Mediterranean (MED) Trident Tabletop Exercise and Workshop on Nuclear Detection and Forensics

The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the European Union (EU), in collaboration with Italy, the Kingdom of Morocco, and the United States, concluded a three-day Mediterranean (MED) Trident Tabletop Exercise and workshop on nuclear detection and forensics on 11 November 2022, in Rome, Italy.

The event gathered close to 80 participants from 20 countries and from relevant national agencies, including border control, customs, regulatory authorities, law enforcement, prosecutors, and nuclear forensics experts. 

In a video address, Mr. Voronkov underlined that “the development of regional coordination mechanisms, legal frameworks and nuclear security detection capability is crucial to prevent and protect against the malicious use of radiological and nuclear materials.”

The three-day international event included presentations, panel discussions and a tabletop exercise that focused on response to radioactive waste smuggling and good practices for detection strategies, nuclear related forensics, and coordination of subsequent criminal investigations. Through scenarios, participants learned how the implementation of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT) and other relevant international legal instruments can strengthen nuclear security at borders and help facilitate international cooperation. MED Trident allowed experts from a variety of disciplines and Member States to share experiences and information, build relationships, and encourage the implementation of national legal frameworks.  

Background

The event was part of the European Union and the United Nations joint project on Promoting Universalization and Effective Implementation of ICSANT. ICSANT was adopted in 2005 by consensus by the UN General Assembly, entered into force in 2007, and currently has 120 Parties. UNCCT implements this global ICSANT project in partnership with UNODC. The project supports requesting Member States in capacity building to strengthen their legal frameworks and enhance their nuclear security. It also seeks to enhance appreciation of the importance of ratification and encourage effective implementation of the Convention.

More specifically, the UNCCT-led components of the project include:

• National advocacy events with Parliamentarians, relevant Ministries and national entities 
• Regional workshops on border nuclear security 
• a Global Academic Study on the reasons and challenges for non-adherence to ICSANT
• a Global High-Level Conference at the United Nations Headquarters

For more information, visit the WMD/CBRN webpage or contact oct-info@un.org