The Nuclear Security Summit has came out with a detailed plan of action to secure all loose nuclear material in the next four years and to prevent terrorist outfits like Al-Qaeda from laying a hand on atomic weapons.
However, the seven-page joint communique, which lays out detailed work plan for these countries is not a binding document.
The communique issued at the end of the Summit, which saw the participation of 47 countries constitutes a political commitment by the participating countries on a "voluntary basis" the actionable portions of this work plan.
"We welcome and join President Obama's call to secure all vulnerable nuclear material in four years, as we work together to enhance security," the communique said.
Recognising the importance of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism as an important legally binding multilateral instrument addressing threats posed by acts of terrorism, the countries agreed to work together to achieve universality of the Convention as soon as possible.
According to the work plan, the participating countries will work towards the universal adherence and where applicable to accelerate the ratification process of the amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material.
Noting the need to fully implement the UN Security Council resolution in this regard on preventing non-State actors from obtaining weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery and related materials, in particular as it relates to the nuclear material, the participating countries agreed to continue to work with the UNSC in this regard.
Understanding the role of the nuclear industry, including the private sector, in nuclear security and recognising that national government are responsible for standard setting within each state, the work plan said the countries would work to promote and sustain strong nuclear security culture and corporate commitment to implement robust security practices, including regular exercises and performance testing of nuclear security, features, consistent with national regulations.
Emphasising the importance of the human dimension of nuclear security, the need to enhance security culture, and the need to maintain a well-trained cadre of technical experts, the participating states will promote cooperation, as appropriate, among international organisations, governments, industries, other stakeholders, and academia for effective capacity building, including human resources development in nuclear security programmes.
