UAE resumes spot on IAEA’s board

The UAE was re-elected to the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), for the period 2020 to 2022, during this year’s annual General Conference of the agency.

The UAE had previously held the seat from 2010-2012, from 2013 to 2015 and then again from 2016 to 2018.

The board of governors is one of the main policy-making body of the IAEA, along with the annual general conference. The 35-member board examines and makes recommendations to the general conference on the IAEA’s financial statements, programme and budget.

It also mulls applications for membership, approves safeguards agreements and the publication of the agency’s safety standards. Additionally, the board considers ongoing verification reports such as those of Iran’s and North Korea‘s compliance.

“The election of the UAE on IAEA’s Board of Governors underscores the confidence of the international community in the active role of the UAE in the international nuclear policy-making process,” said Hamad Al Kaabi, permanent representative of the UAE to the IAEA.

With the recent startup of the first nuclear power reactor, UAE has paced itself in the development of its national peaceful nuclear energy programme, while maintaining full compliance and adherence to highest standards of safety, security and non-proliferation.

The UAE is a party to all relevant conventions and agreements in the area of nuclear safety, nuclear security, and safeguards.

This year’s participation coincides with the UAE witnessing the reactor of Unit 1 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant achieving 50 per cent of its electricity production capacity.

Read: Unit 1 of Barakah nuclear energy plant achieves 50% production capacity

The UAE is the first Arab country to develop and operate a nuclear power plant.

Last month, Unit 1 of the energy plant connected to the national power grid and dispatched the first megawatts of clean electricity.

Read more: UAE’s Barakah nuclear power plant connects to the national grid