A four-day meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors concluded today, with discussions on issues related to nuclear safeguards, technical cooperation, nuclear, radiation, transport and waste safety, and security. The meeting took place the week before the IAEA’s 59th General Conference ?is due to open in Vienna on 14 September.

On matters related to strengthening nuclear safety and security, Board Members were provided with copies of Director General Yukiya Amano’s Report on the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident, along with five technical volumes, which have been made publicly available prior to next week’s General Conference. The Board also received Mr Amano’s final annual report on the implementation of the IAEA Action Plan on Nuclear Safety. Several members highlighted the importance to maintain momentum and to follow an integrated nuclear safety approach even after the expiry of the Action Plan.

On matters related to strengthening cooperation in nuclear, radiation, transport and waste safety, Members acknowledged the IAEA’s central role in strengthening the global nuclear framework and its focus on creating a safety culture worldwide. They emphasized that the development and use of nuclear energy should be under the most rigorous safety conditions.

On matters related to safeguards, the Board discussed specifics of the application of safeguards in Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Middle East.

The Board of Governors approved the applications for membership to the IAEA by the Caribbean nations of Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda. The two applications are to be considered at the General Conference.