Hungary is in a unique position. As a small country, it originally embarked on nuclear power development not because of decarbonisation ambitions, but because it needed a reliable energy source in the absence of significant coal and hydropower resources, Attila Ságodi recalled at the World Atomic Days event in Antalya, Türkiye. Speaking at the event’s plenary session, the Chairman and CEO of Paks II Ltd. pointed out that the Paks Nuclear Power Plant has been operating safely since the 1980s, providing a stable and affordable electricity supply to Hungarian businesses and households. Attila Ságodi emphasised that nuclear energy has enjoyed a strong and stable base of public support in Hungary for many decades, with the Hungarian population holding a highly positive attitude towards nuclear power generation. He also highlighted the extensive operational experience accumulated by Hungarian nuclear professionals and their cooperation with countries in the region that use VVER technology. “We must also make nuclear energy an attractive career choice for young people,” the Chairman and CEO stressed. 

“Many talented young people are choosing careers in the nuclear industry,” said Sama Bilbao y León. The Director General of the World Nuclear Association explained that young people are not influenced by misconceptions about nuclear energy. Instead, they take a realistic and pragmatic approach to nuclear power, and many see the sector as offering excellent career opportunities. She also noted that public opinion surveys indicate a global shift in attitudes towards nuclear energy, with support continuing to grow.

“The most important element of nuclear energy is people. Technological expertise alone is not enough unless it is accompanied by ethical thinking and a sense of responsibility,” said Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom. He added that the future of nuclear energy cannot be shaped by individual nations alone: international cooperation is essential, and advanced nuclear technology must serve humanity as a whole.

“The energy system of the future must be secure, affordable and sustainable,” Alparslan Bayraktar, Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, stated in Antalya. According to the minister, nuclear energy is indispensable in the fight against climate change. He added that the time for action has come, a commitment also reflected in the target adopted at the COP31 climate conference to increase electricity’s share of global final energy consumption to at least 35% by 2035.