National Coordinators representing the 22 State Parties of the Regional Cooperative Agreement for the Promotion of Nuclear Science and Technology in Latin America and the Caribbean (ARCAL) have attended the International Conference on the IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Programme, held in Vienna from 30 May to 1 June 2017. The Coordinators gathered to discuss the benefits and impact of the programme in applying nuclear science and technology for national development.

ARCAL’s contribution to the development of the Latin America and the Caribbean region was showcased at an exhibition held during the Conference. The ARCAL booth highlighted the achievements and impact of the Agreement over 30 years, as well as its contribution to the attainment of development objectives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The booth was inaugurated on 30 May 2017, and was opened by Mr Dazhu Yang, Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation. In his statement, Mr Yang highlighted collaboration and regional cooperation, and noted the contribution of the ARCAL programme, with IAEA support, to development. Mr Aldo Malavasi, Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Science and Applications, spoke about the impact of different nuclear applications, and the expertise available in the region.

The ceremony ?was hosted by Mr Marcel Fortuna Biato, Resident Representative of Brazil to the IAEA, together with Ms Alicia Buenrostro, Resident Representative of Mexico, representing the Board of ARCAL Representatives and the Board of Technical Coordination of ARCAL, respectively.

Over the past 30 years, ARCAL has implemented more than 150 projects in capacity building and infrastructure in the region. Over 370 courses have been held, more than 15500 professionals trained, and around 150 expert missions have been carried out in the thematic areas of: Food Security, Human Health, Environment, Energy, Radiation Safety, and Radiation Technologies.