” project, initiated by the International Youth Advisory Council “Impact Team 2050”. The project aims to engage young professionals from the region in the field of nuclear science and technology.
The International Nuclear Eco-Camp “Energy of the Future”, held in Almaty, brought together 50 students from specialized universities across Central Asia, young activists, nuclear scientists, as well as experts in energy, medicine, climate, and ecology. Over the course of two days, participants discussed issues of energy, climate, ecology, and sustainable development, while exploring the wide range of peaceful applications of nuclear technology that go far beyond the energy sector.
In his welcome address, Mikhail Chudakov, Deputy Director General of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) for Nuclear Energy, emphasized that participation in such initiatives provides Central Asian youth with an opportunity to become part of the global community shaping the future.
“The nuclear eco-camp is not just about lectures and meetings - it’s a space where teams, ideas, and future projects are born. By making the most of this time, perhaps right here in Almaty, your journey will begin - the journey that will change the future of the region and make Central Asia an example of sustainable development for the whole world. Let nuclear energy become a symbol of the clean, fair, and sustainable future that you will create yourselves,” he said.
Project leader and member of the Impact Team 2050 International Youth Council, Diana Gamazova, noted that the goal of the camp was to unite science, education, and environmental responsibility:
“We want to show that the atom is part of the future where technology serves peace. The youth of the region should not remain observers - they should take action and create solutions for the sustainable future of their countries.”
Chairman of the New Nuclear Watch Institute Advisory Council, Baurzhan Ibraev, stressed that the development of nuclear energy is becoming a strategic priority for Kazakhstan and neighboring countries:
“Central Asia possesses unique uranium reserves and a strong human potential. It is essential to use these resources responsibly. Cooperation with Rosatom means choosing competence, safety, and sustainable technological development.”
Director of the Agency for Nuclear Energy under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Azim Akhmedkhadzhayev, said that the nuclear power plant under construction in his country would become a model for the region:
“Our main task is to create a sustainable nuclear system that is economically viable and fully compliant with all safety standards for the population and the environment,” he emphasized.
According to Akhmedkhadzhayev, the Rosatom project - an integrated nuclear power plant comprising two small modular and two large reactors - will significantly reduce natural gas consumption and improve the energy efficiency of the republic.
Vladimir Vityuk, Deputy Director General for Science at the National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan (NNC RK), presented research developments in the field of radiation safety and spent fuel management, stressing that cultivating a culture of safety is fundamental to maintaining public trust in the nuclear industry.
The core program of the camp revolved around the idea that nuclear technology is not just an energy source but an integral part of modern life - from medicine and agriculture to environmental monitoring and biodiversity protection.
Peaceful nuclear applications already play a crucial role in improving quality of life and putting scientific achievements into practice. The informal motto of the eco-camp was: “The atom is not a warrior, it’s a scientist” - symbolizing how the diversity of nuclear applications can serve as a tool for science, progress, and sustainability in various spheres of life.
Alexander Zaitsev, Head of the Commercialization Department at the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (NASB), spoke about non-energy applications of nuclear technologies. He noted that the “peaceful atom” is actively used in medicine, ecology, and industry, driving the development of diagnostic, research, and engineering solutions.
Anna Bareika, a research associate at the Institute of Microbiology of the NAS of Belarus, presented biomedical innovations, emphasizing that ionizing radiation has long been used for sterilizing medical materials and developing new pharmaceuticals.
Concluding the program, Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of the World Nuclear Association (WNA) and one of the world’s leading experts in nuclear energy, addressed the participants. She highlighted the crucial role of youth in shaping the global energy agenda:
“The world needs a clean source of energy available 24/7 to ensure development, progress, and quality of life. Now is the time for all of us - and many of our colleagues around the globe - to truly work together and achieve at least a tripling of global nuclear capacity.”
The key takeaway from the International Nuclear Eco-Camp was a shared conviction that nuclear energy represents the future - not only for Central Asia but for the entire world. It is the young professionals of today who will shape that future, making decisions that determine the stability and safety of nations.
The project “Energy of the Atom for Central Asia”, led by Diana Gamazova, is being implemented within the framework of the Impact Team 2050 International Youth Advisory Council under the Director General of Rosatom State Corporation. The project includes a series of initiatives aimed at engaging youth in nuclear science and technology.
