IAEA Endorses Maldives’ Membership Application

News

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has endorsed the Maldives’ application to join the Agency as a member, marking the first formal step toward full membership.

The unanimous approval came during the 69th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference, the Agency’s highest policymaking body, held from 15 to 19 September in Vienna, Austria.

The Maldives delegation to the Conference is led by Dr. Salma Rasheed, Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations Offices in Geneva. Following the endorsement, Ambassador Salma addressed the Conference, noting that:

1. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face unique challenges, including climate change and fragile ecosystems.
2. International cooperation and science-driven solutions are essential to overcoming these challenges.
3. Membership in the IAEA is both a national milestone and recognition of the role of small States in advancing peace, security, and sustainable development.
4. The Maldives looks forward to leveraging IAEA membership to strengthen resilience through technical support in health, food security, and capacity-building, while contributing to global progress.

The Maldives formally applied for IAEA membership in November 2024, with key objectives including:

1. Expanding access to advanced cancer care through nuclear and radiation medicine.
2. Harnessing nuclear technology to drive sustainable development across critical sectors.

Established in 1957, the IAEA is the world’s centre for cooperation in the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology, promoting the safe, secure, and responsible use of these technologies to support sustainable development and international peace and security.