Category: IAEA

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) signed a $600 000 partnership on Wednesday with the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) to support technical cooperation projects, including to strengthen radiation medicine services in Syria. 

The agreement, signed by Mr Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti, Director General of QFFD and IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, and in the presence of Her Excellency Dr Maryam bin Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Directors of QFFD, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, will contribute towards advanced nuclear medicine diagnostic imaging services at the Al-Biruni Hospital in Damascus. The support is expected to benefit more than 3000 patients every year.

“At Qatar Fund for Development, we deeply value the IAEA’s efforts to advance the peaceful applications of nuclear technology,” Mr Al-Sulaiti said. “The introduction of nuclear medicine capacity in a public hospital in Damascus represents more than a medical achievement — it embodies our mission to strengthen health systems as a foundation for restoring well-being and dignity. By investing in advanced diagnostic tools, we aim to support the Syrian people in their journey toward recovery, resilience and a healthier future.”

“We thank Qatar for this generous contribution to improve cancer care in the region,” said the IAEA Director General during the signing ceremony. “Early diagnosis saves lives, and we welcome this donation from Qatar to support the establishment of comprehensive cancer services in Syria.”

Over a decade of armed conflict have devastated Syria’s medical infrastructure, taking a heavy toll on services to tackle long-term diseases like cancer. Cancer incidence has continued to rise in the country, however, with limited services available to tackle the growing burden. 

Breast cancer, for example, is the most common cancer among women in Syria, making up around one-third of cases and a mortality rate of 20%. Nuclear and radiation-based techniques, such as PET-CT, are key in the early detection and treatment of tumours, greatly increasing the chances of patient survival. 

Earlier this year, IAEA Director General Grossi visited Syria and met President Al-Sharaa, where, among others, he discussed a comprehensive programme to support the country with medical equipment and training under Rays of Hope. This IAEA initiative seeks to bridge gaps in access to nuclear and radiation medicine worldwide. 

“Prior to the conflict, we had made notable progress in cancer care, but services have been severely impacted, forcing many Syrians to seek treatment abroad,” said Dr Mudar Al-Okla, Director General of the Syrian Atomic Energy Commission. “As our country works to rebuild national healthcare, revitalizing radiation medicine services is a priority.” 

This is the first agreement signed between the IAEA and QFFD – a government entity responsible for the State of Qatar’s international development and foreign aid.

Since 2022, the IAEA Rays of Hope initiative has been supporting low- and middle-income countries in strengthening cancer services. To date, over 90 countries have requested support and more than €90 million have been mobilized by donors and partners of the initiative. 

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

A drone was downed and detonated approximately 800 metres from the perimeter of Ukraine’s South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant overnight, in the latest close call underlining constant dangers to nuclear safety during the military conflict, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said after receiving information about the incident from the IAEA team at the site.

The team was informed by the plant that 22 unmanned aerial vehicles were observed late last night and early this morning within its monitoring zone, some coming as close as half a kilometre from the site. South Ukraine is one of the country’s three operational nuclear power plants (NPPs), its three reactors currently generating electricity at full capacity. 

From their accommodation near the plant, IAEA team members heard gunfire and explosions around 01:00 am local time and today they visited the location where one of the drones had come down, observing a crater measuring four square metres at the surface and with a depth of around one metre.

Nearby metal structures had been hit by shrapnel and the windows of vehicles close to the impact area were shattered, the team reported. A 150 kilovolt (kV) regional power line was also damaged, the plant said, though it was not connected to the NPP and there was no direct impact on nuclear safety and security. There were also no reports of casualties.

“Once again drones are flying far too close to nuclear power plants, putting nuclear safety at risk. Fortunately, last night’s incident did not result in any damage to the South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant itself. Next time we may not be so lucky. I continue to urge both sides to show maximum military restraint around all important nuclear facilities,” Director General Grossi said.

Occurring only some 30 hours after Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) suffered its tenth complete loss of offsite power (LOOP) during the conflict, the latest drone incident made it clear that the nuclear safety and security situation remains extremely fragile while the conflict continues.

“For more than three and a half years, the IAEA has been doing everything in its power to help prevent a nuclear accident during this devastating war. We will only be able to say that our mission was successful if the war ends without a serious nuclear accident. Our indispensable work is far from finished,” Director General Grossi said.  

