UAE and IAEA Establish Member State Support Programme to Strengthen Nuclear Safeguards
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have come together to establish a new Member State Support Programme (MSSP) aimed at enhancing the IAEA’s nuclear verification mission, commonly known as safeguards. The new arrangement, signed on 7 March, will be coordinated through the UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), and it is set to enhance the implementation of technical measures to ensure that nuclear material remains in peaceful use.
Nuclear safeguards are critical technical measures that are embedded in agreements between the IAEA and a state to provide the international community with assurances that nuclear material is not diverted from peaceful use. With the establishment of the new Member State Support Programme, the UAE and the IAEA will work closely together to address the opportunities and challenges in nuclear safeguards in the coming years.
Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the IAEA and Deputy Chairman of FANR’s Board of Management, expressed the UAE’s commitment to nuclear safeguards, stating that “there is no alternative to strong, up-to-date global safeguards implementation”. He went on to add that the UAE’s Member State Support Programme would provide tailored, practical support for IAEA safeguards, reflecting the country's conviction that IAEA safeguards will remain a priority into the future.
The establishment of the Member State Support Programme is a significant step in promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy and enhancing global nuclear security. The UAE is well-known for its commitment to nuclear safety, having successfully launched the first nuclear power plant in the Arab world, the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, in August 2020.
The new partnership between the UAE and the IAEA will further reinforce the UAE’s position as a leader in the global nuclear industry. The country has taken significant steps to ensure the highest standards of nuclear safety and security, including the development of robust regulatory frameworks and the establishment of a world-class training center for nuclear professionals.
In conclusion, the establishment of the Member State Support Programme between the UAE and the IAEA is a significant milestone towards enhancing global nuclear security. The programme is set to ensure the peaceful use of nuclear energy while also addressing the challenges and opportunities in nuclear safeguards. With the UAE’s commitment to promoting the highest standards of nuclear safety, the future of the global nuclear industry looks bright.
External Link:
https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/uae-and-iaea-establish-new-member-state-support-programme-to-strengthen-nuclear-safeguards
