Since 2007, the people and government of the Republic of Korea have made substantial contributions to IAEA efforts, facilitated through Technical Cooperationand PACT, to improve access to cancer services in developing Member States and support efforts to make radiotherapy affordable everywhere. During the 55th General Conference of the IAEA, held 19-23 September 2011, the people of the Republic of Korea once again confirmed their backing of the PACT initiative and their support of the fight against the cancer epidemic by making a generous donation to the PACT Programme.
The donation received by PACT during the General Conference came directly from the people of the Republic of Korea, and was facilitated by the Korea Nuclear International Cooperation Foundation (KONICOF). The donation of $20 000 marked the 5th consecutive year that KONICOF has supported the PACT initiative, making KONICOF one of PACT's most consistent and valued contributors. KONICOF is also one of PACT's most unique donors, as the entirety of their contribution comes in the form of micro-donations made by ordinary people in Korea. Through this micro-donation process KONICOF promotes community support for the battle to control cancer in developing countries by building public awareness, educating donors and cultivating future participation in the fight against cancer.
Previous contributions from KONICOF have been instrumental in carrying out a cancer assessment mission in the Philippines and in supporting the new PACT initiative for the development of the Advisory Group on increasing access to Radiotherapy Technologies in developing countries (AGaRT), a PACT initiative that works to make radiotherapy equipment safe, effective and affordable for low and middle income countries. PACT is grateful for this and every contribution from the people of the Republic of Korea and is proud to have maintained a strong relationship with KONICOF. PACT looks forward to future collaboration with the Republic of Korea in addressing the challenges of controlling cancer around the globe.