The ZNPP has now been without external power for more than 48 hours, making it the longest of the plant’s ten complete LOOP events. It is currently relying on emergency diesel generators for the electricity it needs to cool its six shutdown reactors and other essential nuclear safety and security functions.

For more than four months, the ZNPP had been dependent on a single power line for offsite power, compared with ten lines before the conflict. This sole remaining power line was damaged around 1.5 kilometers from the ZNPP due to military activities and disconnected at 4:56 pm on Tuesday, according to information from the plant. The IAEA team based at the ZNPP has not yet been able to visit the damaged line due to the military situation. 

The ZNPP also said it has the necessary spare parts and personnel to repair the line once the military situation permits. Ukraine has informed the Agency that it is also prepared to repair damages to a backup power line, when the military situation permits.

Immediately after Tuesday’s disconnection of the 750 kV line, the site’s 18 available emergency diesel generators started operating. As during previous such events, the ZNPP gradually reduced the number to only those needed to generate essential power for the site – currently seven – to help save diesel fuel. The ZNPP has previously informed the IAEA that it has fuel reserves for almost 20 days operation of its emergency diesel generators. The plant regularly receives supplies of diesel fuel to maintain its inventory.

Radiation monitoring stations positioned on as well as outside the ZNPP site showed that all radiation levels remained normal. In addition, the IAEA team today carried out independent monitoring within the site perimeter, which confirmed these results. 

The Agency has continued with equipment deliveries under the other components of its comprehensive programme of assistance to Ukraine. 

Recently, the Central Geophysical Observatory of the Hydrometeorological Centre and the hydrometeorological organizations of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine received equipment to enhance their analytical capacity, while the Khmelnytskyy NPP received thermal protective suits to strengthen its fire-fighting capabilities.

The Chornobyl site received office furniture to help ensure better working conditions for staff and the State Enterprise USIE Izotop – involved in the management of radioactive material intended for medical, industrial and other purposes – received vehicles for the transport of radioactive sources.

These deliveries – supported with funding from Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Republic of Korea and Sweden – brought the number of deliveries since the start of the armed conflict to 157, totalling approximately 20 million Euros worth of equipment and other supplies.

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and CAF – development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean – today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further strengthen cooperation in the area of nuclear energy throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. The MoU was signed during the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and CAF Executive President Sergio Díaz-Granados.

Both organizations recognize the strategic value of nuclear energy, and the new alliance will promote applications of nuclear technology for environmental protection, energy security and regional decarbonization.

The three-year MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration in strategic areas, also including water resource management, the strengthening of energy resilience, the promotion of a circular economy, efficient waste management and the development of food systems adapted to various climate conditions. 

“This strategic alliance with the IAEA marks a milestone in our mission to drive sustainable development and strengthen the energy security of Latin America and the Caribbean,” CAF Executive President Díaz-Granados said. “Nuclear energy represents a fundamental alternative to diversify our regional energy matrix and achieve the decarbonization goals we have set. Through this collaboration, we will strengthen technical and institutional capacities, develop robust regulatory frameworks, and promote the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology for the comprehensive benefit of our member countries. This memorandum consolidates our vision of building a more prosperous, equitable and sustainable region.”

“We are pleased to sign this agreement with CAF to expand the use of the power of the atom in Latin America and the Caribbean,” IAEA Director General Grossi said. “Nuclear energy is an increasingly attractive option for countries seeking to introduce or expand their use of clean, reliable baseload electricity to support development goals.” 

Under the MoU, the IAEA will provide technical assistance to CAF to strengthen its knowledge base and specialized capacities in multiple aspects of nuclear technology, including comprehensive energy planning, development of critical infrastructure, technological innovation and safe management of radioactive waste. 

This MoU represents an important step forward in harnessing the transformative potential of nuclear technology to address the most pressing development challenges, while ensuring the highest international standards of nuclear safety in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

(As prepared for delivery)

Dear friends and colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Happy New Year!

2018 was another productive year for the Agency. We faced challenges in many areas of our work. But thanks to the steadfast support of our Member States, we can take pride in many concrete achievements.

