Conference Highlights, 20-24 September

Day 5, 24 September

States Support Measures to Strengthen IAEA Safeguards
The IAEA General Conference has emphasized the importance of the Agency's safeguards system and of continuing steps to reinforce it. Expressing the conviction that safeguards promote greater confidence among States, the Conference encouraged States to conclude comprehensive safeguards agreements and Additional Protocols, which enable more thorough inspections and strengthen the system's capability for detecting undeclared nuclear material and activities. Full Story »

Election of IAEA Board of Governors
The IAEA General Conference held elections today installing new Member States to the Agency's Board of Governors, the 35-member policymaking body. The newly constituted Board for 2004-05 now includes the following 35 States: Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Ecuador, France, Germany, Ghana, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Tunisia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Venezuela, Vietnam and Yemen.

Nuclear Fuel Cycle Issue: IAEA Scientific Forum Moves to Second Day
The Scientific Forum resumed today with a session on Research Reactor Fuel Cycle and Related Issues. Among highlights of yesterday's session, Nobel Prize winner Carlo Rubbia urged for research into new sources of energy, and a panel of international experts reviewed the advancing global picture, from economic, environmental, and political perspectives. Programme and reports are available from the Scientific Forum section. Go to Scientific Forum »

Nuclear Fuel Cycle Issues and Challenges
Leading experts opened two days of sessions today on nuclear fuel cycles anc challenges. Featured presentations focus on advanced fuel cycles and reactor concepts and waste and spent fuel management issues. In addressing the forum, IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei said that "for nuclear power to be sustainable as a global source of emission-free energy, the reactor fuel cycle must also remain sustainable". Achieving this goal will require continued technological and institutional innovation, he said. Sessions run 21 to 22 September. Director General's Statement :: Full Story »

Hungary's Ambassador Elected Conference President
Mr. József Rónaki, Director General of Hungary's Atomic Energy Authority, was elected as President of the 48th IAEA General Conference this morning. He succeeds Japan's Ambassador Yukio Takasu, the Resident Representative to the IAEA and Governor on the Agency's Board of Governors. Curriculum Vitae »
Director General Statement Highlights Top Issues Facing the IAEA
In a statement to delegations of Member States meeting at the 48th IAEA General Conference, Director General Mohamed ElBaradei reviewed major international nuclear issues facing the Agency and international community. Read Statement »

Selected excerpts of the Director General's Statement to the General Conference are available in video. Click here to view.