In terms of both timing and location the Asan Nuclear Forum 2013 is designed to maximize its impact on the unfolding conversation on global nuclear problems and challenges. The agenda of this Forum holds particular significance for Northeast Asia. In the aftermath of the Fukushima Daiichi accident, the region faces decreasing public confidence in the safety of nuclear facilities yet there is increasing support for nuclear disarmament and for the strengthening of the nonproliferation regime because of the nuclear crisis on the Korean Peninsula.

Considering the problems that remain and the new challenges that are now emerging this forum addressed whether nuclear energy will continue to be a viable energy source in the future and whether we can truly achieve a “world free of nuclear weapons.” What are the challenges that global leaders must confront in terms of nuclear policy and technological developments? What choices will they make? These are some of the questions that had informed the discussions, debates and analyses during the Forum.

Date: February 19-20, 2013

Place: Grand Hyatt Hotel