The third preparatory webinar in preparation for the Fourth NEA Stakeholder Involvement Workshop will focus on Building Effective Frameworks for Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement.

The NEA Stakeholder Involvement Workshops (SIWS) are known for fostering active discussions and collaboration. The first edition was held in 2017 with a focus on stakeholder involvement in nuclear decision making. The second edition in 2019 focused on risk communication. The third workshop held in September 2023 was centred around the theme of optimisation in decision making. Other relevant workshops have included the joint NEA and DSA (Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority) workshop Regulatory Framework of Decommissioning, Legacy Sites and Wastes from Recognition to Resolution: Building Optimisation into the Process (2019), the NEA workshop Optimisation: Rethinking the Art of the Reasonable (2020), and the NEA workshop Multifactor Optimisation of Predisposal Management of Radioactive Waste (2020).

Power imbalances among stakeholders can be further intensified in cases where there is inadequate representation and/or limited resource availability to representatives from civil society and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in official forums and decision-making processes. The design of the decision-making process is crucial in effectively involving stakeholders. If the process lacks transparency and outcomes may be altered behind closed doors, then the decision-making process has not been properly designed to balance power, foster learning, and enable consensus-building.

The NEA recognises the importance of continuing its work on stakeholder involvement, which is a key goal outlined in its Strategic Plan 2023-2028. In this regard, setting the stage for the fourth edition of the NEA Stakeholder Involvement Workshop in October 2025 is a priority.

The third preparatory webinar for the Fourth NEA Stakeholder Involvement Workshop has the following overarching objectives:

1. Consolidation of onsights: Summarise and contextualise the key takeaways from the first two webinars (balanced power and influence, mitigating power imbalances) to create a cohesive foundation for the workshop.  
2. Focus on practical tools: Discuss frameworks, guidelines, and mechanisms that enable inclusive stakeholder engagement, focusing on how to operationalise the principles of equity, trust, and inclusivity.  
3. Case studies and best practices: Showcase or identify case studies where successful frameworks have been implemented to address stakeholder engagement challenges in the nuclear sector or similar contexts. Lead thought:  Why did it work; what are the lessons learned? 
4. Preparation for action: Generate actionable ideas and recommendations that participants can refine during the October workshop.

The target audience includes a diverse range of stakeholders, such as representatives from government institutions, industry sector, academic and research institutions, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from NEA member countries and beyond. Particular focus will be placed on ensuring representative participation from civil society. Additionally, the audience is set to include participants from previous editions of the NEA Stakeholder Involvement Workshop series.

The fourth edition of the NEA Stakeholder Involvement Workshop, with the title Optimisation in Decision Making: From Insight to Action, is scheduled to take place in Paris from 15–17 October 2025.

Registration is open on the event web page.