On the occasion of the 58th IAEA General Conference, the Division of Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT) organized a side event focused on the value of strategic partnerships in the fight against global cancer epidemic. The event was attended by the IAEA Director General, distinguished delegates from the IAEA Member States and representatives of international organizations.

Director of PACT, Ms Nelly Enwerem-Bromson, presented an innovative interagency project in six flagship countries, which will feature strengthened cooperation with PACT's key partners such as the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The Director of PACT highlighted that this is the first global integrated joint work plan on cancer control between these international stakeholders. By bringing together each agency's complementary areas of expertise, the project will significantly advance the fight against cancer in low and middle income countries.

In the course of the event, H. E. Mr Mitsuru Kitano, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations Office in Vienna and to the IAEA, declared the resolute support of Japan for IAEA PACT. His Excellency announced a generous donation of Japan to PACT in the amount of US$ 625,000, to support the development of the new flagship project. The Ambassador stated that this project is of the utmost importance and will make a great difference to the lives of cancer patients in several of the IAEA's Member States.

The Division of the Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT), created in 2004, is an integral part of the Technical Cooperation Programme. Its mission is to fight cancer in LMICs by ensuring effective partnerships and mobilizing resources to integrate radiation medicine within a comprehensive national cancer control approach.