In his opening statement, IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano said that the IAEA is best known for its role in ensuring that peaceful nuclear technology is not used for military purposes. However, through its Technical Cooperation programme, the Agency helps to support sustainable development through projects dealing with everything from cancer treatment to food safety and water management. He further said that "Unfortunately, these activities are not well known. So, wherever I go, I try to raise awareness of this vitally important area of our work". He also encouraged Member States to highlight science and technology as key areas for the post-2015 sustainable development agenda.