The IAEA Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Science, Technology and Applications and the Technical Cooperation Programme held in Vienna

IAEA Ministerial Conference

Hungary was represented at the IAEA Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Science, Technology and Applications and the Technical Cooperation Programme held in Vienna from 26 to 28 November 2024 by Ms Andrea Beatrix Kádár President of the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority, who delivered a speech on behalf of the European Union under the auspices of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. In her speech, the President emphasized the commitment of the European Union in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, its participation in global infrastructure development, its ongoing support of promoting the participation of women in the activities of IAEA and confirmed its commitment to IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Program.

The purpose of the conference was to review the technical and scientific cooperation programme of the IAEA, including the evaluation of various projects such as Atom4foods, Rays of Hope, NUSTEC, etc. During the Ministerial Segment of the Conference a Ministerial Declaration was also adopted by the participants.

The text of the declaration summarizes the main objectives of the international organization, emphasizes the contribution of nuclear technology to social, economic and human development, supports the promotion of international cooperation, the need for equal access to resources and encourages Member States to contribute financially to the sustainability of the program. The declaration lists the fields of application and programs where nuclear energy can be used (such as agriculture, health and food safety), while also highlighting the importance of programs promoting the placement of women in the nuclear field and the support of young professionals. Finally, the declaration proposed that a ministerial conference, similar to the present one, be held every four years.