From 18-21 May 2026 the Pugwash Secretary General, Karen Hallberg, was in Kigali, Rwanda, for the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa 2026 Conference. She addressed the participants as part of the panel “Youth Capacity Development Dialogue“, emphasizing the social responsibility of scientists and engineers and Pugwash’s role in science diplomacy.
Hosted by the Government of Rwanda and involving more than 1500 officials, technical experts and practitioners, as well as dozens of young people, from 58 countries the conference was focused on the spread of nuclear energy, including issues of security and proliferation. The conference was opened by H.E. Paul Kigame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, as well as several other notable officials including including H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé President of the Council of Togo, Rafael Grossi Director General, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Rt. Hon. Ali Mahamane Zeine Prime Minister of the Republic of Niger, and Lassina Zerbo, former DG of the CTBTO and current chair of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board.
ISYP leadership team member Daniel Ajudeonu also participated on the panel “Youth in Nuclear — Track 3: Unlocking Youth Potential” in his role as leader of the ISYP African Project and director of the African Atomic Policy Lab (AAPL).
