Agenda Item 3: The Annual Report for 2020
International Atomic Energy Agency
Board of Governors’ Meetings (07 June, 2021)
Agenda Item 3: The Annual Report for 2020
Statement by Sh. Jaideep Mazumdar , Ambassador of India
Madam Chair,
We associate ourselves with the Statement made by the distinguished Ambassador of Costa Rica on behalf of G-77 and China and would like to make the following additional remarks.
Madam Chair
The overview contained in the Annual Report for 2020 is testimony to the Agency’s important work in many fields of nuclear science. India attaches great importance to the Agency’s work. We contribute to these activities through participation in Technical Meetings and Coordinated Research Projects.
We recognise the growing demand for nuclear technologies by Member States to meet their sustainable development goals. The Agency’s program and contribution under Nuclear Applications in food and agriculture, human health and nutrition, water resources management, protection of the environment, to name a few areas, are of immense benefit to developing countries. India will continue to provide its support to these Agency programs through deputing our experts, hosting of Technical Meetings and offering training slots to Member States in reputed institutions in India such as the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership.
Madam Chair,
We compliment the Agency for organizing the Scientific forum on "Nuclear Power and the Clean Energy Transition" in September last year. The recognition of the value of nuclear power in the transition to low carbon systems and the need for nuclear power to be part of global discussions in this direction emerged from this forum. Nuclear power remains an important option to meet the challenges of increasing energy demand, address climate change concerns and ensure energy security. India pursues a low-carbon growth model and being fully committed to the Paris Agreement, considers nuclear power as an important contributor for addressing our climate goals. As part of our overall energy security and clean energy policy, India plans rapid expansion of nuclear power generation capacity over the next decades. We encourage the Agency to further emphasize the role of nuclear power in the mitigation of climate change at various fora and by using various channels at its disposal.
Madam Chair,
We take note of the Agency’s important work in improving global nuclear safety and security. In this regard, we appreciate the review and publication of safety standards and security guidance that sets an international reference point for nuclear safety and security.
We appreciate the efforts of the Agency to quickly adapt to the need for remote functioning imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and note that the agency continued to deliver on its mandate in diverse areas despite the challenges of the pandemic situation.
Madam Chair,
With these comments, we take note of the Annual Report for 2020, as contained in document GOV/2021/11 and endorse its transmission to the General Conference.
I thank you.
