(As prepared for delivery)
Good morning, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.
I am very pleased to be with you this morning during my first visit to Paraguay.
Your country was a founder member of the IAEA in 1957 and has participated in many areas of the Agency's activities.
A key role of the IAEA is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. We do this by implementing safeguards to verify that all nuclear material and activities in a country are in peaceful purposes.
In recent years, we have most often been in the news because of our safeguards work in Iran. I will say more about that in a moment.
However, another key role of the IAEA is to make nuclear science and technology available to generate electricity, improve human and animal health, increase food production – and much more.
This is an extremely important part of our work, which I often summarise as Atoms for Peace and Development. And that is where I will begin my remarks to you today.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I was in New York last September when world leaders adopted the Sustainable Development Goals. As you know, the 17 goals cover areas including poverty and hunger, human health, clean water, affordable and clean energy, and climate change.
We already work closely with our Member States in around 14 of these areas, helping them to achieve their development goals through the use of relevant nuclear technology.
Capacity building with our Member States is a key element of our work.
More than 80 scientists from Paraguay, for example, have spent time at the IAEA nuclear applications laboratories near Vienna, or other facilities arranged by the IAEA, as fellows or scientific visitors.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We have an active programme to improve cancer control in developing countries by making radiotherapy treatment more widely available. Our mission is to transfer technologies to help save lives.
On Monday, I visited the Aregua Cancer Hospital and the Children's Cancer Hospital at San Lorenzo.
It is always sad to see adults or children suffering from serious diseases.
But it is encouraging to see the dedication of the doctors, nurses and technical staff who are determined to give them the best possible treatment.
Over the years, the IAEA has helped Paraguay by providing equipment such as a new gamma camera for the Institute of Research in Health Sciences, and arranging training for physicians, technicians, pharmacists and physicists.
Our current activities in Paraguay are focussed on improving the provision of nuclear medicine services to provide early diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of diseases.
An international expert team put together by the Agency conducted a thorough review of cancer treatment in Paraguay in 2011. A follow-up to this 'imPACT' mission will take place in September. This will help the government to further develop its national cancer control plan.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Food production is another important area in which the IAEA contributes to development.
Paraguay is participating in a new regional IAEA project in Latin America to use radiation to combat fruit flies. These are a major pest and cause great damage to fruit and vegetable crops. Paraguay is similarly participating in a regional project to combat the new-world screwworm which can harm cattle and other livestock.
The IAEA is also working with scientists from Paraguay to increase the productivity of farm crops and improve soil quality.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Agency takes pride in being able to react quickly to emergencies.
After the dreadful earthquake in Ecuador in April this year, we quickly dispatched four mobile digital X-ray units, as well as mobile generators, emergency diagnostic equipment and personal radiation detectors, to help doctors deal with the aftermath.
I saw some of the earthquake damage myself last week and was pleased that we had been able to help.
We are also active in helping countries in Latin America fight the Zika virus.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Safety is fundamental to any use of nuclear technology, and countries need to have effective safety arrangements in place to protect the public, and staff who work with nuclear and other radioactive materials, from harmful exposure.
These materials must also be protected to ensure they do not fall into the hands of terrorists.
The IAEA acts as the central global platform for international cooperation to strengthen nuclear security. We will organise an international Conference on Nuclear Security in December of this year, bringing together Ministers, experts and others, to advance work in this important area.
Nuclear safety and security are national responsibilities, but international cooperation is vital. The IAEA provides the forum in which countries share experiences, develop agreed nuclear safety standards and security guidance, and learn from each other.
A strong and independent nuclear regulator is essential. Paraguay has now established the Radiological and Nuclear Regulatory Authority and the IAEA will work closely with Minister Cardozo to further build the capacity of this important institution.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me say a few words about the IAEA's work in nuclear verification.
Several hundred Agency inspectors are constantly on the road, visiting nuclear facilities and keeping track of nuclear material to ensure that it is not being diverted from peaceful uses.
We implement safeguards in around 180 countries. Our latest conclusion for Paraguay is that declared nuclear material in your country remains in peaceful activities.
As you may recall, the IAEA worked from 2003 onwards to try to resolve outstanding issues concerning Iran's nuclear programme. For years, little or no progress was made. But we started to see some movement in the autumn of 2013.
This ultimately led to agreement last year between Iran and the group of countries known as the P5+1 on a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
Last December, I presented a report to the IAEA Board of Governors entitled Final Assessment on Past and Present Outstanding Issues regarding Iran's Nuclear Programme.
My report stated that Iran had conducted a range of activities relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device prior to the end of 2003. However, these activities did not advance beyond feasibility and scientific studies, and the acquisition of certain relevant technical competences and capabilities.
My report paved the way for the IAEA Board to close its consideration of outstanding issues related to Iran's nuclear programme.
The IAEA is now verifying and monitoring Iran’s implementation of its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA.
I believe the progress made on the Iran nuclear issue represents a real success for diplomacy.
It shows that even complex and challenging issues can be tackled effectively if all parties are committed to dialogue – not dialogue for its own sake, but dialogue aimed at achieving results.
Nevertheless, we are still in the early stages of a new process. In the coming months and years, the continuing strong commitment of all parties will be needed to make implementation sustainable.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Finally, I should mention Latin America's pioneering role in establishing the world's first nuclear-weapon-free zone in a populated area.
The Treaty of Tlatelolco, to which Paraguay is party, provided the inspiration for four similar treaties in Africa, Central Asia, Southeast Asia and the South Pacific.
A total of 133 States – nearly two-thirds of the countries of the world – now belong to nuclear-weapon-free zones. This is a significant achievement.
I believe nuclear-weapon-free zones are a highly effective means of non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament.
The IAEA helps with the establishment and maintenance of such zones, including by implementing safeguards in the countries concerned.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
That concludes my brief overview of the work of the IAEA.
Let me conclude by saying that the Agency attaches great importance to its cooperation with Paraguay. Paraguay is a significant partner for the IAEA. As a member of our Board of Governors, Paraguay will have an important role in guiding the work of the Agency.
During my visit, I have been struck by the seriousness and dedication of all those I have met in using nuclear technology to improve the welfare of the people of Paraguay. Our work together is bringing real benefits to people in Paraguay, to the region, and beyond. I look forward to strengthening and deepening that cooperation.
Thank you.