Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message — delivered by Monica Juma, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Director-General of the UN Office at Vienna — to the opening of the seventieth regular session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in Vienna today:
I send warm greetings to participants at the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
As the custodian of the safeguards system, IAEA reinforces our common security against the proliferation of nuclear weapons. And its role in advancing the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology — from electrification to human health and agriculture — is spurring development around the world.
Recent developments regarding safeguards implementation in Syria reflect the indispensable, technical and impartial role of the Agency and the importance of the full support of Member States.
Yet, there is no denying that this General Conference comes at a moment of profound global turbulence and uncertainty. Attacks on nuclear facilities are rising. The drivers of nuclear proliferation are accelerating, while the guardrails against it are falling. And the world is on the cusp of a revolution in nuclear power generation — a revolution that requires careful management and monitoring.
More than ever, our world needs IAEA’s professionalism, impartiality and technical excellence. And we need Member States to stand with you as you carry out your vital work.
This means full cooperation with IAEA in verifying the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. It requires full support for the Agency’s role in preventing catastrophe at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. And the Technical Cooperation Fund needs predictable and sustained funding to help developing countries.
Throughout, Member States must fully uphold their obligations under international law and accelerate efforts to eliminate the spectre of nuclear proliferation.
I look forward to strengthening the valuable cooperation between IAEA and the United Nations and ensuring that nuclear technology can advance development and peace. I wish you a successful conference.