On April 26, 2026, it will be 40 years since one of the largest man-made disasters in human history – the accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Considering the scale and long-term nature of the consequences of the accident, in 2016 the UN General Assembly proclaimed April 26 as the International Day of Remembrance for the Chernobyl Disaster. This decision was adopted at the initiative of the Member States of the Commonwealth of Independent States, reflecting the recognition of the significance of our countries' contribution to overcoming the aftermath of the accident. This day will forever remain a symbol of exceptional courage and heroism of representatives of all the republics of the former Soviet Union, who, at the cost of tremendous efforts and their own health, fought the consequences of the accident at the Chernobyl NPP.
We honor the memory of those whose lives and destinies were forever changed by this tragedy. We remember the feat of the Soviet liquidators who, in just 200 days, erected a protective concrete wall near the damaged reactor, constructed a slab underneath to protect groundwater, built a sarcophagus, and carried out a number of other unique engineering and technical works. We affirm our firm intention to continue the work on mitigating the consequences of the Chernobyl accident and ensuring sustainable development of the affected territories.
The Chernobyl disaster caused radioactive contamination of the environment over large areas. Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine suffered the most, while the social, economic, and demographic consequences of the disaster, related to the involvement of citizens in its liquidation and the need for their long-term support, affected citizens of all countries involved in the liquidation efforts. The resolution of urgent and subsequent tasks lay in ensuring radiation protection of the population and developing approaches to reduce the impact of the radiation factor in the subsequent period.
In the 40 years since the Chernobyl disaster, a long and complex path has been taken from eliminating its consequences, rehabilitation, and revival of contaminated territories to their sustainable development. The ecological impact of this large-scale radiation accident necessitated the search for new solutions concerning almost all spheres of life, including medicine, science, economy, and social policy. National governments have established effective radiation control and monitoring systems, implemented comprehensive programs of medical and social support for the affected population which have received recognition from the international community.
The problems of the affected territories have not gone unnoticed by the international community. Significant support has been received from organizations of the UN system and other interested parties within the framework of implementing international projects and programs.
During this period, unique knowledge and practices in overcoming large-scale radiation accidents have been accumulated. Effective systems for managing contaminated territories have been created, approaches and institutions have been formed to ensure safe living conditions in such territories, and a wide range of dosimetric, radiometric, and spectrometric equipment has been produced.
After the Chernobyl NPP accident, the global nuclear sector underwent radical changes, resulting in the creation of new safety systems and nuclear reactors. The knowledge base on nuclear processes and phenomena has significantly expanded, strict safety standards and qualitatively new technical means of their assurance have emerged. The conclusions drawn after the accident have allowed the improvement of virtually all nuclear power plant systems and restored trust in nuclear energy worldwide, which is now regarded as an environmentally clean and sustainable energy source.
The lessons of the Chernobyl accident emphasize the importance of strengthening international efforts to ensure nuclear safety. It is important to continue interaction with states and international organizations on issues of eliminating the consequences of radiation accidents and disasters, including ecological restoration, medical and social assistance to victims, conducting scientific research, and implementing educational programs.
We also note the importance of affected parties receiving international technical assistance and the need to remove measures restricting access to humanitarian aid in the field of rehabilitation and recovery, including unilateral economic measures.
Taking into account the large-scale long-term consequences of the largest radiation accident of modern times, we appeal to the international community to continue cooperation in this area both bilaterally and multilaterally, to improve measures aimed at preventing such catastrophes, to exchange experience and technologies to ensure the safety of nuclear facilities and protect public health worldwide.
It is necessary to pay attention to educating new generations for developing a culture of safe handling of nuclear technologies and fostering a sense of responsibility for preserving the environment.