The Midterm Project Review and Coordination Meeting of the IAEA Regional technical cooperation Project RAS/9/071, entitled Establishing a Radioactive Waste Management Infrastructure, took place in Bangkok, Thailand, from 10 to 14 March 2014.

The meeting was organized by the IAEA in cooperation with the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand through the Office of Atoms For Peace, Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and the Institute of Nuclear Technology (TINT). In total, 20 Project Counterparts from 30 participating Member States in the Asia and the Pacific Region, in addition to representatives from partner institutions and IAEA officers, were in attendance.

By convening this meeting, stakeholders are afforded the opportunity to look back on their achievements, take stock of the lessons learned, and look forward to streamlining the project work plan for 2014-2015. This upcoming project work plan is designed to address the well-established need to upgrade radioactive waste management infrastructure in the Asia and the Pacific region, in accordance with international standards.

Among other objectives, the Midterm Project Review and Coordination meeting reviewed the status of development of waste management infrastructures in the Asia and the Pacific Region. Moreover, the meeting identified challenges, opportunities, regional problems and appropriate strategies relevant to the establishment and sustainability of waste management infrastructures. The meeting also reviewed and updated the project work plan and activities and outline implementation arrangements for 2014-2015.

The meeting was opened by Mr Siripone Chue-Inta, Deputy Executive Director of TINT, who welcomed the participants and representatives of partner institutions. Mr Chue-Inta was followed by the Programme Management Officer, Mr Gashaw G. Wolde, who delivered an opening statement on behalf of Mr. Ali Boussaha, Director Division for Asia and the Pacific of the IAEA.