Recognizing the Role of Nuclear Science, Technology and Applications and Technical Cooperation in Global Development at IAEA Ministerial Conference

Milestones and achievements in nuclear sciences and applications

A key focus of the conference was the critical role of research and development (R&D) in advancing nuclear applications to tackle tomorrow’s challenges. The IAEA’s Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications showcased its pioneering work across 12 specialized laboratories. Each day of the conference, IAEA experts working at the different laboratories highlighted their innovative contributions to nuclear science in areas such as food safety, water management and medicine.

Through interactive displays, delegates and participants explored how the department’s cutting-edge research drives advancements that address global challenges and deliver tangible benefits to countries worldwide.

Similarly, a large exhibition space and a delegates’ lounge offered conference-participants opportunities to explore the IAEA’s work including its flagship initiatives such as NUTEC Plastics, ZODIAC, Rays of Hope: Cancer Care for All, GloWAL and the most-recently launched Atoms4Food.

The conference celebrated several milestones in nuclear applications, demonstrating the transformative power of nuclear science. One highlight was the designation of the Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences (KIRAMS) as the newest Rays of Hope Anchor Centre. KIRAMS joins a global network of knowledge and capacity-building hubs aimed at strengthening cancer care capabilities in neighbouring countries.

Another significant milestone was the 60th anniversary of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture. High-level representatives from the IAEA, FAO, and Member States reflected on the centre’s achievements over six decades and charted a course for its future. The centre has been instrumental in advancing food security through nuclear techniques, from crop improvement to pest control.

Technical cooperation: bridging research and implementation

While IAEA R&D in nuclear sciences and applications drives innovation, the IAEA’s technical cooperation programme ensures that these advancements reach countries around the world, delivering tangible benefits. Close to 40 side events organized by countries during the conference showcased the synergy between these two aspects of IAEA’s work.

These side events highlighted historic milestones, such as the installation of the first computed tomography machine in Honduras, and modern advancements, including the application of irradiated vaccines to protect Ethiopian cattle, the deployment of isotopic techniques to map transboundary aquifers throughout Central Asia and the use of isotopes by Kuwaiti experts to investigate ocean health in the Gulf of Oman.

The conference also saw the finalization of several key agreements, including new IAEA arrangements with Elekta and GE Healthcare and the signing of three new Country Programme Frameworks signed with representatives of El Salvador, Grenada, Poland and Uruguay. These agreements underscore the IAEA’s commitment to expanding access to nuclear technology and fostering international collaboration.

On 26 November, ministers from Cuba, Honduras and Peru joined Director General Grossi and hundreds of national representatives at an event commemorating the 40th anniversary of  the Regional Cooperation Agreement for the Promotion of Nuclear Science and Technology in Latin America and the Caribbean (ARCAL) agreement. Over the past four decades, more than 35 000 experts have received training through ARCAL in a wide range of peaceful applications of nuclear technology.  

Measuring the impact of IAEA technical cooperation

Ahead of the conference’s opening, on 25 November, the IAEA organized a Meeting of National Liaison Officers (NLOs) from Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Central Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Over 160 NLOs from 122 Member States attended, receiving updates on the progress of the IAEA flagship initiatives and discussing the implementation of regional technical cooperation programmes. 

The NLO Meeting also marked the launch of a new publication: Prospects and Achievements of the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme in the 21st Century.  This three-volume set provides a comprehensive overview of the milestones realised since 2000, including the training of over 70 000 experts and the organization of 35 000 fellowships and scientific visits with the support of the technical cooperation programme.

The impact of the technical cooperation programme is also explored on a national level in the publication, with achievements described on a country-by-country basis in the full report, available here.

Conclusion

The 2024 IAEA Ministerial Conference highlighted the indispensable role of nuclear science, technology, and applications in addressing global challenges. By combining cutting-edge research with effective technical cooperation, the IAEA continues to drive transformative impact, delivering solutions that improve lives and safeguard the planet. As the world faces increasingly complex challenges, sustained investment in nuclear R&D and the technical cooperation programme will remain essential to achieving sustainable development and ensuring a brighter future for all.