The nuclear programmes of Iran and the DPRK remain among the top items on the Agency’s agenda.

We continue to verify and monitor the implementation by Iran of its nuclear-related commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Iran is implementing its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA. As I have said many times, it is essential that Iran continues to fully implement those commitments.

As far as the nuclear programme of the DPRK is concerned, we remain ready to play an essential verification role if a political agreement is reached among countries concerned.

The IAEA is the only international organization that can verify the nuclear programme of the DPRK.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I wish to make some observations about the Agency’s work, including in nuclear verification generally.

The credibility of the Agency as a whole is our biggest asset. Independent, impartial and factual safeguards implementation is essential to maintain that credibility. If our credibility is thrown into question, and, in particular, if attempts are made to micro-manage or put pressure on the Agency in nuclear verification, that is counter-productive and extremely harmful.

For more than 60 years, the IAEA has made an important contribution to international peace and security by providing assurances that non-nuclear-weapon States are not developing nuclear weapons.

We use our considerable technical expertise to arrive at an independent assessment of all safeguards-relevant information available to us. We have a duty to protect confidential information, but when we have any concerns about a particular case, we report them to the Board of Governors for their consideration.

I have constantly reminded Member States and Agency staff that we are a technical, not a political, organization. We have refrained from getting involved in political issues.

For six decades, a clear division of responsibility between the Secretariat and Member States has been respected. Member States have had the political role of establishing the safeguards system. They trusted the Agency to implement safeguards independently, objectively and impartially. Let us all continue to respect the wisdom of that approach. The Agency’s independence must not be undermined. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Supporting the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology is core Agency business. It is just as important as nuclear verification. This is explicitly recognised in our Atoms for Peace and Development motto, to which we are firmly committed.

Our capacity for assisting countries through the technical cooperation programme has improved over the years, but more needs to be done – by the Agency itself and by Member States.

I believe we should be more assertive in reminding the world of the great benefits of nuclear applications in energy, health, agriculture, industry and other areas. The contribution which nuclear power can make to mitigating the impact of climate change deserves more recognition.

The next Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power will be held in autumn 2021. One country has formally notified us of its willingness to host that Conference, for which I am very grateful. If other countries are also interested, it would be helpful if they could inform us by this summer so that a timely decision can be made.  

As far as the IAEA LEU Bank in Kazakhstan is concerned, we expect to have the LEU delivered to the IAEA Storage Facility this year.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

One of the highlights of 2018 was our first ever ministerial-level conference on nuclear science and technology in November. Participation exceeded expectations.

The Ministerial Declaration recognised the importance of science and technology for development. It welcomed the modernisation of our nuclear applications laboratories in Seibersdorf, which is one of the most important projects ever undertaken by the Agency.

As many of you have seen for yourselves, great progress has been made at Seibersdorf. I look forward to formally opening the new Linear Accelerator facility at the Dosimetry Laboratory in the coming months. 

I am very grateful to seven countries which responded to my urgent appeal in November for 3.75 million euros to equip the new facilities. Their pledges total more than 2.5 million euros.  I urge Member States in a position to do so to contribute towards the 1.25 million euros still needed to achieve our funding goal.  

We will soon begin detailed planning for the final phase of the Seibersdorf renovation, which involves the laboratories that will remain in existing buildings. I know I can count on your continued commitment to making our shared vision for the laboratories a reality. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Cancer control in developing countries remains a high priority for the Agency.

Following our review of the Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT), a Coordination Group led by my office will take charge of our work to deliver a unified, one-house approach on cancer, starting next month. I will circulate a report before the March Board.

As we consider our cancer activities, let us not lose sight of the fact that our ultimate goal is to save lives – to ensure that the remarkable benefits of radiotherapy and nuclear medicine are made available to as many of our fellow human beings as possible.

The 2019 Scientific Forum in September will take stock of our contribution to cancer control in the last decade.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Nuclear security is growing in importance as a priority issue for the Agency. We will soon finalize the process for nominating co-Chairs for the 2020 ministerial conference on nuclear security. A new nuclear security plan will be established by autumn 2020.

Preparations for the 2021 Conference of the Parties to the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material are already underway.

