Africa-Press – Liberia. Liberia is participating in the 69th Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference, taking place from September 15 to 19 at the Vienna International Centre in Austria.
The annual event brings together representatives from over 180 IAEA Member States to discuss global developments in the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology. The conference also reviews the Agency’s annual report, budget, and commitments to nuclear safety, security, and safeguards.
Liberia’s delegation is led by the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Alexander Nuetah. He is joined by the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, and Liberia’s Ambassador to Germany and Permanent Representative to the IAEA, Ambassador Younger Telewodah. Other members include technical experts from various government institutions, such as Mr. Rafael Ngumbu, Director of ERRS at the EPA.
During the conference, the Liberian delegation is scheduled to hold a series of high-level meetings, including a courtesy visit to IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation between Liberia and the IAEA.
Liberia is also set to sign its Country Programme Framework (CPF) for 2026–2030. The CPF outlines priority areas for IAEA technical cooperation in Liberia over the next five years, particularly in agriculture, health, and environmental protection.
The delegation will meet with IAEA Deputy Director Generals and technical departments to explore project support in line with national development goals. Side meetings and briefings will cover topics including food security, cancer care, marine environmental protection, and legal frameworks for nuclear safety.
At one key side event, the Ministry of Agriculture will participate in a session titled “Advancing Food Security in Africa through the Atoms4Food Initiative.” The initiative promotes the use of nuclear techniques to enhance food production and climate resilience. The Minister is also scheduled to attend a briefing with the IAEA’s Nuclear Applications Food and Agriculture (NAFA) and Technical Cooperation for Africa Division (TCAF).
The Ministry of Health is taking part in discussions with the IAEA’s Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT) and the Rays of Hope Initiative, which support expanded access to cancer diagnosis and treatment in low- and middle-income countries.
Meanwhile, the EPA will engage with the IAEA’s Marine Environmental Laboratories to strengthen collaboration on marine pollution monitoring and environmental protection. The Agency is also expected to meet with the IAEA Office of Legal Affairs to discuss the development of Liberia’s first national nuclear law.
The General Conference includes a General Debate, where Member States present national statements, and a series of technical side events covering nuclear applications in health, agriculture, environmental resilience, and energy.
By the end of the conference, Liberia is expected to reaffirm its commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear technologies and to secure enhanced technical cooperation with the IAEA in priority sectors.
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