Morocco strengthens multilateral diplomacy as IAEA vice-president for 2025-2026

Tuesday 23 September 2025 - 12:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco strengthens multilateral diplomacy as IAEA vice-president for 2025-2026

Morocco has been elected vice-president of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors for the 2025-2026 term, represented by Azzeddine Farhane, the country’s ambassador and permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna. This achievement underscores Morocco’s increasing prominence in global diplomacy and its commitment to advancing international cooperation in nuclear science and technology.

The country’s candidacy, presented on behalf of the Group of 77 and China (Vienna Chapter), received unanimous support from all 134 member states of the group. Alongside Morocco, Australia’s ambassador Ian David Graining Biggs was elected president of the board, while Romania’s ambassador Stelian Stoian was named vice-president for the Eastern Europe group.

In his address following the election, Farhane expressed gratitude for the global community's trust in Morocco. He pledged the country’s commitment to maintaining the “Vienna spirit of consensus” and fostering dialogue, negotiation, and compromise amid a challenging global landscape.

The election is viewed as a recognition of Morocco’s leadership in multilateral diplomacy, its active promotion of South-South cooperation, and its dedication to finding balanced, consensus-driven solutions within international forums. Representatives from the G77, the African Group, the European Union, and numerous IAEA member and observer states extended their congratulations to Morocco.

Morocco’s role in the IAEA

The IAEA Board of Governors is one of the agency’s primary decision-making bodies, responsible for reviewing financial statements, budgets, and programs. It also issues recommendations to the General Conference, examines membership applications, approves safeguard agreements, and authorizes the publication of safety standards. Additionally, the board nominates the IAEA’s Director General, subject to approval by the General Conference.

Morocco’s latest appointment builds on its previous milestone in 2020, when it chaired the 64th session of the IAEA General Conference. The election further highlights Morocco’s growing influence in shaping international nuclear policies and fostering cooperation among member states.

Upcoming events and milestones

Morocco was recently chosen to host the 37th meeting of the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development, and Training in Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA) Technical Committee in 2026. This decision, announced during the 69th regular session of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, will bring the event to Morocco’s National Center for Energy, Nuclear Science and Technology (CNESTEN). The meeting is expected to further strengthen Morocco’s leadership in advancing nuclear science and technology on the African continent.

Through its engagement with the IAEA and other multilateral organizations, Morocco continues to solidify its position as a key player in global diplomacy, demonstrating its commitment to fostering international cooperation in science and technology for peaceful purposes.