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Dear <<Title>> <<Last Name>>,
It is my pleasure to highlight progress that the International Network for Nuclear Security Training and Support Centres (NSSC Network) has made since the previous issue of this Newsletter was published in September 2018.
Although the NSSC concept is oriented toward meeting national needs, the NSSC Network facilitates regional cooperation among centres as a way for centres to support each other. The NSSCs in China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea have cooperated successfully for many years through the Asia Regional Network (ARN) of NSSCs. Following the ARN model, Hungary, Lithuania and Ukraine met in Vilnius, Lithuania on 10 - 11 September 2018 and agreed to form the “HLU Consortium” of NSSCs. We hope that the formation of this second regional group will inspire others to follow suit in the months to come.
The NSSC Network Bureau discussed the overall Network strategy, reviewed progress in implementation of the three Working Groups’ Action Plans, identified key actions for the coming year, and began preparations for the upcoming Annual Meeting (18-22 March 2019) at its meeting in Vienna, held 25 - 27 September 2018. For 2019, we expect another exciting and active year with steps to further strengthen the Network.
In that vein, the Second Consultancy Meeting of the Task Force for the Development of NSSC Network Information Management Tools was held from 9 – 11 January 2019 in Vienna. Network members continue to share information through the NSSC Network Database* and Events Calendar*. Over the past year, we have identified a number of improvements that could be made to strengthen these tools, and the Task Force concluded its meeting with a robust plan of actions to be taken in that regard.
Lastly, we eagerly anticipate the revision of IAEA TECDOC 1734: Establishing a National Nuclear Security Support Centre. The IAEA Secretariat, along with key contributors from the NSSC Network, has been working hard over the past two years to enhance this publication. A complete draft revision will be presented at the 2019 Annual Meeting and we hope that the final document will be published by the end of the year.
As always, I would like to thank all contributors to this issue, especially the leadership of Working Group C (Information Sharing, Promotion, and Outreach) and the IAEA Secretariat for their ongoing cooperation and support for development of our Newsletter. The next issue is expected in Fall 2019 (Subscribe here).
*Access to the NSSC Network webpage on NUSEC is available only for Members of the NSSC Network and participants of NSSC Network meetings.
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