IAEA Director General Grossi Emphasizes Commitment to Nuclear Safety and Safeguards
Speaking at the IAEA General Conference, Rafael Mariano Grossi drew attention to the importance of global nuclear security.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi reiterated their commitment to nuclear safety, safeguards, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy at the IAEA General Conference, while assessing developments in Ukraine, Syria, and Iran.
General Conference and the Role of the Agency
The General Conference, the main policy-making organ of the International Atomic Energy Agency, gathers every year in September in Vienna and is expected to host thousands of participants throughout this week.
Agency chief Rafael Mariano Grossi praised the efforts of experts providing support to cancer specialists in Africa and the quiet work of nuclear inspectors.
Ukraine and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
Around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, a seventh local ceasefire was secured in cooperation with Moscow and Kiev to enable necessary repairs following the disruption of the external power supply in June.
This development was evaluated as a critical step taken to prevent a nuclear accident and highlighted the importance of security efforts on the ground.
Nuclear Developments in Iran and Syria
Rafael Mariano Grossi stated that the work in monitoring Syria's compliance with its nuclear safeguards obligations proves the importance of multilateral actions.
Acknowledging that challenges and dangers exist regarding the Iranian nuclear program, Grossi emphasized the need to continue working on safeguard measures to verify the exclusively peaceful nature of the program.
Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy and Increased Capacity
Many states around the world, including developing countries, consider nuclear energy as a fundamental element for economic development.
Revised projections indicate that global nuclear power capacity could more than triple by 2060 in order to meet growing electricity demand and enhance energy security.
Message from the UN Secretary-General
UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that the IAEA General Conference is taking place during a period of profound global turmoil and uncertainty.
In the message read out by Monica Juma, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, member states were asked to give their full support to the professionalism and impartiality of the IAEA.