(As prepared for delivery)
Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen.
Thank you for attending this IAEA event highlighting the peaceful uses of nuclear technology.
Helping countries to benefit from the peaceful use of nuclear technology is a central area of the IAEA's work. Our assistance covers areas including human and animal health, food security, water management, electricity generation, and environmental protection — to name just a few.
This is part of our contribution to the achievement of the sustainable development goals.
People are often surprised at some of the things we do.
During the latest Ebola outbreak in West Africa, for example, we supplied affected countries with simple kits so they could diagnose the disease more quickly — in four hours rather in four days.
Through the Sterile Insect Technique, we help farmers to suppress, and even eradicate, harmful insect pests such as the tsetse fly and Mediterranean fruit fly.
We help countries to use drip irrigation, a method made possible thanks to nuclear techniques.
In Kenya, the yield of tomatoes almost tripled as a result of this technique, while water use was reduced by half. In Tanzania, the technique led to the yield of tea crops increasing four-fold compared to that of non-irrigated tea.
The IAEA helps cancer patients in developing countries to gain access to modern diagnosis and treatment services. Our work literally saves lives.
Helping countries to use nuclear power safely, securely and sustainably is, of course, an important part of our mandate.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The IAEA Technical Cooperation Fund is one of our main vehicles for helping developing countries to gain access to the considerable benefits of peaceful nuclear technology.
The Peaceful Uses Initiative, launched in 2010, provides additional funds for this purpose. It has helped to raise over 60 million euros for projects that benefit more than 130 countries.
I am very grateful to all countries which have contributed and I hope to be able to continue with this valuable initiative with the support of our Member States.
The IAEA nuclear applications laboratories near Vienna offer training to scientists, support research in human health, food and other areas, and provide analytical services to national laboratories.
However, the labs are more than 50 years old, so last year we launched an ambitious modernisation plan, known as ReNuAL. The aim is to establish fit-for-purpose labs by 2017 that will meet Member State needs for the next 20 years.
I appeal to all countries to contribute generously to this important project.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Back in 1953, President Eisenhower used the phrase Atoms for Peace to describe his vision for a future Atomic Energy Agency. Today, I think our work could be better understood as Atoms for Peace – and Development.
Science and technology, including nuclear science, are vital to improving health, well-being and prosperity. They should be recognized as an important enabler of the post-2015 development agenda.
I now invite you to watch a short film entitled How the Atom Benefits Life which we have made to highlight key areas of the IAEA’s work.
Thank you.