The Maldives has completed its first participation in the International Atomic Energy Agency’s General Conference as a member state, identifying cancer care, low-carbon energy and disaster preparedness among its priorities for cooperation with the agency.
The country joined the IAEA on 4 December 2025 and participated in the agency’s 70th Regular Session, held in Vienna, Austria, from 14 to 18 September 2026.
The Maldivian delegation was led by Dr Salma Rasheed, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations Office at Geneva.
Addressing the conference, Dr Salma outlined the Maldives’ interest in expanding access to cancer diagnosis and treatment, examining low-carbon energy technologies that could contribute to the country’s energy transition and strengthening national disaster preparedness.
The delegation also participated in discussions concerning the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, which supports countries seeking to expand cancer care services. Radioactive waste management was another area considered during the session.
Dr Salma held separate meetings with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and members of the agency’s Regulatory Infrastructure Development Project team. The project assists countries in developing national regulatory frameworks for nuclear and radiation safety.
The Maldives is seeking to develop its cooperation with the IAEA across healthcare, energy, radiation safety and national resilience as it establishes its priorities as a new member of the agency.
