The Maldives is seeking support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to advance cancer treatment and radiation safety, as the country begins developing its cooperation priorities following its accession to the Agency.
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations Office at Geneva Dr Salma Rasheed outlined these priorities at the 70th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Austria. She is leading the Maldivian delegation at the conference, which is being held from 14 to 18 September 2026.
The Maldives is seeking assistance through the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, particularly to build capacity for the country’s first National Cancer Hospital and strengthen the regulatory framework governing radiation safety.
The country is also preparing its first Country Programme Framework, which will identify priority areas for future technical cooperation with the Agency. Dr Salma reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to using nuclear science and technology exclusively for peaceful, safe and secure purposes.
The Maldives became an IAEA member on 4 December 2025. This is its first participation in the General Conference as a member state.
Dr Salma said the country had moved quickly to establish a substantive partnership with the Agency, guided by national development priorities and the particular challenges faced by Small Island Developing States exposed to climate change. She also welcomed Timor-Leste as a new member of the IAEA.
The General Conference is the IAEA’s principal policy-making forum. Member states meet annually to review the Agency’s work, approve its programme and budget, and determine policies covering nuclear science, safety, security and safeguards.
