Ref: 2025/PR/273
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), today, endorsed the membership application of the Maldives to join the Agency as a member.
The IAEA General Conference, the highest policymaking body of the Agency, unanimously approved the Maldives’ application during its 69th Regular Session, being held from 15 to 19 September in Vienna, Austria. This marks the first formal step for the Maldives towards becoming a full member of the IAEA.
The Maldives delegation to the Conference is led by Dr. Salma Rasheed, Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations Offices in Geneva. Following the endorsement, Ambassador Dr. Salma Rasheed addressed the Conference.
In her remarks, Ambassador Dr. Salma Rasheed highlighted the shared challenges faced by Small Island Developing States, including climate change and fragile ecosystems, and underscored the importance of international cooperation and science-driven solutions to overcome them. She noted that membership in the Agency is both a national milestone and a recognition of the role of small States in advancing peace, security, and sustainable development. She further emphasised that joining the IAEA opens opportunities for the Maldives to strengthen resilience through technical support in areas such as health, food security, and capacity-building, enabling the Maldives to meet national development needs while contributing to global developments.
The Maldives formally applied for the membership of IAEA in November 2024. The key objectives of attaining membership include seeking support to expand access to advanced cancer care through nuclear and radiation medicine and leveraging technology to advance sustainable development.
The IAEA, established in 1957, is the world’s center for cooperation in the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology. The Agency works to promote the safe, secure and responsible use of these technologies in support of sustainable development and international peace and security.
ENDS