On September 17, 2026, Tunisia's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mondher Belaid, and IAEA Deputy Director-General and Head of the Technical Cooperation Division, Hua Liu, signed the National Framework Program for Cooperation between Tunisia and the IAEA for the period 2026-2030. This program aims to enhance cooperation in various fields, including health, food, water, environment, energy, and sustainable development.
During the 70th regular session of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, held from September 14 to 18, 2026, Minister Belaid emphasized Tunisia's commitment to the peaceful, safe, and responsible use of nuclear energy and technology. He also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in utilizing nuclear applications in various sectors and promoting regional role of Tunisia in nuclear technology.
The signed framework program will serve as a strategic framework for guiding technical and scientific cooperation between Tunisia and the IAEA over the next few years. This cooperation will support Tunisia's national development priorities and enhance the country's benefit from nuclear expertise and technology in several priority areas.
The National Framework Program for Tunisia, covering the period 2026-2030, identifies seven priority areas for cooperation: nuclear safety, radiation safety, and nuclear security; health and nutrition; food and agriculture; water and environment; industrial applications and radiation technology; energy planning and nuclear energy; and nuclear knowledge development and management.
The program will enable Tunisia to tap into the IAEA's expertise and technology to address its development challenges. The areas of cooperation will be implemented through various activities, including training, capacity building, and technical assistance.
By signing this framework program, Tunisia and the IAEA have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology. This partnership is expected to contribute to Tunisia's sustainable development and improve the well-being of its citizens.
The cooperation between Tunisia and the IAEA is expected to have a positive impact on the country's development, particularly in areas such as healthcare, food security, and environmental protection. The program will also help Tunisia to build its capacity in nuclear technology and safety.
Key points
- Tunisia and the IAEA have signed a framework program for cooperation, focusing on peaceful and safe uses of nuclear technology.
- The program identifies seven priority areas for cooperation, including nuclear safety, health and nutrition, and energy planning.
- The partnership is expected to contribute to Tunisia's sustainable development and improve the well-being of its citizens.
