IAEA's Grossi Highlights Nuclear Energy's Role in Tackling Global Challenges at 68th General Conference

On nuclear safety and security, Grossi discussed the IAEA's presence at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine and ongoing concerns in Kursk.

At the opening of the 68th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi delivered an inspiring address, emphasizing that "nothing is impossible" despite the numerous global challenges. Speaking to delegates at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, Grossi highlighted the indispensable role of the Agency in addressing global issues, from nuclear non-proliferation to food security, cancer care, and plastic pollution.

Grossi underscored the importance of the IAEA’s flagship initiatives, such as Atoms for Food, which uses nuclear technology to combat global hunger. He invited delegates to the Scientific Forum on this topic, which runs alongside the conference. He also mentioned the Rays of Hope initiative, aimed at improving access to cancer care in low- and middle-income countries through radiotherapy and capacity-building efforts.

Further highlighting the Agency's efforts to tackle plastic pollution, Grossi detailed the success of the NUTEC Plastics initiative, which involves 86 member states participating in microplastic monitoring and recycling projects. In the area of zoonotic diseases, Grossi noted the importance of ZODIAC, the IAEA’s zoonotic disease integrated action program, which is active in over 100 countries.

Addressing the climate crisis, Grossi pointed out that nuclear energy now accounts for about a quarter of the world’s clean energy production. He emphasized the global consensus on accelerating nuclear energy deployment, achieved during COP28, and previewed the IAEA's upcoming conference on small modular reactors (SMRs), as well as a World Fusion Energy Group meeting in Rome to further the conversation on fusion energy.

On nuclear safety and security, Grossi discussed the IAEA's presence at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine and ongoing concerns in Kursk. He reaffirmed that nuclear facilities should never be attacked. Additionally, Grossi mentioned his intent to engage with Iran’s new government and continue work on Syria-related nuclear issues.

Grossi concluded with a strong message on gender equality, announcing the near achievement of gender parity within the IAEA professional ranks, from 28% women at the start of his tenure to nearly 50% today. He called on all participants to continue working together toward peace and development through nuclear cooperation.