Competent Authorities are designated by States Parties to carry out specific functions with respect to issuing and receiving information relating to nuclear and radiological emergencies, in accordance with the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident and the Convention on Assistance in Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency.

Since 2001, the Secretariat has convened biennial meetings of Competent Authorities to facilitate collaboration in emergency preparedness and response. A total of 121participants from 68 States and 6 international intergovernmental organizations attended the Meeting.