International Atomic Energy Agency
During the 1950s, the idea of establishing a global organization dedicated to the peaceful, nonmilitary use of atomic energy was proposed. The foundations of this organization were laid following a proposal by Dwight D. Eisenhower, then President of the United States. As a result, in December 1954, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution entitled “Atoms for Peace.” Subsequently, in 1956, the draft Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency was approved by eighty states at an international conference held under the auspices of the United Nations, marking the formal establishment of the Agency.
On 14 November 1956, the United Nations General Assembly approved an agreement governing the relationship and cooperation between the International Atomic Energy Agency and the United Nations. Following this agreement, the Agency commenced operations as an independent international organization responsible for guiding the use of atomic energy to promote human welfare. In accordance with its Statute, the Agency maintains relations with specialized agencies of the United Nations and other international organizations, and it submits annual reports on its activities to the General Assembly.
The Role of the Agency in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Regime
Objectives of the International Atomic Energy Agency
The objectives of the Agency, as set out in its Statute, include the following:
- Assisting research and the expansion of scientific studies related to atomic energy for peaceful purposes worldwide, and providing facilities and services to member states for research and the development of scientific recommendations for the non-military use of atomic energy.
- Providing necessary facilities for research and essential guidance on the application of atomic energy in the interest of peace and human welfare.
- Supplying information related to scientific and technical developments in the peaceful use of atomic energy.
- Training and developing skilled and qualified experts for the peaceful utilization of atomic energy.
- Establishing safety measures to ensure that materials, facilities, services, and information related to atomic energy are used exclusively for peaceful purposes.
- Providing facilities, advisory services, and cooperation with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies concerning safety standards for the protection of human health against life-threatening factors, and issuing related recommendations while requesting member states to coordinate their activities with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
- Providing facilities and assistance to ensure the proper use of atomic energy in human life, agriculture, and other fields.
In summary, the Agency’s objectives are centered on two main pillars. The first is the peaceful use of atomic energy and the promotion of its development for peace, health, welfare, and progress worldwide. The second is ensuring that the information and assistance provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency in the field of atomic energy are not used for military purposes.
Constituent Bodies of the International Atomic Energy Agency
General Conference
The General Conference is the highest organ and authority of the International Atomic Energy Agency. It convenes annually in Vienna, the Agency’s headquarters, and may also hold special sessions at the request of the Board of Governors or a majority of the members.
The General Conference is composed of representatives of all member states, with each member holding one vote. Decisions are adopted by a majority vote. However, a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting is required for decisions relating to financial matters, withdrawal from membership, and amendments or revisions to the Statute. Under the Statute, the General Conference has broad authority over the Agency’s financial, administrative, and policy matters.
Functions of the General Conference
- Electing members of the Board of Governors and reviewing the Board’s annual reports.
- Deciding on any amendment or revision of the Statute.
- Admitting new members.
- Appointing the Director General of the Agency for a four-year term.
- Approving and endorsing the Agency’s reports to the United Nations.
Board of Governors
The Board of Governors consists of more than 25 members and includes both appointed and elected members.
Appointed Members
Under the Agency’s Statute, ten members are designated from among the most advanced member states in nuclear technology. These states are selected by the Board of Governors and constitute the Board’s appointed members.
Elected Members
Fifteen elected members are chosen by the General Conference from among the Agency’s member states. These states are represented by elected members of the Board of Governors.
Secretariat
The Secretariat of the International Atomic Energy Agency consists of a Director General and a number of staff members. The Director General is appointed by the General Conference upon the recommendation of the Board of Governors for a four-year term. The Director General is responsible for administering the Agency’s day-to-day affairs under the supervision of the Board of Governors.
Frequently Asked Questions About the International Atomic Energy Agency
The International Atomic Energy Agency is an independent international organization established in 1957 following the approval of its Statute and relevant United Nations resolutions. Its purpose is to guide the peaceful use of atomic energy for the benefit of humanity. The Agency cooperates with United Nations specialized bodies and submits annual reports to the General Assembly.
The Agency’s objectives include promoting scientific research in atomic energy, facilitating the peaceful use of nuclear technology, training qualified experts, ensuring nuclear safety, and preventing the military misuse of nuclear technology.
Within the framework of the nuclear non-proliferation regime, the Agency monitors the peaceful use of nuclear energy and seeks to ensure that nuclear technology is not diverted to military purposes.
The principal organs of the Agency are the General Conference, the Board of Governors, and the Secretariat. The General Conference is the highest decision-making body, the Board of Governors is responsible for policy and oversight, and the Secretariat manages the daily operations under the leadership of the Director General.
The General Conference elects members of the Board of Governors, reviews annual reports, decides on amendments to the Statute, admits new members, appoints the Director General, and approves the Agency’s reports to the United Nations.
The Board of Governors consists of twenty-five members, including ten appointed members selected from the most advanced nuclear technology states and fifteen elected members chosen by the General Conference.
The Director General, appointed for a four-year term by the General Conference upon the recommendation of the Board of Governors, is responsible for managing the Agency’s daily affairs and implementing its decisions under the supervision of the Board of Governors. What is the International Atomic Energy Agency, and when was it established?
What are the objectives of the International Atomic Energy Agency?
Does the Agency have responsibility for controlling nuclear weapons?
What are the main organs of the International Atomic Energy Agency?
What are the functions of the General Conference?
How are members of the Board of Governors selected?
What are the duties of the Director General of the Agency?
