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. 

In 2001, the Secretariat has convened its first meeting of Competent Authorities to facilitate collaboration in emergency preparedness and response. The First Meeting was attended by 83 States Party to the Early Notification Convention and 79 States Party to the Assistance Convention and 3 international organizations.