Morocco takes part in the 70th IAEA General Conference

Yesterday 13:19

By: Azzat Manal

Morocco takes part in the 70th IAEA General Conference

Morocco is participating in the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), being held in Vienna from September 14 to 18, as the international community faces growing geopolitical tensions and renewed challenges surrounding nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation.

A high-level Moroccan delegation is attending the annual gathering, which brings together around 4,000 participants from IAEA member states and international institutions. The Moroccan delegation is headed by Ezzedine Farhane, Morocco’s ambassador and permanent representative to the international organizations in Vienna.

The delegation also includes Hamid Marah, director general of Morocco’s National Center for Nuclear Energy, Sciences and Technology, and Saïd Mouline, director general of the Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security. Senior officials from relevant government departments and technical institutions are also taking part in the conference.

Morocco’s participation follows the conclusion of its 2024–2026 term on the IAEA Board of Governors, during which the Kingdom served as vice-chair of the board and contributed to discussions aimed at strengthening international dialogue, multilateral cooperation and the global nuclear governance framework.

The General Conference is the IAEA’s main policymaking forum and provides member states with an opportunity to examine the agency’s priorities and approve decisions covering a broad range of nuclear-related issues. These include technical cooperation, the peaceful use of nuclear energy, nuclear safety and security, and the implementation of safeguards designed to prevent the misuse of nuclear materials.

For Morocco, the Vienna meeting also represents an opportunity to reinforce its engagement with African partners in the field of nuclear science and technology. The Kingdom is expected to be elected to chair the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology, known as AFRA, for the 2026–2027 period.

The anticipated appointment would further strengthen Morocco’s role in promoting scientific cooperation across Africa. AFRA provides a framework for African countries to work together in areas such as nuclear research, human-resource development, healthcare, agriculture, environmental protection and other peaceful applications of nuclear technology.

Morocco has increasingly emphasized the importance of nuclear science as a tool for sustainable development. Beyond energy-related applications, nuclear and radiation technologies can support medical diagnosis and treatment, food safety, agricultural productivity, water-resource management and environmental monitoring.

The 70th General Conference is taking place against a particularly complex international backdrop. Geopolitical conflicts and tensions have increased pressure on the international non-proliferation system, while concerns over nuclear security and the protection of nuclear facilities remain central to international discussions.

The IAEA plays a key role in addressing these challenges through inspections, safeguards, technical assistance and cooperation with member states. Its mandate also extends to helping countries develop peaceful nuclear applications while maintaining appropriate standards of safety and security.

The conference therefore provides a platform for governments and technical experts to discuss how nuclear science can contribute to development while ensuring that nuclear materials and technologies remain subject to effective oversight.

Morocco’s active presence in Vienna reflects its broader diplomatic approach of supporting multilateral institutions and strengthening cooperation with African countries. Its expected leadership role within AFRA could provide an additional channel for sharing expertise and supporting capacity-building initiatives across the continent.

As discussions continue throughout the conference, member states are expected to focus on the future direction of international nuclear cooperation and the agency’s ability to respond to emerging security, technological and development challenges. Morocco’s participation places the Kingdom at the center of these discussions while reinforcing its commitment to the peaceful and responsible use of nuclear science.