The Maldives has concluded its first participation as a Member State in the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) General Conference, highlighting cancer care, clean energy and national disaster preparedness as key areas for cooperation with the Agency.
The Maldives took part in the 70th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference, held in Vienna, Austria, from 14 to 18 September 2026, following the country’s accession to the Agency on 4 December 2025.
Leading the Maldivian delegation was Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations Office at Geneva, Dr Salma Rasheed.
In her statement to the General Conference on 16 September, Ambassador Salma outlined the Maldives’ priorities for engagement with the IAEA, including expanding access to cancer diagnosis and treatment, exploring low-carbon energy technologies to support the country’s energy transition, and strengthening national disaster preparedness.
The Maldivian delegation also participated in discussions on expanding access to cancer care through the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative and strengthening radioactive waste management.
During the conference, Ambassador Salma held bilateral meetings with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and the Agency’s Regulatory Infrastructure Development Project (RIDP) team.
The Maldives’ participation marked its first General Conference as an IAEA Member State and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Agency in health, clean energy, safety and national resilience.