Terms of Reference for Implementation and Assessment

Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation

The Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism is open to other countries who share the common goals of the Initiative and are actively committed to combating nuclear terrorism on a determined and systematic basis. States are expected to confirm their participation in the Initiative by endorsing its Statement of Principles and by sending a written endorsement to the Co-Chairs of the Implementation and Assessment Group (IAG) established by these terms of reference.

Purpose

To assist participating states in their implementation of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism Statement of Principles.

Scope of Activities

States participating in the Global Initiative will perform specific activities for the implementation of the Statement of Principles, based on voluntary participation in the Initiative as a whole and in its separate components and on the individual responsibility of each participant for the steps taken within its jurisdiction to implement the Initiative, including through mutually beneficial synergies with work done by the IAEA. These activities may include:

• Encouraging other states to endorse the Statement of Principles;

• Working to improve capabilities to combat nuclear terrorism by providing and receiving assistance to partner states where appropriate to fill capability gaps;

• Participating in or hosting expert-level scenario-based exercises to test capabilities, develop new operational concepts, and enhance preparedness, as well as expert-level workshops to share best practices and develop means for the rapid exchange of technical and operational information among participating states under the condition of appropriate protection of the confidentiality of any information exchanged in confidence;

• Ensuring regular reporting from relevant departments and ministries regarding progress in implementing the Statement of Principles in their respective areas of responsibility (this refers to internal reports being prepared for national purposes in accordance with national procedures and law); and

• Reviewing and, as necessary, strengthening on a continuous basis their relevant national legal authorities to implement the Statement of Principles.

All the activities above will be conducted subject to available resources. Participants will take care to avoid unnecessary duplication with other international programs in the performance of specific activities.

None of the activities of the Initiative involves the military nuclear programs of the nuclear weapon states party to the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Neither are these activities meant to affect access to legitimate use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

IAG Function and Participation

1. The IAG is a coordination framework designed to facilitate implementation of the Initiative. IAG participants are expected to take concrete steps, as appropriate, to assist other states in implementing the Statement of Principles of the Global Initiative. The IAG is an informal advisory body of partner nations which is to coordinate and organize activities necessary for implementation of the Initiative.

2. The initial IAG participants are Russia, the United States, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. The IAEA is invited to be an observer to the IAG and to the activities of the Initiative. The composition will be further adjusted with a view to making it more representative in order to facilitate the comprehensive implementation of the Initiative.

3. The United States and Russia are the initial Co-Chairs of the IAG. IAG participants are expected to contribute to the development of a Plan of Work and measures of effectiveness to assist Initiative participants in their implementation of the Statement of Principles. The Plan of Work is a living document, and the Co-Chairs are to distribute the Plan of Work as updated to the designated points of contact of Global Initiative participants.

4. IAG participants are encouraged to engage in outreach activities to broaden participation in the Initiative.. IAG participants should work with the private sector to enhance the implementation of the Statement of Principles.

5. IAG participants are encouraged to participate in bilateral and regional activities in support of the Statement of Principles.

Responsibilities of Initiative Participants

1. Participants are expected to take proactive steps to combat the threat of nuclear terrorism and should work to maintain active participation in the Initiative by all states that have endorsed the Statement of Principles.

2. Participants should seek to designate appropriate personnel and resources for the implementation of the Initiative and should ensure that operational and technical experts working for their respective ministries and departments with appropriate operational, regulatory, and technical expertise (e.g. Defense, Energy, Interior/Homeland Security, Finance, Justice, etc.) participate in Initiative activities identified in the Plan of Work, in consultation with the host nation.

3. Participants should seek to ensure adequate provision of resources within their means to support an active schedule of technical meetings and operational training exercises.

4. Participants should forward to the Co-Chairs of the IAG and keep current their designated points of contact (POCs). These points of contact are to be shared with other Initiative participants and may include experts from appropriate ministries and departments.