I believe these events will help to shape the global nuclear security agenda for the coming years.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Strong management is essential for producing concrete results.

I work hard to ensure that the resources you entrust to us are used as effectively as possible. I count on you to ensure that we have the funding we need to maintain the high standards of service which you expect.

The Draft Programme and Budget 2020–2021 has been circulated. I remain very conscious of the financial constraints in many Member States and have instructed managers to seek maximum budget efficiencies. Nevertheless, growing demand from Member States for Agency services means that a modest increase in our Budget is necessary.

We are working on a more thorough application of the results-based management approach. Coordination is being strengthened and staff are being trained on applying results-based management from planning and implementing activities to monitoring and reporting on outcomes.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Increasing the proportion of women on the Agency’s staff, especially at senior levels, remains a priority for me. Women now represent 30.3% of staff at P level and above, and 33% at DDG level. I will continue my efforts to increase women’s representation and aim to achieve gender parity among DDsG by 2021 or earlier.

A restructuring of our human resources activities has been completed, aimed at delivering a more efficient professional HR service to support the substantive work of the Departments.

The new Chief of Ethics and OIOS Director are now fully on board, working closely with MTHR and OLA. This is helping us to make significant progress in addressing harassment and wrongdoing, as well as promoting the highest ethical standards.

Following the successful launch of mandatory training on a respectful workplace for all staff last year, a new training programme for senior managers will start this year. As part of our efforts to promote a healthy work-life balance, more flexible working hours were introduced from this month.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

2019 is likely to be another busy and eventful year for the IAEA.

Our objective is to promote peace and development through the use of nuclear science and technology. Strong management is essential for the Agency to continue delivering concrete results. I, for my part, remain fit for work and committed to discharging my responsibilities as Director General.

I know I can continue to count on your support, and on the dedication of the Agency’s excellent staff, in ensuring that we maintain the delivery of high-quality services for the benefit of all our Member States.

Thank you.

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

(As prepared for delivery)

Madam President,

Let me begin by expressing my regret that I cannot be present for this 73rd Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

There have been important developments in many areas of the IAEA’s activities since I last had the honour of addressing the General Assembly. Many of these are covered by the IAEA Annual Report 2017, which has been distributed.

The Agency now implements safeguards in 181 countries, helping to ensure that nuclear materials are not diverted from peaceful purposes. This is an important, and unique, contribution to international peace and security.

We have continued to verify and monitor the implementation by Iran of its nuclear-related commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Iran is implementing its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA. It is essential that Iran continues to fully implement those commitments.

The Agency continues to verify the non-diversion of nuclear material declared by Iran under its Safeguards Agreement. Evaluations regarding the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities in Iran continue.

As far as the nuclear programme of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is concerned, the DPRK’s nuclear activities are clear violations of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and are deeply regrettable.

The Agency continues to enhance its readiness to play an essential role in verifying the DPRK’s nuclear programme if a political agreement is reached among countries concerned.

I again call upon the DPRK to comply fully with its obligations under relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and of the IAEA Board of Governors, to cooperate promptly with the Agency and to resolve all outstanding issues.

Madam President,

Through our technical cooperation programme, the Agency helps to improve the health and prosperity of millions of people by making nuclear science and technology available in health care, food and agriculture, industry and many other areas.

I see the enormous difference our work makes in my many visits to developing countries.

Capacity-building is a core element of the TC programme.

The Agency has supported nearly 50,000 fellowships since 1956, helping scientists from developing countries to significantly improve their skills. In a recent survey of former fellows, almost 90% of respondents said their placements fully met their professional expectations and the needs of their home institutes.

The modernisation of our nuclear applications laboratories at Seibersdorf, near Vienna, continues to make excellent progress.

When the modernisation is completed, we will be able to deliver improved services to Member States to make food safer, improve control of harmful insect pests, and maximize the benefits of new radiation technology for cancer treatment – to name just a few examples.

Major construction work on all new laboratory buildings at Seibersdorf is nearly complete. I am very grateful for the generous contributions received so far. I encourage all Member States in a position to do so to contribute to the costs of equipping the new buildings.

Last month, we marked the 20th anniversary of the IAEA Environment Laboratories at their present location in Monaco with a celebration attended by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II.

