Tunisia's Higher Education Minister Monther Belaid recently attended the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna. The conference, which took place from September 14-18, 2026, brought together high-ranking officials and representatives from IAEA member states. According to the Ministry of Higher Education, the conference aimed to discuss various nuclear-related issues and topics. Minister Belaid represented Tunisia as the head of the National Atomic Energy Committee.
During the conference, Minister Belaid emphasized Tunisia's commitment to peaceful, safe, and responsible uses of nuclear energy and technology. He also expressed Tunisia's support for strengthening the non-proliferation and nuclear security system. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of international cooperation in utilizing nuclear applications in fields such as health, food, water, environment, energy, and sustainable development. The Minister also underscored Tunisia's role in promoting nuclear technology in the region.
On the sidelines of the conference, Minister Belaid and IAEA Deputy Director-General and Head of Technical Cooperation Hua Liu signed the National Framework Program for Cooperation between Tunisia and the IAEA for the period 2026-2030. This program outlines a strategic framework for guiding technical and scientific cooperation between Tunisia and the IAEA over the next few years. The program aims to support Tunisia's national development priorities and enhance the country's access to nuclear expertise and technology.
The National Framework Program identifies seven priority areas for cooperation, including nuclear safety, radiation safety, and nuclear security. Other areas of focus include 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. These areas align with Tunisia's development needs and will benefit from IAEA's technical assistance and expertise.
The IAEA General Conference is an annual event that brings together member states to discuss nuclear-related issues and set the agency's priorities. The conference provides a platform for countries to share their experiences, challenges, and best practices in the peaceful use of nuclear energy and technology. Tunisia's participation in the conference reflects its commitment to harnessing nuclear technology for development and its engagement with the international community on nuclear issues.
The cooperation between Tunisia and the IAEA is expected to strengthen in the coming years, with a focus on capacity building, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing. The National Framework Program will serve as a roadmap for cooperation, enabling Tunisia to tap into the IAEA's expertise and resources. This partnership will contribute to Tunisia's development goals, particularly in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and energy.
The 70th IAEA General Conference concluded on September 18, 2026, with participants reaffirming their commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and technology. The conference also highlighted the importance of international cooperation and collaboration in addressing global challenges. Tunisia's participation in the conference and its cooperation with the IAEA demonstrate its commitment to harnessing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and contributing to regional and global development.
Key points
- Tunisia's Higher Education Minister Monther Belaid attended the 70th IAEA General Conference in Vienna from September 14-18, 2026.
- The conference discussed various nuclear-related issues and topics, including peaceful uses of nuclear energy and technology.
- Tunisia and the IAEA signed a National Framework Program for Cooperation for the period 2026-2030, focusing on seven priority areas.
