VIENNA, (Muhammad Amir Siddique) __ The 69th regular session of the General Conference was opened Monday, 15 September 2025, at 10.00 a.m. It was held in the M and C Buildings of the Vienna International Centre (VIC). Plenary meetings was held in the Plenary Hall in the M Building (first floor), while meetings of the Committee of the Whole was held in Board Room C in the C Building (fourth floor).

The first day of the 69th IAEA General Conference. It’s been a busy and productive day, from welcoming the IAEA’s newest Member States to hearing passionate national statements in the general debate, to exploring country exhibits and learning about all aspects of the IAEA’s work. The general debate continues, the e-beam in a container system will be inaugurated and the Scientific Forum on Atoms for Water begins!

More than 3100 participants from 155 countries are registered to attend the IAEA’s General Conference this year, with 57 ministers and 37 vice-ministers, as well as two members of a royal family. The number of participants from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has more than doubled since 2021.

The numbers attending from other intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) have also increased, showing the IAEA has been growing its engagement around the world. Chairman Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), Ali Raza Anwar, delivered Pakistan’s National Statement at the 69th Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA) General Conference.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful uses of nuclear technology for sustainable development. The Chairman affirmed that Pakistan’s 108 reactor-year experience in operating a safe, secure and fully safeguarded nuclear power programme demonstrates its strong capabilities and commitment. PNRA, as an independent regulator, ensures the highest safety and security standards.

He recalled Pakistan’s hosting of IAEA emergency exercises and noted that Pakistan will host the IPPAS Mission and NSSC meeting in 2026 & highlighted Pakistan’s constructive role in IAEA initiatives including Atom for Net Zero, Rays of Hope, Atoms for Food, ZODIAC & NUTEC Plastics.