Introducing the IAEA's Technical Cooperation Programme: Annual Seminar for Diplomats Takes Place

The delegates were familiarized with TC programme services, where and how the programme works, and the thematic areas in which TC projects are carried out. Presentations also covered subjects such as the TC programme cycle, the financing of the programme, and the technical cooperation programme in the international development context, with due consideration of the 2030 agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.

“The mandate of the IAEA’s technical cooperation is derived from Article II of the Agency’s Statute, and is firmly embedded in the current Medium Term Strategy which establishes the Agency’s goals and objectives for 2012-2017, together with the actions needed to achieve these goals,” explained Martin Krause, Director of the Division for Europe who spoke about the inception of the IAEA and the policy framework of the TC programme.

In addition, delegates learned about the importance of safety in the TC programme. “The Department of Nuclear Safety supports the development of the TC programme right from the start, and through this support it helps building capacity in Member States. A safety review determines the adequacy of the radiation safety infrastructure in a country,” explained Shahid Mallick, Head of the Programme and Strategy Coordination Section in the Department of Nuclear Safety, who spoke about his Department’s work to improve nuclear safety and security.

Delegates also gained an insight into how the IAEA Secretariat and Member States work together to identify and address important the development needs of Member States, and to ensure impact and sustainability. They learned about the roles and responsibilities of the various stakeholders involved in the technical cooperation programme, including the role of the Permanent Missions, and the actors of the TC programme within the Secretariat. They also heard a presentation on the Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT).

The event concluded with a panel discussion with the Deputy Directors General of the Departments of Technical Cooperation, Nuclear Energy, Nuclear Sciences and Applications, and Nuclear Safety and Security. The discussion covered the challenges and opportunities facing the TC programme, and explored how to capitalize on such opportunities to overcome challenges together.

Background:

The Seminar is organized the IAEA’s Department of Technical Cooperation once a year for delegates who work on IAEA issues, in particular for new delegates who have recently joined the Permanent Missions. It aims to provide an in-depth view of the TC programme and a platform for questions and answers to facilitate a common understanding of the TC programme.

The presentations for each session are available below:

• Session I: An Overview of the Technical Cooperation Programme
• Session II: The Policy Framework
• Session III: Working with Member States to Identify and Address their Needs and Priorities
• Session IV: The International Development Context and the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme
• Session V: The Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy
• Session VI: Nuclear Safety and Security
• Session VII: Programme Roles and Responsibilities
• Session VIII: The Programme Cycle
• Session IX: Financing the TC Programme