Dushanbe, September 16, 2026 – The Europe Today: The 70th session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) began on September 14 at the Vienna International Centre in Austria and will continue through September 18. A Tajik delegation headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Nigina Alizoda is participating in the conference, according to the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Safety Agency of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan.
Tajikistan’s active participation in the conference reflects the country’s constructive and forward-looking policy aimed at strengthening peace and stability, international security, environmental protection and the use of modern technologies for sustainable development.
The conference is a landmark event, marking the 70th consecutive annual gathering of the IAEA’s member states since the agency was established in 1957. During the session, senior representatives of member states are discussing key issues related to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, nuclear and radiation safety, the physical security of nuclear materials, the nuclear non-proliferation safeguards regime, technical cooperation and the application of nuclear technologies for sustainable development.
In this context, Tajikistan, under the leadership of President Emomali Rahmon, attaches particular importance to environmental security, water-resource protection, climate change and sustainable development.
The global initiatives of President Emomali Rahmon on water and climate issues, including the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development, 2018–2028,” the designation of 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, and the establishment of March 21 as World Glaciers Day, have received international support. These initiatives contribute to shaping the international agenda on natural resource protection, climate-change adaptation and environmental security.
A special side event dedicated to the environmental remediation and safety of uranium legacy sites is also scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the 70th IAEA General Conference.
The event will address the continuation of remediation efforts at uranium legacy sites, ensuring long-term radiation and environmental safety, post-remediation monitoring, strengthening the national capacities of countries in the region, and increasing the involvement of international partners and donors.
The event is expected to help draw greater international attention to the need for continued joint efforts to address the consequences of former uranium-mining and processing activities in Central Asia and strengthen cooperation between countries of the region, the IAEA and other international partners.
Tajikistan’s position on these issues is aligned with President Emomali Rahmon’s global initiatives concerning glacier preservation, water resources, environmental protection and climate-change response. These efforts are aimed at a common goal of protecting the environment and ensuring safe and sustainable living conditions for present and future generations.
On the sidelines of the conference, Tajikistan is also holding meetings with IAEA leadership, representatives of member states and international partners. Discussions focus on expanding technical cooperation, implementing national and regional projects, developing nuclear and radiation safety infrastructure, applying nuclear technologies in medicine, science, agriculture and environmental protection, and mobilising international support for Tajikistan’s development priorities.
