The 62nd regular session of the IAEA General Conference concluded today with resolutions adopted to further strengthen the IAEA’s work in the areas of nuclear science and technology, safety, security, safeguards and technical cooperation.
The General Conference takes place annually, giving an opportunity to all IAEA Member States to jointly consider matters related to the IAEA’s ongoing work, budget and priorities. Nearly 2,600 participants attended this year’s event, including delegates from 153 of the IAEA’s 170 Member States, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and the media.
IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano highlighted in his opening statement the unique contribution of the Agency to international peace and security and to helping improve the health and prosperity of millions of people through the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
At the week-long conference, which took place from 17 to 21 September in Vienna, resolutions were adopted on strengthening the effectiveness and improving the efficiency of IAEA safeguards, on strengthening the IAEA’s technical cooperation activities, and on strengthening the IAEA’s activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications.
Delegates also adopted resolutions on nuclear and radiation safety and on nuclear security.
IAEA resolutions and decisions will guide the IAEA’s implementation of activities in the coming year. The resolutions and decisions will be posted here as they become available.
Delegates also approved the Agency’s Budget Update for 2019.
By the end of the 62nd IAEA General Conference, 91 Member States have pledged to the Technical Cooperation Fund for 2019. While not all Member States use the opportunity of the General Conference to pledge their contribution, a pledge by so many countries – over 53% of all IAEA Member States – represents a record. The total Technical Cooperation Fund Target for 2019 is 86.2 million euros.”
Eleven countries have been newly elected to serve on the 35-member IAEA Board of Governors for the period 2018-2020. The newly elected Board members are Azerbaijan, Brazil, Ecuador, Egypt, Italy, Morocco, Niger, Pakistan, Sweden, Thailand and Uruguay.
Scientific Forum and side events
Throughout the week delegates were able to attend a selection of 77 side-events showcasing cutting-edge work at the IAEA and in Member States using nuclear techniques and highlighting activities and special programmes.
In addition, a two-day Scientific Forum brought together experts, government representatives and academics from 21 countries to focus on the role nuclear science can play in mitigating, monitoring and adapting to climate change. HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan of Jordan was the guest of honour at the Forum and gave the keynote address.
During the week, delegates from 17 IAEA Member States also took part in guided tours on offer of the IAEA laboratories in Seibersdorf, Austria.
The 63rd regular session of the IAEA General Conference will be held from 16 to 20 September 2019 at the IAEA’s headquarters in Vienna.
