WANO organises various kinds of events for its member stakeholders to support them in striving for excellence, by facilitating the sharing of information and promoting emulation of best practices.

Global WANO events are key engagement opportunities that bring together nuclear operators of different areas and positions to establish and maintain close contact, to network and exchange operating experience, and benchmark against highest standards and examples of safe and reliable performance.  They also serve as a communication platform for the nuclear industry to share their successes and best practices, as well as lessons learnt within the trusted circle of nuclear professionals.

By organising global events, WANO takes this opportunity to shape industry long-term strategy, set ambitious objectives, launch global initiatives, and share industry’s progress towards achieving joint goals.

Biennial General Meeting

The Biennial General Meeting (BGM) is a crucial platform for WANO member Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Chief Nuclear Officers (CNOs) from across the globe to share best practices and insights, and to promote engaging and insightful discussions on key topics relating to the nuclear industry and their work towards Excellence.

Participants can establish new connections and collaborations in the nuclear community through networking and participation in important discussions around safety and nuclear excellence. Participants also receive updates on the latest performance trends and progress towards the 2030 industry goals.

The agenda includes experts from the industry who share their insights, experiences, and thoughts on how we can address common challenges, maximise performance and shape a positive future for the global nuclear industry. Following the BGM, WANO hosts the Nuclear Excellence Awards (NEAs), established by the Governing Board in 2003 to honour individuals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to excellence in the nuclear industry.

Naoki Chigusa, WANO CEO addressing the audience during the Opening Session of the Biennial General Meeting, Abu Dhabi, UAE in September 2024
Audience photo from day one of the Biennial General Meeting in Abu Dhabi, UAE. September 2024
Kimberly Cook-Nelson speaking at the Biennial General Meeting in Abu Dhabi, UAE in September 2024.
Biennial General Meeting – Abu Dhabi, 2024

Global Chief Nuclear Officers’ Forum

The Global Chief Nuclear Officers’ Forum (Global CNO Forum) is aimed at WANO members’ highest technical executives and provides a framework for CNO’s to exchange information and share experiences at a corporate level. This forum explores crucial challenges faced by the nuclear industry and promotes the exchange of valuable information and the sharing of best practices to enhance plant safety and reliability.

CNO’s gather to discuss and review industry trends in depth and identify areas for improvement, whilst proposing actions   to promote safe and reliable nuclear plant operations worldwide. Participants will also have the opportunity to gain insights into tools and methodologies, such as data analytics and predictive technology, and how this could support excellence in nuclear safety in the future. Moreover, the networking opportunities presented by the Forum create an ideal environment for top nuclear executives to connect, share experiences, and build valuable professional relationships with peers from the WANO community worldwide.

Audience member answering a question during the October 2025 Global CNO Forum in Budapest
Audience at the Global CNO Forum in Budapest during October 2025 listening to the presenter on stage.
Wei Wen, WANO Tokyo Centre Secondee presents at the WANO CNO Forum in Budapest 2025.
Global Chief Nuclear Officers’ Forum – Budapest, 2025

Site Vice Presidents’ and Plant Managers’ Conference

The WANO Site Vice Presidents’ and Plant Managers’ Conference (SVP & PM Conference) is a significant biennial event that offers an invaluable opportunity to review the progress made in the industry led improvement initiative, Action for Excellence, ensuring a collective commitment to shaping a safe and reliable future for the nuclear industry.

WANO uses this opportunity to share the current industry trends in nuclear safety-related matters and promotes discussions to address common issues and challenges through the sharing of best practices and lessons learnt at station level.

This platform enables SVPs and PMs to share and learn from each other’s experiences and encourages SVPs and PMs to build their network in the global nuclear community to enable mutual support with each other.

Naoki Openingremarks Svppm
Speaker Presentation Svppm
Greg Presentation Svppm
Site Vice Presidents’ and Plant Managers Conference – Zurich, 2025

Global Nuclear Communications Forum

The Global Nuclear Communications Forum (GNCF) brings together communications professionals from nuclear utilities, stations, and facilities worldwide to address key industry topics, exchange information and best practices, and provide networking opportunities. It provides a framework for WANO member executives to learn, exchange information, and share experiences on how communications support is vital to establish and sustain high levels of safe and reliable performance in the industry.

This platform actively encourages the sharing and discussion of trends, tools, approaches, best practices, and lessons learnt in nuclear communications – both internal and external and addresses communication challenges stated in the UNITY document collectively, providing communications support for achieving the 2030 industry goals.

An audience member asks the presenter a question at the Nuclear Communications Forum in London, June 2025
Terry Young, Founder of Exemplary Communications presents at the Global Nuclear Communications Forum in London, June 2025
Liam Clark, Partner at Kekst CNC presents at the Global Nuclear Communications Forum in London, June 2025
Global Nuclear Communications Forum – London, 2025

Integrated Suite of Services

WANO services help member plants compare themselves against global standards of excellence and reach higher levels of safe and reliable performance.

Peer Review

Help members compare themselves against standards of excellence through in-depth, objective review of their operations by an independent external team.

Trends and Performance monitoring

Collects, screens, and analyses operating experience and performance data from nuclear power plants and facilities worldwide. Provides members with lessons learnt and industry performance insight reports.

Industry Performance Improvement

Provides a forum to support WANO members to enhance their organisational and leadership performance whilst providing a platform for enhancing professional and technical knowledge.

New Unit Assistance

Supports members and new operating organisations during the transition from a project phase – including construction and commissioning – to safe and reliable operation.

Industry Working Groups

Working to solve issues in the industry by producing guidance, best practice documents and training. Many of them are eventually published as WANO documents.

WANO Young Generation

A network for collaborating with existing young nuclear organisations. WANO Young Generation empower these groups – nationally, regionally and internationally.