8 Sep (NucNet): One of the key targets of the International Atomic Energy Agency in the years to come will be the achievement of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs), which include reducing cancer-related deaths by a third in the next 15 years, the agency’s director-general said.
In his introductory statement to the agency’s board of governors yesterday, Yukiya Amano welcomed the recognition of the importance of science and technology for development in the SDGs, which are expected to be approved in a few weeks’ time.
He said the agency has for many years made a major contribution to development by making nuclear science and technology available in areas such as food production, water management and agriculture. “Our work deserves greater recognition,” he said.
He said one area where the IAEA has made a very visible contribution is cancer control in developing countries. “I am pleased that a target of a one-third reduction in premature deaths from non-communicable diseases, including cancer, is being included in the SDGs,” he said.
“Meeting this target will require a reduction of millions of cancer deaths in the next 15 years. I believe this is an achievable goal provided there are strong partnerships among the international organisations concerned.”
The IAEA, through its technical cooperation and human health programmes, has a long history of supporting member states in developing the capacity and infrastructure for cancer control. Through its Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (Pact), the agency will continue to play an essential role, Mr Amano said.
Mr Amano said many countries remain interested in nuclear power, not least due to the role it can play in fighting climate change.
He said his recent report on the Fukushima-Daiichi accident will provide “a solid knowledge base for the future and will help to improve nuclear safety throughout the world”.
Mr Amano noted that last week, the IAEA completed an Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission in Kenya, following a mission to Nigeria in June. An INIR mission will take place in Morocco in October.
Mr Amano said there are 438 nuclear power reactors in operation in 30 countries today. Sixty-seven new reactors are under construction and so far this year there have been six new grid connections and six permanent shutdowns.
More than half of the world’s operating nuclear power reactors are more than 30 years old and some 14 percent of them are over 40 years old, he said.
“In May 2016, we will hold an international conference in Madrid to consider the development of safe, secure and efficient decommissioning and environmental remediation programmes,” Mr Amano said.
Mr Amano’s statement is online: http://bit.ly/1K0TJb0
