Vienna: The UAE is participating in the 69th Regular Session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at the organization's headquarters in Vienna. The event, taking place from September 15th to 19th, is centered around the theme 'Global Cooperation in the Nuclear Field'.
According to Emirates News Agency, Ambassador Hamad Al Kaabi, the UAE's Permanent Representative to the IAEA, is leading the UAE delegation. This delegation includes key national stakeholders in the nuclear sector, such as the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC). During the conference, Al Kaabi presented the UAE Statement to the Plenary Session, highlighting the longstanding partnership between the UAE and the IAEA. This alliance has been instrumental in fulfilling the UAE's energy requirements through the development and operation of a peaceful nuclear program that meets stringent nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation standards.
In his address to the Member States present at the conference, Al Kaabi emphasized the UAE's focus on the future of nuclear innovation. He discussed the launch of programs aimed at evaluating the potential of advanced reactors, including small modular reactors, to promote deep decarbonization and integrate advanced nuclear technologies across various sectors. He also reiterated the UAE's unwavering commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with the IAEA, especially with the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant now a key component of the nation's energy system.
The UAE delegation is set to conduct several bilateral meetings with international stakeholders to explore cooperation opportunities and exchange ideas on nuclear policy, regulation, and industry. FANR aims to sign agreements with international regulators on research and development and information exchange in nuclear safety and radiation protection.
Additionally, the UAE will participate in the Senior Safety and Security Regulators' Meeting to enhance regulatory competence and promote agile regulatory systems. It will also partake in an event titled 'Member State Support Programmes: Enhancing the Effectiveness of Safeguards through Partnership,' showcasing FANR's contributions via the UAE Safeguards Support Programme to support the IAEA's nuclear non-proliferation activities.
The UAE delegation's involvement extends to the Regulatory Cooperation Forum, where it will share regulatory knowledge and engage with international partners to promote best practices and develop cohesive regulatory frameworks for the peaceful use of nuclear energy, contributing to global nuclear safety standards.