The Environment Laboratories make nuclear and isotopic science available to help countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, not least SDG 14 on conservation of the oceans.

They monitor environmental radioactivity in the seas and oceans. They also help to address issues such as the impact of climate change, marine plastics, heavy metals and organic pollutants on our seas and oceans.

I was pleased to note, Madam President, that you included the problem of plastics pollution as one of seven priority themes for this session.

Helping countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, using relevant nuclear technology, is an important part of our work.

In fact, the IAEA helps countries to use nuclear science and technology to meet at least nine of the 17 SDGs directly, including those aimed at ending hunger, improving human health, increasing the availability of clean water, and, of course, energy.

The Agency continues to participate in the annual High-Level Political Forum on monitoring implementation of the SDGs. Member States encouraged our participation in a resolution at our General Conference in September.

We also actively support South-South cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear technology. There are many excellent examples of such cooperation, such as the training of radiation oncologists and medical physicists to help improve access to effective cancer treatment in developing countries.

The IAEA Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Science and Technology will take place in Vienna from November 28 to 30. It will focus on the many ways in which nuclear science and technology help countries to address current and emerging development challenges. I encourage all Member States to participate at ministerial level.

Madam President,

The Agency’s latest annual projections show that nuclear power will continue to play a key role in the world’s low-carbon energy mix.

However, without significant progress on using the full potential of nuclear power, it will be difficult for the world to secure sufficient energy to achieve sustainable development and to mitigate climate change.

Regarding the IAEA Low Enriched Uranium Bank in Kazakhstan, I expect that the procurement process will be completed in 2018 and that the LEU will be delivered to the Storage Facility in 2019.

Madam President,

Due attention to safety and security is essential in all uses of nuclear and radiation technologies. Nuclear safety and security are national responsibilities, but the IAEA plays the central role in ensuring effective international cooperation.

We continue to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of Agency peer review and advisory services in nuclear safety and security so that they can better support Member States in the application of IAEA safety standards and security guidance.

We have begun preparations for the next IAEA International Conference on Nuclear Security, which will take place at ministerial level in Vienna in February 2020.

Madam President,

We continuously implement efficiency measures in order to make optimal use of the resources entrusted to us by Member States. But demand for Agency support is steadily increasing. It is essential that Member States make available the resources we need to provide the services they expect.

I am working hard to increase the proportion of women on the Agency’s staff, especially in more senior positions. My goal is to achieve gender parity among the most senior officials by 2021.

Finally, Madam President, I thank the staff of the Agency for their commitment and dedication to delivering on our important mandate.

I am grateful to all IAEA Member States for their active support for the Agency and for me personally and to Austria for being an exemplary host country.

Thank you.

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

The Agency implements safeguards in accordance with its rights and obligations deriving from the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements and the Additional Protocols concluded between the Agency and States, relevant IAEA Board of Governors and UN Security Council decisions and resolutions, and based on the Agency’s established safeguards practices. It should be noted that under the existing verification framework the Agency sends inspectors to sites and locations only when needed.

The Agency uses all safeguards relevant information available to it but it does not take any information at face value. In line with established safeguards practices, all information obtained, including from third parties, is subject to rigorous review and assessed together with other available information to arrive at an independent assessment based on the Agency’s own expertise. It is not the practice of the Agency to publicly discuss issues related to any such information.

The Agency’s work related to nuclear verification is and must always be impartial, factual, and professional. In order to maintain credibility, the Agency’s independence in relation to the implementation of verification activities is of paramount importance.

The Agency’s verification activities in Iran are being carried out based on the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA) concluded with Iran and the Additional Protocol, that Iran is provisionally implementing. In addition, the Agency is also carrying out verification and monitoring of Iran’s nuclear-related commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). These activities will continue to be carried out within the parameters of the relevant decisions and resolutions of the IAEA Board of Governors and the UN Security Council as appropriate.

As I stated in my reports to the IAEA Board of Governors, evaluations regarding the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities for Iran remain ongoing. The Agency continues to evaluate Iran’s declarations under the Additional Protocol, and has conducted complementary accesses under the Additional Protocol to all the sites and locations in Iran which it needed to visit.