From August 20 to 23, Khadija Bendam, Vice President of the Arab Women’s Network for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Security, represented Morocco in Washington, D.C. during a high-level international technical visit. The event, hosted with support from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Office of Radiological Security, brought together female experts from across the MENA region for a week of focused discussions on nuclear and radiological safety.
Held at 955 L’Enfant Plaza, the gathering featured a packed agenda that included specialized panels, hands-on workshops, and site visits to institutions actively involved in radiological security. Participants came from a wide range of countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Tunisia, Algeria, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, each contributing perspectives on shared regional challenges.
Bendam stood out during the event with a keynote presentation titled “Powering Africa’s Future: Nuclear Energy Developments Across the Continent.” In her remarks, she highlighted the growing interest in nuclear energy across Africa and emphasized the urgent need for a safe, sustainable regional framework. She also underscored the importance of South-South cooperation in driving technological progress and ensuring that Africa charts its own path toward energy independence.
In addition to her keynote, Bendam joined a panel discussion on the future of nuclear security in the MENA region, where she advocated for science as a critical tool for stability, collaboration, and long-term resilience. Her contributions reflected a deep commitment to elevating the role of science diplomacy in a sector traditionally dominated by men.
This year has been particularly significant for Bendam. She was named one of The New Africa magazine’s 100 Most Influential African Leaders and was also inducted into the African Leaders Hall of Fame—recognitions that speak not only to her leadership in nuclear security but also to her role as a trailblazer for women in strategic, often male-dominated fields.
The visit concluded with a strategic meeting of the Arab Women’s Network for CBRN Security, where participants outlined new priorities for collaboration. Bendam’s prominent role throughout the visit affirmed Morocco’s growing presence in global nuclear security dialogues and reinforced the country’s commitment to building strong, inclusive frameworks for safety and governance in this critical area.
