Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Phạm Công Tạc led Viet Nam’s delegation to attend the General Conference. Attending together with the delegation were Ambassador Vũ Việt Anh, the Head of Viet Nam’s delegation in international organizations in Vienne, leaders and representatives from atomic energy agencies under the Ministry of Science and Technology and staff of Viet Nam Embassy in Austria.
In the opening speech, IAEA’s General Director emphasized IAEA’s remarkable achievements over the last 6 decades, contributing to improvement of the life’s quality and prosperity of nations through the use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes. Reviewing the past 60-year pathway with significant achievements, General Director Amano has provided evidence by research and appearance of many new plants and food, development and use of nuclear techniques, support for treatment of cancer in developing countries, at the same time timely responded to new diseases as Ebola and recently Zika.
Regarding nuclear security and safety, Mr. Amano reminded the participants of IAEA’s efforts in international responses to some serious incidents occurred in nuclear power plants – in Chernobyl in 1986 and in Fukushima Daiichi in 2011. Among which, IAEA’s Plan of Action on Nuclear Safety approved right after the Fukushima Daiichi incidents has brought in significant improvements including nuclear safety over all the world.
IAEA has also been the international foundation for strengthening nuclear security, helping nations to minimize risks which cause radiation and nuclear materials to belong to terrorists.
Regarding nuclear power, Mr. Amano emphasized the special importance of nuclear power, which contributes to reduce greenhouse gases, ensure the energy security and produce energies to meet increasing needs in the world for the development. “Nowadays, around 30 developing nations have considered nuclear power production”, he said, first four reactor piles of the United Arab Emirates are expected to put into operation in 2017, and IAEA will support nations which are considered the nuclear power development so that these countries would use this energy source in a safe, security and sustainable manner.
Regarding challenges for the coming time, IAEA’s Director General, Mr. Amano mentioned some issues, including the declaration and monitoring of Iran’s nuclear activities, which has just started and would last for many years. The nuclear program of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea continues to be an issue which needs to pay special attention.
Member nations have continuously looked for IAEA’s support in order to achieve Sustainable Development Goals as well as in nuclear safety and security. The nations also waited for IAEA to continue managing its limited financial resources to achieve the highest results.
The fact that maintaining the development momentum of fields IAEA has carried out over the past years is extremely important. Mr. Amano said he has reported to the Board of Governors that it would be his honor if he continues to be in the position of IAEA’s Director General for one more term.
Also on September 26, 2016, the delegation of Viet Nam Agency for Radiation ad Nuclear Safety attended some technical meetings outside the Plenary session of the General Conference and had a bilateral meeting with the US’s industry representative delegation.
It was expected that on September 27, 2016, the Head of Viet Nam’s delegation would have a national presentation in the Session.
IAEA’s 60th General Conference would last until September 30, 2016.