Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yukiya Amano represented the agency at the Sustainable Development Summit that took place in New York, the IAEA announced Tuesday.
During his time at the summit, Amano noted the ways that the IAEA would be able to support aspects of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that were approved unanimously this past weekend. He noted that IAEA activities were not limited to acting as a nuclear watchdog.
Amano attended many events and discussed in more detail what nuclear technology and science would be able to do in relation to the SDGs. On combating climate change, nuclear energy allows countries to ensure reliability and to eliminate carbon emissions. The IAEA provides support and assistance to countries wishing to pursue nuclear power.
“It is important that the contributions that nuclear science and technology can make to combating climate change are recognized,” Amano said.
The IAEA also supports projects aimed at establishing quality oncology and radiotherapy centers in countries that are still developing. According to the IAEA, 70 percent of cancer deaths occur in low to middle-income countries.
During the Global Leader’s Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, Amano emphasized the IAEA’s commitment to expanding opportunities to women and encouraged member states to work toward gender equality and equal representation.
