New Executive Secretary, NEW VISION!!!
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, 10th March 2020. 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 develop 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 9th – 13th March 2020. Montwedi is the 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. 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 organizations.
“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”, says Gaopalelwe Santswere,
President of the African Young Generation in Nuclear (AYGN). 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”, says Emmanuel Montwedi.
