IAEA 70th General Conference to Host Technical Cooperation Side Events Focusing on Radiotherapy Financing and African Nuclear Workforce Development

The 70th Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency General Conference will be held from September 14 to 18, 2026, at the Vienna International Centre in Austria. During the session, delegates and technical experts from various countries will discuss the Agency's ongoing work and topics related to nuclear science and technology.

The 70th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference will take place from September 14 to 18, 2026, at the Vienna International Centre. (IAEA)

As part of the arrangements related to the General Conference, the IAEA Department of Technical Cooperation will host two side events during the conference week, highlighting its technical cooperation support to Member States. One event will focus on financing for the expansion of radiotherapy services, while the other will address developments in the African nuclear energy sector and the cultivation of the next generation of nuclear leaders.

At the side event on radiotherapy financing, relevant countries will present how they have advanced the expansion of radiotherapy capacity after developing strategic financing documents with IAEA assistance. According to the meeting schedule, countries that have received support through techno-economic feasibility studies will share their experiences in mobilizing funds from domestic sources, development agencies, international financial institutions, and other channels. Presentations will also cover factors such as integrating cancer control into national development agendas, making the case for sustainable investment, and radiation safety and security. The event is scheduled to take place from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on September 17, 2026, in Meeting Room CR5, C Building, Vienna International Centre.

The other side event, themed "Developing the Next Generation of Nuclear Leaders: Experiences from Africa," will discuss how leadership development can serve a sustainable global nuclear industry, with particular attention to emerging nuclear power programs in Africa. The session will feature exchanges on human performance, workforce development, knowledge transfer, youth engagement, and the impact of advanced nuclear technologies and artificial intelligence on nuclear personnel and industry development. Through brief presentations, panel discussions, and interactive engagement, the event will explore viable pathways for building resilient, future-ready nuclear organizations. The event is scheduled to take place from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. on September 17, 2026, in Meeting Room M6, M Building.

In addition, representatives of regional cooperative agreements under the Department of Technical Cooperation will also hold meetings before and during the General Conference, covering regional cooperative mechanisms such as AFRA, ARCAL, ARASIA, and RCA.