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Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Mariano Grossi said that this shared spirit is clearly demonstrated in the efforts of oncologists providing assistance and training to oncologists in Africa, in the work of nuclear safety experts on the front lines of efforts to prevent a nuclear disaster on the battlefields of Ukraine.
He also praised the “quiet work” of the agency’s nuclear inspectors.
General Conference is IAEAThe main policy-making body meets annually in September, which is likely to attract around 4,000 participants throughout the week.
Progress in Syria and Ukraine
Mr. Grossi also gave an example of the agency’s work in carrying out verification Syrian compliance with its nuclear safeguards obligations as evidence of why multilateral action is important, and the role of the IAEA and UN in moving the problem “from the worrying problem column to the normal problem column.”
He also recorded success in achieving a seventh local ceasefire around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, in cooperation with Moscow and Kyivto carry out necessary repairs after external power supplies were cut for the tenth time in June – a vital step to avoid a nuclear accident.
‘Very optimistic’ on Iran
However, Grossi admits that there are still many challenges to be faced, including challenges related to this belongs to Iran nuclear program. He emphasized that despite the ongoing difficulties, dangers and conflicts, “we will not have predictability” – or certainty, trust and confidence – “unless we can work together again.”
While expressing understanding of the difficulties facing the country and its security concerns, he underscored the need to continue working on security measures and providing assurances that affirm the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program, and added: “We are very optimistic that we will resolve them as well.”
Nuclear energy is the future
The Director General noted that the world is moving with great optimism towards the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, including many developing countries that consider it an important element in their economic development.
He said the IAEA provides the necessary training, capacity building and transfer of nuclear technology, which is “indispensable to enable equality so that everyone can benefit from it.”
He also highlighted revised estimates showing that global nuclear power capacity could triple by 2060, as more countries turn to nuclear power to meet growing electricity demand and improve their energy security.
He also highlighted considerations related to the use of nuclear energy in powering artificial intelligence (AI) data centers as the use of nuclear energy becomes more widespread, and in the maritime shipping sector, which is responsible for transporting 80 percent of global trade.
Grossi also touched on cooperation facilitated by the IAEA in the fields of cancer treatment, eradication of zoonotic diseases, and environmental protection, stressing that the agency’s unique and broad mission “is the noblest mission ever,” and called on member states to continue their support.
An indispensable role
Meanwhile, the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that the IAEA General Conference was held “at a time of profound global turmoil and uncertainty”, with attacks on nuclear facilities increasing and nuclear proliferation factors accelerating amid the erosion of safeguards.
At the same time, “the world is on the cusp of a nuclear power generation revolution” that requires careful management and monitoring.
The statement was delivered on his behalf by Monica Juma, Director General of the UN Office in Vienna.
“More than ever, our world needs the professionalism, impartiality and technical excellence of the IAEA,” he said. “And we need Member States to support you as you carry out your important work.”
He called for full cooperation with the IAEA to verify the purely peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program, and to support its role in preventing a disaster at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine.
He also called on member countries to provide predictable and sustainable funding to help developing countries through the agency’s Technical Cooperation Fund.
