Vienna: The 69th annual IAEA General Conference concluded with the inauguration of the IAEA Visitor Center in Seibersdorf, near Vienna, as a significant highlight of the five-day event. The center aims to offer an immersive and interactive experience showcasing the Agency's scientific and technical mandate across various fields.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the visitor center features 33 interactive exhibits focusing on the application of nuclear technology in areas such as health, food and agriculture, water, ocean protection, cultural heritage, energy, and industry. It also highlights the IAEA's work in nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation. The facility is designed to engage students, researchers, diplomats, journalists, and potential partners.
Director-General of the UN nuclear watchdog, Rafael Mariano Grossi, emphasized the importance of the new center, stating, "Today is more than the inauguration of a facility - it is the beginning of a new chapter in science outreach and education."
The General Conference also adopted resolutions to guide the IAEA's activities for the upcoming year, addressing issues such as the application of IAEA safeguards in the Middle East, the implementation of the NPT safeguards agreement with North Korea, extending technical cooperation for Palestine, and nuclear security.
In his opening statement, Grossi highlighted the IAEA's response to the current global challenges. He noted the Agency's role in reducing the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation and utilizing nuclear science to support various humanitarian and development goals.
The conference saw the election of 11 countries to the IAEA Board of Governors for 2025-2026, including Belgium, Chile, Jordan, Lithuania, Niger, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, and Togo. The Board of Governors, alongside the General Conference, forms the IAEA's key policy-making bodies.
With over 3000 participants, including 2755 representatives from 153 of the 180 IAEA Member States, the conference also hosted high-ranking officials, 57 ministers, and 37 vice-ministers. Additionally, 348 representatives from international and non-governmental organizations attended, marking a significant increase in NGO participation since 2021.
The State of Kuwait was represented by Ambassador Talal Al-Fassam and Dr. Faisal Al-Humaidan, Director General of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, underscoring Kuwait's engagement in international nuclear discussions.