At the UN headquarters in the Vienna International Centre (VIC), various organisations, including the IAEA, marked the International Youth Day by participating in an "open day" for the youth.
The IAEA opened its doors for providing information and answering questions from youth, and the information booth set up in the VIC rotunda attracted visitors from various walks of life.
Young visitors who stopped by the IAEA information booth were interested in a range of topics from the use of nuclear technologies in hydrology to radiation-related health risks in case of natural disasters, like the fires in Russia, and Iran´s nuclear programme.
Since the IAEA is prominent in the media for its important role in nuclear security and safeguards for many visitors, information on the numerous peaceful uses of nuclear applications was an eye-opener.
"I did not realise that the IAEA has such a vital role to play in areas like radiation therapy for fighting cancer or plant breeding," a visitor commented. Another visitor, a geneticist, said she was surprised to learn that the IAEA supports laboratories that carry out research in fields like animal health and food security.
At the end of the day, youngsters were provided with information on the IAEA´s internship programmes and employment opportunities, the peaceful uses of nuclear technology, and the IAEA´s role in working on its mandate of "atoms for peace".
Background
This year´s International Youth Day, 12 August 2010, marked the beginning of the International Year of Youth, which runs from 12 August 2010 to 11 August 2011. The Year aims to promote the ideals of peace, respect for human rights and solidarity across generations, cultures, religions and civilizations.