International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Topics covered:

1. Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

What to study?

For Prelims and Mains: IAEA and safeguards- objectives, significance and their implementation.

Context: The 63rd General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is presently going on at Vienna.

About IAEA:

Set up as the world’s “Atoms for Peace” organization in 1957 within the United Nations family.

Reports to both the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council.

Headquarters in Vienna, Austria.

Functions:

1. Works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
2. Seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons.

Board of Governors:

• 22 member states (must represent a stipulated geographic diversity) — elected by the General Conference (11 members every year) – 2 year term.
• At least 10 member states — nominated by the outgoing Board.
• Board members each receive one vote.
• Recommendations to the General Conference on IAEA activities and budget.
• Responsible for publishing IAEA standards.
• Responsible for making most of the policy of the IAEA.
• Appoints the Director General subject to General Conference approval.

General Conference:

• 169 member states — one vote per member.
• Forum for debate on current issues and policies.
• Meets once a year.
• Approve the actions and budgets passed on from the Board of Governors.
• Approves the nominee for Director General.

Programs:

1. Program of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT).
2. Human Health Program.
3. Water Availability Enhancement Project.
4. International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles, 2000.

Sources: pib.