IAEA Technical Assistance and Cooperation Committee
Agenda item 2: The Agency's proposed programme for 2024-25
20 November 2023
Statement by Ms Marina Francis, Alternate Resident Representative of Australia to the IAEA
Thank you, Chair.
Australia thanks the Director General for his Report on the Agency’s proposed Technical Cooperation Programme for 2024-2025, and Deputy Director General Liu for his introductory remarks.
Australia has been a long-standing supporter of the IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Programme, which is essential in ensuring Member States continue to meet their developmental needs, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Chair
Australia recognises that the success of the Technical Cooperation Programme requires sufficient, assured and predictable funding. Australia continues to pay its assessed target share in full and on time, and we call on all Member States in a position to do so, to do likewise. We believe that this is the best way to provide certainty to the Technical Cooperation Programme.
Chair
This year, Australia is proud to Chair the Regional Cooperative Agreement for Asia and the Pacific - the RCA. The RCA is a key mechanism for regional nuclear science and technology cooperation in Asia and the Pacific. It has delivered extensive developmental outcomes within our region since its inception 50 years ago, including through the implementation of over 170 projects, and the training of over 10,000 experts in support of the safe and secure use of nuclear technology for sustainable development.
We are pleased to see that seven new RCA projects have been included in the forthcoming biennium aimed at advancing human health, food security and groundwater management in our region. We look forward to leading two of these projects and partnering with RCA Government Parties and the IAEA to ensure their effective and sustainable implementation.
Chair
In the context of our strong commitment to the TC Program, we continue to underscore the importance of results-based management and transparency in the project planning and implementation. Efficient and effective management of the TC Programme will ensure the Agency delivers the best possible outcomes for Member States.
In addition, we continue to encourage the IAEA to ensure that a higher percentage of the Technical Cooperation Fund (TCF) is allocated to - and received by - Member States with the greatest developmental need: Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Finally Chair
Australia welcomes ongoing efforts by the IAEA to promote gender equality, gender mainstreaming and the participation of women in all TC activities. We deem this to be essential for the ongoing success and beneficial impact of the TC programme.
In closing, please allow me to reaffirm Australia’s unshakeable commitment to the mandate and work of the IAEA, including its role in effectively advancing the attainment of the United Nations SDGs through enhancing access to the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology.
With these comments, Australia supports the actions recommended in document GOV/2023/50.
Thank you, Chair.