A Future Worth Building
Ladies and gentlemen,
It’s a privilege to gather here, to engage in the vital work of addressing global challenges – a freedom we deeply appreciate after the isolating experiance of recent years. We must never take for granted the ability to convene, to collaborate, and to strive for a better future.
That commitment to a proactive future drove us to launch the Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action,or ZODIAC,even as we navigated the unprecedented demands of the COVID-19 pandemic. ZODIAC has demonstrably strengthened global preparedness. Today, 129 national laboratories are integrated into the ZODIAC network, with 151 Member States having designated national coordinators. We are actively characterizing emerging pathogens, and the iVetNet platform now aggregates data from over 2,400 institutions. We are confronting the threat of zoonotic diseases head-on, determined to prevent a repeat of past devastation.
The future, however, holds more than just challenges; it brims with potential. We stand at a unique moment in history, possessing the knowledge and capacity to shape our world like never before. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are unlocking unprecedented opportunities, empowering us to build the future we envision. Curiosity and creativity now have access to tools of extraordinary power.
Thes tools, however, demand substantial energy resources, a reality keenly understood by the technology sector. The increasing number of nuclear energy deals announced by tech executives underscores this need. This creates a powerful synergy: nuclear energy can power the data centres driving AI, and AI can, in turn, optimize nuclear operations. To explore this dynamic relationship, the IAEA will host the inaugural International Symposium on Artificial intelligence and Nuclear Energy this December.I wholeheartedly encourage your participation in what promises to be a groundbreaking convergence of technological expertise.
Another source of optimism lies in the accelerating progress of fusion energy. Driven by both private investment and public initiatives, we are moving closer to realizing presentation plants. I am confident that many of us will witness the first commercial fusion energy plant delivering power to the grid in our lifetimes.
The IAEA is actively contributing to this advancement. Next month, in Chengdu, alongside the 30th IAEA Fusion Energy Conference, the second World Fusion Energy Group meeting will focus on developing essential regulatory frameworks, charting commercialization pathways, and fostering public understanding.
Mr President,
Every obstacle presents an prospect. peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is a proactive, hopeful pursuit – a spirit I see reflected in our collective work around the globe.
I extend our sincere gratitude to the Republic of Austria for their continued collaboration as hosts of our headquarters and Seibersdorf laboratories,and to the Principality of Monaco for their generous support of our Marine Environmental Laboratories.
Within the Secretariat, we achieved gender parity among staff in Professional and higher categories in December 2024, fulfilling a commitment I made even before assuming office in 2019, when women represented only around 30% of these roles. We remain dedicated to expanding the global nuclear workforce through initiatives like the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme and the Lise Meitner Programme.
From tackling plastic pollution – with initiatives ranging from coastal africa to the Galapagos Islands, and supporting 52 Member States in upcycling plastic waste with radiation-assisted technology – to safeguarding against future pandemics, we are building a more resilient and lasting world.
Let us now begin this week’s General Conference. I eagerly anticipate engaging with you, hearing your priorities, and working together to ensure that, at the week’s end, we return to our respective spheres with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm.Let’s make this a truly productive and inspiring gathering.
