Vietnam and IAEA cooperate in developing and applying nuclear technology for peaceful purposes

NDO - At the regular meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors, which opened in Vienna, Austria, on March 3, Vietnam informed international friends about the Vietnamese Government's decision to continue building two nuclear power plants to diversify energy sources, stimulate economic growth and support environmental protection goals, and requested the IAEA to support the completion of nuclear power infrastructure to meet IAEA requirements.

Attending the regular meeting were IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, 35 members of the IAEA Executive Council, and Ambassadors and representatives of IAEA member countries. Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang led the Vietnamese delegation and delivered a speech at the meeting.

During the 5 working days, the IAEA Board focused on reviewing and discussing the 2025 Nuclear Safety and Security Assessment Report, the 2025 Nuclear Technology Assessment Report... to unanimously approve and submit them to the 68th Session of the IAEA General Conference in September 2025.

In addition, some other contents were also discussed by the Council member countries, such as the implementation of the Safeguards Agreements between the IAEA and Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Syria, some emerging issues such as the security and safety situation of nuclear power plants in Ukraine, or the Treaty on Trilateral Cooperation between the US, UK and Australia on the Transfer of Nuclear-Powered Submarines (AUKUS)...

Overview of the IAEA Board Meeting in March 2025.

In his opening remarks, Director General Grossi highlighted urgent issues of nuclear safety and security in the context of the world facing many geopolitical challenges, but he also emphasized the role of the IAEA in supporting member countries to promote the application of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, serving the goal of sustainable development.

In addition to security challenges, the IAEA also highlighted the important role of nuclear energy in providing clean and stable electricity. Currently, 417 nuclear reactors are operating in 31 countries, contributing nearly 10% of total global electricity production and about 25% of low-carbon energy supply. The IAEA forecasts that global nuclear power capacity could increase 2.5-fold by 2050.

To achieve this goal, raising public awareness and acceptance of nuclear energy is essential. The first International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes will be held in May 2025, bringing together governments, businesses and experts in the field.

In addition, the IAEA is planning to organize the International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence and Nuclear Energy in December this year in Vienna, to provide an opportunity for experts and stakeholders to discuss the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the nuclear sector, discuss how AI can optimize operational processes throughout the lifecycle of nuclear energy projects, and help reduce risks and improve management efficiency.

In addition, Mr. Grossi also emphasized technical support, training and research programs in nuclear application areas such as medicine, food safety and environmental protection - areas that are considered key in solving current global challenges.

Vietnamese Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang speaks at the meeting.

Speaking at the Nuclear Technology Assessment Report 2025, Vietnamese Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang highlighted the role of nuclear energy in sustainable development, as a key factor in mitigating climate change, ensuring energy security and opening up many other applications of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

On this occasion, Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang informed international friends about the Vietnamese Government's decision to continue building two nuclear power plants to diversify energy sources, stimulate economic growth and support environmental protection goals, and asked the IAEA to support the completion of nuclear power infrastructure to meet IAEA requirements.

Together with the IAEA General Conference, the IAEA Board of Governors is the policy-making body for the peaceful development of nuclear energy. The Board also exercises oversight and makes recommendations to the IAEA General Conference on the IAEA's programme of work, finances and budget, and considers the admission of new members. The Board has the authority to approve safeguards agreements between the IAEA and its Member States as well as IAEA regulations and standards on nuclear safety and security.

The IAEA Executive Council consists of 35 members, including 22 countries elected by the IAEA General Conference for a two-year term. Vietnam completed its 2021-2023 term as a member of the IAEA Executive Council in September 2023.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/viet-nam-va-iaea-hop-tac-phat-trien-va-ung-dung-cong-nghe-nhat-nhan-vi-muc-dich-hoa-binh-post863208.html