Non Proliferation – Nuclear - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is the world’s center of cooperation in the nuclear field. It was established in 1957 as the world’s "Atoms for Peace" organization as an independent international organization under the United Nations (UN). It has a membership of 144 Nation States.
It is the UN’s ‘nuclear watchdog’ and is the verification authority for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). In this capacity it is responsible for promoting and agreeing international nuclear safeguards with States, and for verifying that non-proliferation commitments are met. It is also charged with fostering safety and security in nuclear related activities and with contributing to goals of sustainable development in key areas of the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology.
The main aims of the IAEA are to:
- Verify through its inspection system that States comply with their commitments under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and other non-proliferation agreements, by ensuring that safeguarded nuclear material and activities are not used for weapons purposes.
- Develop nuclear safety and security standards and promote the achievement and maintenance of high levels of safety in all applications of nuclear energy. The main aim is to protect people and the environment from harmful radiation exposure.
- Providing the world's focal point for scientific and technical cooperation in nuclear fields. This work contributes to fighting poverty, sickness, and pollution of the earth's environment, and to other global "Millennium Goals" for a safer and better future.
There are two policymaking organs within the IAEA, the General Conference and the Board of Governors. Working jointly, these two organs decide the Agency's programme and budget and appoint the Director General of the IAEA.
The General Conference is composed of representatives of all IAEA Member States. The Board of Governors has 35 members, of which 13 are designated by the Board and 22 are elected by the General Conference.
The Board of Governors meets five times a year; in March and June, in September immediately before and after the General Conference and in November immediately after the meeting of the IAEA’s Technical Assistance and Co-operation Committee. They examine and make recommendations to the General Conference on the IAEA's accounts, programme and budget, and consider applications for membership. The Board also approves safeguards agreements and the publication of the IAEA's safety standards, and overseas the work of the Agency more generally.
The General Conference meets once a year to consider the Board of Governors' report for the previous year; approve the accounts and programme and budget; and approve any applications for membership. The Conference also conducts a wide ranging general debate on the IAEA's policies and programme and examines a variety of matters brought to its attention by the Board of Governors, the Director General, and individual Member States.
IAEA financial resources include the regular budget and voluntary contributions. The Regular Budget for 2007 amounted to €283,611,000. The target for voluntary contributions to the Technical Co-operation Fund for 2007 was $80 million. As of February 2008 the number of established staff members in the IAEA Secretariat was over 2,000 including staff from over 90 different countries.
Further information on the History, Background and work of the IAEA may be found on the IAEA website. The IAEA website also provides comprehensive information on Specialist In-House IAEA Meetings and Current Job Vacancies. The IAEA is a leading publisher in the nuclear field. Its Scientific and Technical Publications cover fifteen subject areas. They include proceedings of major international conferences, as well as international guides, codes, and standards.
The External Links Section located to the right of this text provides the relevant links to the IAEA website.