The 69th IAEA General Conference was full of meaningful milestones for WiN Global, reinforcing our mission to advance inclusion, cooperation, and leadership in the nuclear field.

One of the highlights of the event was, under the theme “Powering New Challenges Through Global Cooperation and Inclusion”, WiN Global proudly launching its booth, featuring the participation of inspiring leaders who shared their insights and experiences: Rafael Mariano Grossi, IAEA Director General, Sama Bilbao y León, World Nuclear Association Director General, Annemiek Van Bolhuis, Chair of the Autoriteit Nucleaire Veiligheid en Stralingsbescherming (ANVS) Board & Co-chair of NRGE, Lars van Dassen, Executive Director of World Institute for Nuclear Security (WINS), and Melina Belinco, WiN Global President.

The event was moderated by Amal Elrefaei, WiN Global Vice President, and concluded with a warm reception, generously sponsored by the WINS, celebrating the strength of our global network.

Recognising the WiN Global Delegation

A heartfelt thank you goes to the WiN Global delegation for their dedication, energy, and teamwork: Melina Belinco, WiN Global President, Amal Elrefaei, WiN Global Vice President & Liaison Officer to the IAEA, Amparo Soler, WiN Spain President & Annual Conference Committee Leader, Eva Gyane, WiN Global Groups of Expertise Leader, Janette Donner, WiN IAEA President, and Khadija Bendam, the newly elected first female President of the International Nuclear Societies Council (INSC).

Discover all the activities in which WiN Global participated

• Strategic Engagements. WiN Global held bilateral meetings with key partners—including IAEA DG, NRGE Co-chairs, WNA DG, ENS President, and the CTBTO Executive Secretary—to further reinforce collaboration. We were also honored to join the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the European Nuclear Society (ENS).
• WiN Global Voices at Side Events: Amparo Soler and Jannete Donner joined as panelists in Promoting Opportunities in Nuclear: A Path to Inclusivity and Gender Equality.
• Melina Belinco delivered inspiring interventions at: “South Africa Side Event: Involvement of Women in Capacity Building for SMR Deployment in Africa”, “Shaping the Future: Empowering Women and Youth in Nuclear Science Across Africa and Asia”. She also engaged with the bright next generation of African leaders, including the winners of the student competition.
• Eva Gyane contributed to the Panel on Retention of Women in Nuclear Regulatory Organizations during the NRGE Special Session at the Senior Regulators Meeting, emphasizing the need for women-friendly workplace policies
• WiN IAEA Breakfast. WiN Global also had the pleasure of participating in the breakfast organized by WiN IAEA, a wonderful opportunity to exchange views, strengthen ties, and celebrate our shared commitment to inclusion and diversity.
• Leadership in the International Nuclear Societies Council (INSC). Since 2022, WiN Global has played a leading role in INSC, serving as Secretariat, organizing workshops, and chairing the Awards Committee.
• On September 16, 2025, WiN Global proudly assumed the Presidency of INSC, marking a historic milestone: Khadija Bendam became the first woman ever to lead INSC! Her vision and dedication to diversity and gender parity set a new standard for leadership in the sector.
• On September 17, during the INSC Workshop, Melina Belinco shared an inspiring presentation on inclusive leadership, gender equality, and empowering women in nuclear science.

Together, we continue to strengthen the global WiN network and inspire future generations in nuclear science and technology. We look forward to seeing you next year for another exciting IAEA General Conference!