IAEA elects Qatar as member of IAEA Board of Governors

Vienna, The Gulf Observer: Qatar was elected into the membership of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the period from 2022–2024 during the 66th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference, currently being held in Vienna.

This step reflects the international community’s confidence in the constructive role played by Qatar in implementing the tasks of the Vienna-based agency.

Qatar had occupied the membership of the IAEA Board of Governors twice before, from 2013-2015 and from 2016-2018. The Board of Governors is one of the main policy-making bodies of the IAEA.

The 35-member Board reviews and approves decisions related to the Agency’s budget, the Agency’s operational programmes, safeguards agreements and safety standards, and has the power to appoint its Director General with the approval of the General Conference.

The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, who became the IAEA’s Governor from Qatar, said that the election of Qatar to the membership of the Board of Governors of the IAEA affirms the global appreciation of Qatar’s successful efforts and responsible approach towards the development of a peaceful nuclear energy programme. It also shows the global community’s confidence in Qatar’s active and influential role in international forums.

Dr. Al Hammadi stressed Qatar’s keenness to continue to support the IAEA’s various activities in promoting the peaceful use of nuclear power, ensuring the prevention of the spread of nuclear weapons, and facilitating the access of peaceful nuclear technology to member states.

Qatar is part of most conventions related to nuclear safety, security, and safeguards. Also, Qatar has been an active member of the IAEA since its accession in 1976, with a long-term policy to support the IAEA’s role in harnessing the atom for peaceful purposes.