Vienna: General-Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi affirmed that the world is going through a divided and troubled phase that requires confronting challenges rather than continuing what he described as "business as usual." In a speech to the opening of the 69th Annual Conference of the IAEA on Monday, Grossi said the core mission of the Agency lies in verifying nuclear materials, which strengthens international trust and alleviates concerns. He warned that any undermining of this mission puts international peace and security at risk.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Grossi highlighted the Agency's efforts in conflict zones to prevent nuclear proliferation, noting that the Agency recently signed an agreement with Iran in Cairo, outlining practical steps for the continuation of inspections.
Grossi also praised the meeting he had in Damascus with former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, describing it as a "historic step" toward opening a new chapter of cooperation between the Agency and Syria.
He pointed to the continued presence of IAEA experts at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, aimed at preventing a disaster amid the ongoing war. He also mentioned the international transparency mechanism through which the Agency oversees the discharge of treated water from Japan's Fukushima plant.
Grossi emphasized that the nuclear non-proliferation regime, despite current challenges, remains a cornerstone of international peace and security. He warned of the "danger of the nuclear club expanding to 20 or 25 countries under current conditions." On the topic of energy, Grossi affirmed that nuclear energy has become part of the solution to address climate challenges and energy security. He noted the Agency's assistance to developing countries in building human and regulatory capacities to host safe nuclear power plants. He also highlighted the growing interest in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a practical and economic option for many countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Grossi concluded his speech by affirming that the IAEA will continue to play its role as an "international bridge of trust," bringing together security, peace, and development in a world experiencing unprecedented division.