Photo: Eric Tingatinga
The Nuclear Futures 2026 event is postponed due to the declaration of a National Energy Emergency in the Philippines.
The NEA remains committed to this initiative and will work closely with colleagues in the Philippines to ensure continued collaborative engagement.
Parties are thanked for their understanding and continued co-operation.
This cross-cutting event, organised through the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) Global Forum on Nuclear Education, Science, Technology and Policy, aims to build strong foundations for the nuclear sector, with a focus on Southeast Asia, by bringing together stakeholders for discussions and networking on today’s most pressing issues. The final day will be organised in collaboration with the NICE Future initiative of the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM).
Highlights from the inaugural Nuclear Futures event in Sydney, Australia 2025:
Many Southeast Asian countries are exploring or advancing their plans to incorporate nuclear energy in their energy systems. In the Philippines, plans centre around reviving the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, as well as exploring the feasibility of small modular reactors. Several other Southeast Asian countries – including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Viet Nam – are similarly making renewed commitments to nuclear energy. Other non-power related nuclear activities important in the Southeast Asian region include nuclear medicine, nuclear applications in agriculture, mining research reactors, and emergency preparedness and response.
Regional collaboration on these topics among countries embarking on nuclear energy programmes, as well among countries with established nuclear sectors focused on power and/or non-power nuclear applications (such as Australia, Japan, Korea and the United States), will be vital for building the required technical capabilities, skilled workforce and social licence.
With the support of key partners from the Philippines, the Southeast Asian region and beyond, the workshop will bring together current global leaders and 30-50 early-career professionals (the '2026 Future Leader Cohort') from Southeast Asia and around the world for a deep discussion of nuclear issues. The event will provide a forum for intergenerational dialogue in the form of fireside chats, keynote presentations and interactive panels during a conference on the first two days. The following third day will concentrate on an intensive, facilitated discussion focused on the future of nuclear innovation and technology in the form of small breakout groups. Building on the discussions from the previous days, the final day, organised by CEM NICE Future, will focus on strategic messaging and global collaboration, practical approaches to financing nuclear projects in emerging economies, the role of advanced reactor technologies, and applications of AI in accelerating nuclear deployment.
Delegates will be joined by senior national and international nuclear experts from Southeast Asia and beyond, as well as representatives of civil society groups. The outcomes of the event will be captured in a document which will highlight discussions and insights on the Philippines, as well as Southeast Asia’s place in a growing global nuclear sector.
The event runs from 29 June to 2 July 2026 in Manila, Philippines. The agenda varies depending on registration type.
Participants should select the track that best fits.
This track targets early-career professionals with fewer than five years of experience. We welcome applications from individuals without prior nuclear experience.
Those who have already submitted their application do not need to apply again. Submitted applications are currently under review.
This track welcomes industry experts, policymakers, and civil society representatives. Registration grants access to the main conference days on 30 June and 1 July. Due to the limited venue capacity, participants are selected on a first-come first-serve basis, taking account of expertise and background. Selected applicants will receive an invitation.
Registration is open until 30 April 2026.
Both Future Leaders and Conference Attendees are invited to present posters.
Submissions are open until 30 May 2026.
For more information or to discuss collaborations, partnerships or other opportunities to support the event, please contact NuclearFutures2026@oecd-nea.org.
NuclearFutures2026@oecd-nea.org
