The International Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy was a series of expert meetings in Geneva, Switzerland, focusing on civilian uses of nuclear energy and developments in nuclear engineering. Four conferences were hosted in total, each with significant contributions from nations with nuclear programs and expertise in the field, e.g. the United States, Soviet Union, Great Britain, and India. Large volumes of unclassified information were shared and documented in the United Nations' proceedings.
The first conference, held in Geneva from 8 to 20 August 1955, was organized by Danish physicist Niels Bohr, who played a central role in promoting international cooperation on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. During the conference on 10th August 1955, Bohr delivered an address titled âÂÂPhysical Science and ManâÂÂs Position,â in which he reflected on the broader implications of atomic science and humanityâÂÂs role, speaking as part of the program of evening lectures given at the conference.
Before the conference, the Atoms for Peace program set the course for international cooperation and a comprehensive effort to address nuclear issues during the Cold War. Shortly after the first meeting in 1957, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was founded with the mission to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Through the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) of 1968, the IAEA was also tasked with preventing the diversion of nuclear technology and materials for military purposes.
Large quantities of scientific papers, colloquially known (at the time) as the Geneva Papers, were published in book form for the conferences. The publications are in English, although some translations have also been published. Individual books have been digitized and made available through the UN Archives (see citations and web links).