The 68th annual IAEA General Conference has concluded with nearly 3,000 participants, including a record number of representatives from international organizations and NGOs. The conference focused on several key areas, including the role of nuclear science in combating global hunger and improving healthcare. Notable events included the election of 11 new members to the IAEA Board of Governors, discussions on evolving safety and security regulations, and the unveiling of initiatives to enhance nuclear medicine and reactor technologies. During the conference, various collaborations were established, such as agreements with companies to advance radiation medicine and partnerships aimed at strengthening regulatory frameworks for emerging nuclear technologies. Additionally, Liberia and South Africa committed to multiple multilateral treaties reinforcing nuclear safety. The IAEA also highlighted its strategic vision for expanding nuclear energy capacity, projecting a significant increase by 2050, supported by advances in small modular reactors (SMRs). It emphasized the importance of international cooperation and investment to achieve these goals, addressing the pressing global challenges of climate change, food insecurity, and public health. The Director General of the IAEA called the agency's work "more vital than ever," especially in light of ongoing conflicts affecting nuclear safety worldwide, such as the situation in Ukraine. The conference concluded with plans for future collaboration and capacity-building in nuclear science and technology across various sectors.
Fri, 20 Sep 2024 07:00:00 GMT | International Atomic Energy Agency