A background report entitled 20/20 Vision for the Future, describing the current work of the IAEA and suggesting future priorities in the timeframe up to the year 2020 and beyond, has been circulated to the members of a high-level panel of experts tasked with providing recommendations on the future of the IAEA.
As part of the IAEA Secretariat´s "20/20" study, the Commission of Eminent Persons, a high level panel of international experts, is reviewing the report looking at areas such as the prioritization of the IAEA´s key areas of work, and options and approaches to funding. The Commission, which met twice in Vienna this year, is expected to deliver its recommendations to the IAEA Director General Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei over the coming weeks. The recommendations are then expected to be presented at the next IAEA Board of Governors, to be held in Vienna from 2-6 June.
In a March 2008 introductory statement to the IAEA Board of Governors, Dr. ElBaradei expressed his gratitude to the Commission members for their contribution to help defining the future of the IAEA.
"I am grateful to the distinguished panel members for agreeing to serve. Their recommendations are intended to trigger discussion among Member States about how the Agency can best contribute in the years ahead to the efforts of the international community to achieve development, peace and security," he said.
Background
Tasked by the Director General, the IAEA Secretariat is conducting a detailed review of the nature and scope of all IAEA programmes in the next decade. This review will take account of the IAEA´s statutory obligations, decisions of the Policy-making Organs and foreseen high priority activities, and will seek to establish the level of resources needed to fund these activities.
This study has been named "20/20", reflecting the IAEA´s effort to look ahead to the year 2020 with the clearest possible vision.