Topnews, Statements

10. June 2019

JOINT STATEMENT  OF THE CO-CHAIRS OF THE FRIENDS OF RENUAL DELIVERED BY DR J PITSWANE, ALTERNATE RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE,  IAEA BOARD OF GOVERNORS, 10 JUNE 2019, VIENNA, AUSTRIA

AGENDA ITEM 3: Strengthening of the Agency’s technical cooperation activities

Madam Chair,

I have the honour to address the Board on behalf of the Co-Chairs of the Friends of ReNuAL, Germany and South Africa.

Under this agenda item, we would like to reiterate the importance of the ReNuAL/ReNuAL+ Project in the fields of nuclear science, technology and applications for peaceful uses. Member States have received support in a number of areas such as industrial applications, food and agriculture, animal production and health, soil and water resource management, environment and human health. In this regard, the Agency´s Nuclear Applications Laboratories in Seibersdorf are essential to the IAEA´s work in the aforementioned areas. These facilities have demonstrated their importance in assisting in the improvement of the quality of life; as well as in the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The renovations of the Laboratories in Seibersdorf have seen remarkable progress since work started a few years back and the opening of the Linear Accelerator Facility last week was yet another key milestone in the project. The opening of this facility marks the first fully operational achievement of the ReNuAL initiative. We are also pleased to welcome Vietnam to the Group of Friends of ReNuAL, as celebrated during the brick placement ceremony at the same occasion.

The new Linear Accelerator Facility will allow the Dosimetry Laboratory to improve its support to Member States by enhancing calibration and audit services for more than 3400 medical Linacs. Through these activities the Dosimetry Laboratory plays a major role in ensuring reliable cancer treatment and in reducing risks related to inadequate dosimetry practises.

ReNuAL is an illustration of how we, as Member States, can harness our efforts in the areas of nuclear science and technology, to advance the cause of humanity. Collaborating with the Secretariat, we will further realise the Agency´s motto of “Atoms for peace and development.”

Madam Chair,

We are heartened by the fact that the Director General’s request of 3.75 million euro has been fully met. These resources will be used for the equipping and set-up of the new facilities.

The Agency has been able to achieve its laudable goals, largely thanks to the generosity of Member States, whose contributions have made the journey a success, wherein these laboratories have become state of the art. Therefore, we thank all Member States, institutions and individuals, who have contributed to this project so far.

Madam Chair, we would also like to take this opportunity to appeal to Member States and non-traditional donors, to continue to make contributions to this project as we approach the final phase of  enhancing  the laboratories that will remain in the existing buildings.

We would also like to express our appreciation for the Agency’s efforts aimed at extending its partnerships and resource mobilization base beyond its traditional partners, including the utilisation of the United Nations Global Marketplace. We therefore encourage and urge all Member States to highlight this opportunity to manufacturers in their countries. A positive example in this respect was the successful delivery of the Linear Accelerator by a private company as the IAEA´s most successful private partnership arrangement to date.

In conclusion Madam Chair, as Co-Chairs of the Friends of ReNuAL, we encourage Member States once again, through the Governors, Ambassadors, and the experts who have not as yet been able to visit and tour the ReNuAL site at Seibersdorf, to find time to go and experience the achievements first hand.

Thank you Madam Chair.

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