Maldives has participated in the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) 70th Regular Session of the General Conference as a Member State for the first time, following its accession to the organisation in December 2025.
The Maldivian delegation to the conference, being held in Vienna from 14 to 18 September, is led by Ambassador Dr Salma Rasheed, Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations Office at Geneva.
Addressing the General Conference, Dr Salma outlined the Maldives’ engagement with the IAEA since joining the organisation, highlighting priorities linked to the country’s national development objectives and its circumstances as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) facing climate-related challenges.
According to information shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, cancer care was among the key areas highlighted by the Maldivian delegation. Dr Salma said the Maldives intends to make use of the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative to develop technical capacity in support of the first National Cancer Hospital and to strengthen radiation safety regulation.
The IAEA General Conference is the Agency’s principal policy-making body and is held annually in Vienna. Representatives of Member States consider the organisation’s programme and budget and discuss policy matters relating to nuclear safety, security, safeguards and the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology.
The Maldives formally became an IAEA Member State on 4 December 2025, marking the start of its participation in the Agency’s decision-making processes and technical cooperation programmes.
