In an address on behalf of the Group, on the occasion of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (Sept 13-17), Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Morocco, Azzeddine Farhane, commended IAEA’s continued efforts to support Member States, in particular developing countries, in capacity building and knowledge sharing, expertise, technology and information on all aspects of nuclear safety.
He expressed the Group’s appreciation for the Agency’s activities to support the development of nuclear safety infrastructure within the Member States, at their request, calling on the IAEA to capitalize on the experiences gained during the Covid-19 pandemic to strengthen its resilience, in order to continue such activities when faced with similar challenges in the future.
According to the Moroccan diplomat, the Group appreciates the assistance provided, upon request, by the Agency to developing countries operating, expanding, or embarking on nuclear power and radiation technology programs.
The G77 attaches great importance to transport safety and appreciates the Secretariat’s participation in international efforts to address issues related to the transport of radioactive materials, he said, noting that the Group supports the Agency’s ongoing efforts to address issues related to denials and delays in the shipment of radioactive materials.
The IAEA’s efforts in the area of education and training, knowledge management in nuclear safety, radiation, transport and waste are “of the utmost importance to the Group,” Farhane maintained, reiterating his support for the Agency’s efforts to acquire, preserve and transfer nuclear safety knowledge and organizational memory to member states.
He also highlighted the important role of the Safety Standards Commission (SSC) in providing guidance on the Agency’s approach and strategy for setting safety standards, and in approving the publication of standards on nuclear safety, radiological safety, transport and waste safety, and emergency preparedness and response.
The diplomat recalled the G77’s principled position that nuclear safety and security considerations should not impede the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
Last January, Morocco took over the chairmanship of the Vienna Chapter of the G77 for the first time, an achievement that reflects the confidence and credibility enjoyed by the Kingdom within international organizations.
