The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA, or “the Agency”) was created in 1957 in response to the newly found uses of nuclear technology. The Agency was set up as the world’s “Atoms for Peace” organization within the United Nations family. From the beginning, it was given the mandate to work with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote safe, secure and peaceful nuclear technologies.
The Agency seeks to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world. It ensures that assistance provided by it or at its request or under its supervision or control is not used in such a way as to further any military purpose. The three general practices of the Agency are as follows:
- Peace: Promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy
- Safeguards: Implementing safeguards to verify that nuclear energy is not used for military purposes
- Nuclear safety: Promoting high standards for nuclear safety
With nuclear incidents such as Fukushima and the attempted nuclear proliferation of nations such as Iran the IAEA has become a relevant and important agency of the United Nations. As tensions arise among powerful nations, the Agency will play an active role in ensuring that global cooperation continues as it relates to nuclear energy.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
STATUTE AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES
- https://www.iaea.org/about/statute
- https://www.iaea.org/about/overview/sustainable-development-goals-sdgs#
- https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/16/11/mts2018_2013.pdf
PAST ACTIONS