Nuclear energy is at the center of global debates about power, pollution, and social inequality. Some fear it as a relic of the past, while others see massive potential for transformation. When experts and leaders gathered at the Global Forum, hosted by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) at the University of Michigan, the message was clear: the future of nuclear technology lies in its peaceful and sustainable uses, not warfare.
The symposium’s main message was simple: using nuclear energy for peaceful reasons isn’t just a choice, it’s a necessity. As climate change accelerates, countries need to cut carbon emissions without stalling growth. Yet nuclear energy – often misunderstood – remains among the safest and most stable ways to produce power. Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear plants emit almost no greenhouse gases, making them clean and nearly carbon-free.
This makes nuclear energy vital for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and Goal 13 (Climate Action). But the benefits don’t stop at electricity. In fields like healthcare, agriculture, and water management – often neglected in developing regions – nuclear technology is making a difference. Radiation techniques help boost crop yields and keep food fresh, nuclear medicine supports early disease detection, and new Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) promise reliable energy for remote communities.
In Pakistan, where millions still lack access to sufficient power and clean water, peaceful nuclear energy could be a breakthrough. The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) illustrates how tightly regulated nuclear technology can serve the public good. Nuclear power plants in Chashma and Karachi (KANUPP-2 and KANUPP-3) have already helped close the electricity gap and diversify the country’s energy mix.
Still, the biggest challenge is not developing the technology, but changing minds. Many communities have yet to see nuclear energy as the cleanest and most efficient way to generate power. The main block to growth is widespread misinformation – rooted in the connection between nuclear energy and weapons. This outdated narrative needs to be replaced. The Global Forum stressed the need for public education at the local level to foster acceptance and sustainability.
If people see nuclear energy powering schools, hospitals, and industries, public support will follow. Educational campaigns and youth initiatives are crucial for lifting the veil on nuclear science, shifting attitudes from fear to opportunity.
Another pressing point raised at the Global Forum is investing in people. The future of nuclear energy depends on having a skilled, ethical workforce ready to handle advanced
