The 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) took place from 15 to 19 September 2025 at its headquarters in Vienna, Austria. The assembly brought together representatives from over 170 member states to review the Agency’s work and approve future budgets and programmes. Throughout the event, the focus remained on the peaceful application of nuclear technology in the context of clean energy transitions, nuclear safety, and global health.
Participants examined how nuclear science can address global challenges, particularly in regions like Asia where energy demand is increasing. In his remarks to the assembly, the IAEA Director General noted that the global nuclear non-proliferation regime faces increasing challenges and emphasized that international dialogue is necessary to maintain stability. Additionally, representatives discussed the implementation of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and advanced nuclear systems as potential options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring a reliable electricity supply.
The conference also highlighted specific social and environmental initiatives, such as Rays of Hope, which aims to expand access to cancer diagnosis and radiotherapy in developing regions. Another key topic was the Atoms4Food initiative, which applies nuclear techniques to agriculture to improve crop resilience, pest control, and food security. Furthermore, technical discussions explored the use of nuclear applications for environmental monitoring, including the tracking of pollution and climate impacts within various ecosystems.
Regarding governance, member states addressed the need to strengthen nuclear safety systems and enhance the coordination of regulatory frameworks. The sessions concluded with a summary of how international cooperation and technical capacity building are essential for managing nuclear technologies as more countries expand their energy programmes. By focusing on these insights and factual developments, the conference established a framework for the continued peaceful use of nuclear science to support sustainable development goals.
