On Tuesday, Moroccan expert Khadija Bendam was appointed president of the International Nuclear Societies Council (INSC) during its General Assembly in Vienna, held on the sidelines of the 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). With her election, Bendam becomes the first woman worldwide to hold this prestigious position, marking a historic milestone for women's representation in international nuclear organizations. Her appointment also highlights Morocco's growing influence at both regional and international levels, reinforcing the Kingdom's standing in strategic and cutting-edge fields, and consolidating its leadership role in global cooperation. The INSC succession process follows a structured path within the executive committee: from secretary, to second vice-president, then first vice-president, before assuming the presidency and eventually serving as past president. This path reflects a five-year commitment to the governance of the international nuclear sector. Currently, Bendam is responsible for nuclear and radiological safety and security audits at the National Center for Nuclear Energy, Sciences, and Techniques (CNESTEN). She also serves as president of Women in Nuclear (WiN) Morocco, sits on the board and executive committee of WiN Global and WiN Africa, and is vice-president of the Arab Network of Women in CBRN Security. The appointment ceremony was attended by delegates from several countries, including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Korea, Japan, Mexico, Pakistan, Slovakia, and the United States. The INSC unites nuclear societies from around the world, representing more than 80,000 professionals in the nuclear field.
