IAEA chief underscores commitment to nuclear safety and verification

International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Mariano Grossi said that this shared spirit is clearly demonstrated in the efforts of cancer experts who provide assistance and training to oncologists in Africa, in the work of nuclear safety experts on the frontlines of the effort to prevent a nuclear disaster on the battlefields of Ukraine. 

He also praised the “silent work” of the agency’s nuclear inspectors. 

The General Conference is the IAEA’s main policy-making body which meets annually in September, which is likely to attract around 4,000 attendees through the week.  

Mr. Grossi also cited the agency’s work in verifying Syria’s compliance with its nuclear safeguards obligations as evidence of why multilateral action matters, and the role of the IAEA and the UN in moving problems “from the column of concerning issues to the column of normalcy.” 

He also noted the success in reaching a seventh local truce around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, in cooperation with Moscow and Kyiv, to carry out necessary repairs after the external power supply was cut off for the tenth time in June – a crucial step to avoid a nuclear accident.  

But Mr. Grossi acknowledged that many challenges remain, including those related to Iran's nuclear programme. He stressed that despite the difficulties, dangers and ongoing conflict, “we will not have a predictable situation” – or reassurances, trust and confidence – “unless we can work together again.” 

While expressing understanding for the difficulties facing the country and its security concerns, he underlined the need to continue working on safeguard measures and providing assurances that confirm the entirely peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear programme, adding: “We are stubbornly optimistic that we are going to get that done as well.” 

The Director General noted that the world is moving with great optimism towards the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, including many developing countries that consider it an essential element of their economic development. 

He said the IAEA provides the necessary training, capacity building and transfer of nuclear technology, which are “so indispensable to allow for a level playing field so everybody can benefit from it.” 

He also highlighted revised estimates indicating that global nuclear power capacity could more than triple by 2060, as countries increasingly turn to nuclear power to meet growing electricity demand and enhance their energy security.  

He also drew attention to considerations related to the use of nuclear energy in powering artificial intelligence (AI) data centres as they become more widespread, and in the maritime shipping sector, responsible for transporting  80 per cent of global trade. 

Mr. Grossi also touched on the cooperation facilitated by the IAEA in the areas of cancer treatment, combating zoonotic diseases, and environmental protection, stressing that the agency’s unique and wide-ranging mission “is the noblest mission that can exist,” and called on member states to continue their support. 

For his part, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that the IAEA General Conference is being held “at a moment of profound global turbulence and uncertainty”, with attacks on nuclear facilities increasing and nuclear proliferation factors accelerating amid eroding safeguards. 

At the same time, “the world is on the cusp of a revolution in nuclear power generation” which will require careful management and monitoring. 

The statement was delivered on his behalf by Monica Juma, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna. 

 “More than ever, our world needs the IAEA’s professionalism, impartiality, and technical excellence,” he said. “And we need Member States to stand with you as you carry out your vital work.” 

He called for full cooperation with IAEA to verify the purely peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme, and to support its role in preventing a disaster at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine.  

He also called for Member States to provide predictable and sustainable funding to assist developing countries through the agency’s Technical Cooperation Fund.