More than 160 National Liaison Officers from close to 30 countries in all four technical cooperation regions attended the day-long event. (Photo: J. O'Brien/IAEA)
The successful implementation of the TC programme relies on the National Liaison Officers and Assistants (NLAs), who together form the principal interface between the IAEA and its Member States on matters related to the planning, formulation and implementation of projects. Appointed by their national governments, NLOs manage the strategic direction of their country’s TC programme, aligning it to national development needs and priorities.
For NLOs to lead the national process of designing and implementing effective projects, familiarity with the technical cooperation programme, available nuclear technology and the results previously achieved through IAEA support are all necessary.
The Prospects and Achievements of the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme in the 21st Century report responds to this need by offering programme stakeholders, policymakers, IAEA partners and other interested parties a comprehensive overview of the programme, results obtained, and achievements reached.
The first volume of the Prospects and Achievements report, provides a broad description of IAEA technical cooperation activities, their aims and impact. The report also provides a forward-facing analysis of the programme and examines directions for future support to Member States.
From the year 2000 to 2023, more than 70,000 experts from around the world benefitted directly from IAEA training. An additional 35,000 fellowships and scientific visitors, including over 10,000 female scientists and experts were supported during the same period. In the 23 years covered by the report, more than €2 billion in funds have been channeled through the TC programme in support of the development ambitions of the Agency’s Member States.
The second volume examines the qualitative impact and positive influence the programme has had on global sustainable development across several thematic areas, including human health, food and agriculture and energy planning, among others. It also presents the programme from a regional perspective, highlighting the need for relevant partnerships in supporting shared ambitions.
The final volume of Prospects and Achievements focuses on achievements realized on a country-by-country basis, presenting how national development priorities are addressed by TC projects, tailored to take into consideration the conditions, needs and capacities on the ground.
The Director General urged the attending NLOs to use the examples of the report to illustrate the positive impact of the IAEA work in their respective country.
