- International Youth Nuclear Congress (IYNC) 2020 lived up to its theme of ‘Diversity in Nuclear’ when they announced an African as their new executive secretary on Wednesday, 10 March.
- The appointment took place at the board meeting during the congress in Sydney, Australia, which has gathered young and senior professionals from the nuclear industry across the globe.
- IYNC is a global network of the future generation of professionals in the nuclear field dedicated to developing new approaches to communicate benefits of nuclear power, as part of a balanced energy mix.
The network also aims to transfer knowledge from the current generation of leading scientists to the next generation and across international boundaries. This year’s congress took place from the 9-13 March 2020.
Emmanuel Montwedi is a Senior Nuclear Engineer and is currently serving as the Deputy Chairperson of South African Young Nuclear Professionals Society (SAYNPS), which is a national network of more than 500 members.
Furthermore, Montwedi was in the Local Organising Committee for the African Youth Nuclear Summit (AYNS) 2019, an event that gathered more than 300 delegates from across Africa.
Making a case for nuclear
As the South African representative in the African Young Generation in Nuclear (AYGN) Executive Committee, Montwedi has also driven a number of important issues connected to youth empowerment, diversity and initiated collaborations with various organisations.
Speaking on the appointment, Gaopalelwe Santswere, President of the African Young Generation in Nuclear (AYGN), commented: “Montwedi has an interesting background and I have no doubt that his valuable knowledge and effective leadership skills will benefit our continued international collaborations as we continue to promote the peaceful uses of nuclear technology. It is commendable to see the IYNC taking the issue of diversity serious by ensuring global representation in the leadership structure.”
The newly elected IYNC board will serve for the period of two years until the next congress in 2022 which is set to take place in Russia.
“This appointment into executive leadership of IYNC has come at the right time where the country just approved its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) which considers a diversified energy mix where nuclear is part of all forms of energy technologies”, says Israel Sekoko, Chairperson of SAYNPS.
“I am very happy and honoured to be part of the progressive and professional association like IYNC. It’s amazing how this unique network has created entirely new opportunities for thousands of young nuclear professionals across the globe. I look forward to expanding and developing that work, together with my experienced and dedicated colleagues”, said Emmanuel Montwedi.
Author: Babalwa Bungane
This article was originally published on ESI Africa and is republished with permission with minor editorial changes.
Nuclear energy will be a hot topic at the African Utility Week & POWERGEN Africa conference and exhibition taking place 12-14 May 2002 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Cape Town, South Africa.
