The latest session of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has just concluded in Vienna. This session precedes the Agency’s 70th General Conference, which will take place from 14 to 18 September.
The agenda included a number of issues of particular importance for international security and nuclear non-proliferation, including Iran, Ukraine, Syria, and North Korea. In particular, the Board adopted two resolutions. The first concerns Iran’s nuclear programme and refers the matter to the United Nations Security Council. The second, adopted by consensus, closes the Syrian file opened in 2011, in light of the progress made and the cooperation provided by the new Syrian authorities to the IAEA.
The consensus reached on Syria takes on particular significance after fifteen years and demonstrates how cooperation among States, combined with the Agency’s technical, impartial, and professional work, can help overcome even complex and long-standing issues, thereby strengthening the international safeguards and non-proliferation system.
During the proceedings, Ambassador Debora Lepre, Italy’s Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna, reaffirmed Italy’s strong support for the IAEA’s central role as a cornerstone of nuclear security and non-proliferation, as well as its role as a driver of international cooperation on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Italy has long been one of the Agency’s most active partners, providing outstanding scientific, technological, and institutional expertise. Cooperation with the IAEA covers, among other areas, health and nuclear medicine, food security, research and development, training, and nuclear science and technology, through the contributions of Italian universities, research centres, competent authorities, and industry.
This cooperation reflects Italy’s commitment to practical multilateralism, capable of combining security, innovation and tangible benefits from the peaceful applications of nuclear technology.
