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On the 70th Anniversary: The Legacy of Eisenhower's Atoms for Peace Speech.
Viewpoint: The legacy of Eisenhower's Atoms for Peace speechSubtitle:
The text of a speech delivered by World Nuclear Association Director General Sama Bilbao y León to the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars on 8 December, considering the legacy of US President Dwight D Eisenhower's Atoms for Peace speech 70 years ago.
Her full speech can be read at the link.
Some excerpts:
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and fellow advocates for a brighter future, it is an honour to stand before you today at this historic conference, commemorating seven decades of the enduring legacy of Atoms for Peace. Today, we gather not just to reflect on the past but to chart the course for a future energised by the transformative potential of nuclear energy.
Seventy years ago, in 1953, President Dwight D Eisenhower delivered his historic Atoms for Peace speech.
On that day, he set out a vision to harness the power of the atom for the betterment of humanity, setting the stage for international cooperation in the pursuit of peace and prosperity - a vision that has grown into a lasting legacy.
As we know, "it only takes one seed to grow a forest", and now, as we reflect on the past 70 years, we see that Eisenhower's vision has indeed germinated into a forest of possibilities for the peaceful uses of nuclear applications...
...Looking forward, we must paint an ambitious outlook for the nuclear sector, one that honours Eisenhower's vision and prepares us for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. The legacy of Atoms for Peace must inspire us to increase the contribution of nuclear for a better and brighter world. We must dream big and work tirelessly to transform those dreams into reality.
So, what are the key actions for us today that will lead us into this brighter future?
First, safety and security will remain paramount. Our commitment to non-proliferation and safeguards is unwavering and was a pillar of the Atoms for Peace vision. We must continuously invest in research and development to enhance the safeguarding of nuclear materials.
Second, we must prioritise sustainability. We know well the contribution of nuclear to mitigating climate change. Our actions must reflect a profound commitment to reducing impacts on the environment, by extending the life of existing nuclear power plants we can maximise 24/7 clean energy contributions. The continued presence and integration of nuclear energy into a broader energy mix, alongside renewables, can help us achieve a more resilient, low-carbon future...
Seventy years ago, in 1953, President Dwight D Eisenhower delivered his historic Atoms for Peace speech.
On that day, he set out a vision to harness the power of the atom for the betterment of humanity, setting the stage for international cooperation in the pursuit of peace and prosperity - a vision that has grown into a lasting legacy.
As we know, "it only takes one seed to grow a forest", and now, as we reflect on the past 70 years, we see that Eisenhower's vision has indeed germinated into a forest of possibilities for the peaceful uses of nuclear applications...
...Looking forward, we must paint an ambitious outlook for the nuclear sector, one that honours Eisenhower's vision and prepares us for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. The legacy of Atoms for Peace must inspire us to increase the contribution of nuclear for a better and brighter world. We must dream big and work tirelessly to transform those dreams into reality.
So, what are the key actions for us today that will lead us into this brighter future?
First, safety and security will remain paramount. Our commitment to non-proliferation and safeguards is unwavering and was a pillar of the Atoms for Peace vision. We must continuously invest in research and development to enhance the safeguarding of nuclear materials.
Second, we must prioritise sustainability. We know well the contribution of nuclear to mitigating climate change. Our actions must reflect a profound commitment to reducing impacts on the environment, by extending the life of existing nuclear power plants we can maximise 24/7 clean energy contributions. The continued presence and integration of nuclear energy into a broader energy mix, alongside renewables, can help us achieve a more resilient, low-carbon future...