The 69th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference, which took place in Vienna from 15 to 19 September attracted more than 3,000 participants, including 2,755 representatives from 153 of the 180 IAEA member states. These included 57 ministers and 37 vice-ministers. In addition, 348 representatives from international organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) took part. IAEA said the number of NGO participants has more than doubled since 2021, “showing how the IAEA has been growing its engagement around the world”.
The General Conference and Board of Governors are the two IAEA policy making bodies. The Board examines and provides recommendations to the General Conference on the IAEA’s financial statements, programme and budget, while resolutions adopted by the General Conference guide policy during the following year.
In addition to the main conference, which began with policy statements from member states, more than 100 side events took place on a range of technical and political issues. Over two days, the Scientific Forum on Atoms for Water, which attracted 350 participants, highlighted how nuclear sciences and isotope hydrology are advancing solutions to global water challenges. For the second year, the IAEA also ran a live conference blog, covering major updates, key facts and figures and side event news.
A highlight of the General Conference was the inauguration of a new IAEA visitor centre situated just outside Vienna in Seibersdorf, where the IAEA laboratories are also located. The centre features 33 interactive exhibits with physical and digital displays that highlight the scientific work carried out at the IAEA’s laboratories in Seibersdorf and in Monaco.
The IAEA research laboratories, first opened in 1962 in Seibersdorf, just five years after the IAEA’s founding, include five joint Laboratories supporting the work of FAO-IAEA Joint Centre. They undertake applied research and development, technical and analytical services, capacity-building and the advancement of innovative nuclear technologies.
“Today is more than the inauguration of a facility – it is the beginning of a new chapter in science outreach and education,” said Grossi. He emphasised that the centre, funded by the US, stands as a testament to international partnership and collaboration.
In his opening address to the General Conference, Grossi noted that it was taking place at a pivotal moment. “These are extremely challenging times. Acts of terrorism, multiple military conflicts, and the erosion of nuclear norms are all happening against a growing gap between poverty and prosperity,” he said. “At times like these, international organisations have two choices: Continue business as usual or rise to meet the challenge.”
Grossi described the practical work IAEA is doing with respect to climate change, health, agriculture, pollution and support for newcomer countries seeking to embark on a nuclear programme. “Everywhere I go, people are talking about wanting nuclear energy,” he said. “In Africa, Europe, the Americas and Asia interest is growing. How do you finance a nuclear power plant? What are the necessary legal instruments and regulatory institutions? When will small modular reactors come on the market? These are some of the questions we field every day, not only because the IAEA is the centre of global nuclear, but also because building nuclear capacity is not as simple as flipping a light switch.”
He added: “Here are the top three keys to unlocking global nuclear capacity: Newcomer countries require support; regulation must adapt; and financing needs to be made possible. In all three areas the IAEA is working full steam ahead. Today, nearly 40 countries are at different stages of development, from carrying out initial studies to constructing their first plants. More than 20 others are exploring nuclear as part of their future energy mix.”
Grossi also spoke at length about the situation in Iran and the conflict in Ukraine, both of which issues continued to spark controversy when it came to adopting final resolutions. A controversial resolution on the Zaporizhia NPP was adopted, while a draft resolution put forward by Iran, Russia and China was withdrawn under US pressure.
Eleven countries were newly elected to serve on the 35-member IAEA Board of Governors for 2025–2027. The election took place during the final the plenary session of the General Conference. The newly elected Board members are: Belgium, Chile, Jordan, Lithuania, Niger, Peru, the Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia and Togo.
For the 2025–2026 period, the composition of the IAEA Board will be as follows: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Egypt, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, India, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Morocco, the Netherlands, Niger, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Portugal, Romania, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, Togo, the United Kingdom, the United States and Venezuela.
