The Closed Nuclear Cities Partnership (CNCP) between the United Kingdom and the Russian Federation aims to limit the spread of weapons of mass destruction by contributing to international efforts to address threats arising from the nuclear legacy of the former Soviet Union. It reflects the shared concern of all responsible members of the international community to support co-operation projects to address non-proliferation, disarmament, counter-terrorism and nuclear safety issues, which was embodied in the new Global Partnership launched by the G-8 countries at their summit in June 2002.
CNCP's objectives:
- Generate alternative lasting non-weapons related employment for scientists and technicians with proliferation sensitive skills, access and knowledge;
- Promote sustainable social and economic development in the Closed Nuclear Cities to provide an environment where the individuals concerned can see a secure future for themselves and their families;
- Assist scientists and technicians in their development of market oriented business skills;
- Identify and develop opportunities to commercialise Closed Nuclear Cities products and services in conjunction with UK and other international partners.
CNCP employs four instruments to achieve its goals:
- finance for commercial civil sector projects,
- training for personnel;
- assistance in the establishment of commercial links with Russian and foreign enterprises;
- support for sustainable economic development in the cities.
Currently the Programme is working in one form or another with the cities of Ozersk, Novouralsk, Sarov, Seversk, Snezhinsk, and Zheleznogorsk.
Seversk Business Development Agency acts as a coordinator of CNCP Programme in Seversk. Coordinator's role includes advisory assistance to start-up businesses, selection and preparation of investment proposals, monitoring of the projects which have received grants from CNCP Programme, and arrangement of seminars and workshops.
