The 70th Session of the IAEA General Conference is Underway in Vienna

From September 14 to 18, 2026, the 70th session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA GC) is taking place in Vienna.

Peter Burian, President of the 69th session of the IAEA General Conference, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, and Permanent Representative of the Slovak Republic to the UN, OSCE, and other international organizations in Vienna, opened the 70th plenary session of the IAEA General Conference.

In his address, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi emphasized the Agency’s collective efforts to address global challenges in the fields of nuclear safety and security, as well as the peaceful uses of nuclear technology. He welcomed Timor-Leste as the newest IAEA Member State, bringing the total number of Member States to 182 after 70 years of operation. In his speech, he highlighted the importance of the Agency’s initiatives in the peaceful applications of nuclear technology, particularly in cancer treatment, the development of small modular reactors, and the launch of the new ATLAS initiative. He also outlined the ongoing work of IAEA experts in Ukraine and the support provided by the Agency during global crises.

Juraj Blanár, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, delivered the national statement of the Slovak Republic during the general debate. He called for the preservation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, as well as for dialogue and diplomacy in international relations. He also recalled the candidacy of the Slovak Republic for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028–2029 term.

Furthermore, he outlined the progress of the Slovak Republic’s nuclear energy programme, particularly the achievement of first criticality at Unit 4 of the Mochovce Nuclear Power Plant, plans for new nuclear capacities, and the potential use of small modular reactors and innovative technologies. He also expressed support for a strong and sustainable nuclear safety and security framework, including preparations for the upcoming IRRS follow-up mission in November 2026.

The statement also expressed support for IAEA activities in Ukraine related to nuclear safety, security, and safeguards implementation, as well as for maintaining a continuous IAEA presence at all Ukrainian nuclear facility sites. The Slovak Republic reaffirmed its strong and longstanding support for the IAEA’s mandate, its technical cooperation programme, and the international exchange of expertise and experience.

The Minister also presented the candidacy of the Slovak Republic for the IAEA Board of Governors for the 2026–2028 term.