“This conference provides a unique platform to bring together stakeholders from across the EPR community to discuss best practices, future trends and new technologies to enhance emergency preparedness,” said Carlos Torres Vidal, Director of the IAEA Incident and Emergency Centre, which is organizing the event. “By fostering international cooperation and sharing insights, we aim to help countries bolster their emergency response capabilities in a rapidly changing world.”
“Saudi Arabia is privileged to host this significant conference, organized by the IAEA, as part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness nationally, regionally, and globally. Over the years, we have worked closely with the IAEA to advance capabilities and foster international cooperation in this vital field,” said Khalid Aleissa, Chief Executive Officer of the NRRC.
“Through this conference, we aim to provide a platform for experts and decision-makers from all organizations involved in emergency response to collaborate, exchange insights, and shape the future of nuclear emergency preparedness and response, ensuring readiness for the challenges of an evolving world,” he added.
The conference, co-sponsored by the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization, will extend on the achievements of previous IAEA conferences on the topic held in 2012 and 2017 focusing on the radiation protection and safety of patients and health professionals undergoing or using radiation to diagnose and treat health conditions.
The latest research shows that about 4.2 billion medical radiological examinations are performed each year, and this number continues to grow: for example, more computed tomography (CT) scanners are being installed in clinics around the world to replace conventional X ray procedures, while in nuclear medicine therapy, there is increasing use of radionuclides for treating metastatic cancer cells. In addition, an estimated 6.2 million courses of radiation therapy treatment are performed each year. New medical radiation technology and procedures continue to be developed.
“The conference will review significant global developments in the radiation protection of patients and health professionals taking into account current trends and advances in medical radiation technology and procedures,” said Hildegarde Vandenhove, Director of the IAEA Division of Radiation, Transport and Waste Safety.
“By bringing together experts in the field we aim to identify future challenges and opportunities so that we can all benefit from the latest technologies in the safest possible way,” added Vandenhove.
Rizk’s journey in radiation protection and dosimetry started in 2005 when, after completing her master’s degree in Material Science and Electronic Components in 2004, she was offered the job of Technical Manager at the Individual Monitoring Laboratory at the Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission.
There she oversaw the safe occupational radiation exposure of more than 6000 workers across over 400 healthcare facilities, industrial companies and research centres.
“It is important to know what dosimetry is and its importance,” Rizk says, explaining that “it is the measurement and calculation of the radiation dose absorbed by the human body or other devices or objects. It is crucial in fields like radiology, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy to ensure safe and effective use of radiation.”
She also achieved ISO accreditation for the Lebanese laboratory — the first of its kind in the Middle East — setting a new benchmark of standards and quality for radiation protection of occupationally exposed workers in the region.
“Chadia’s efforts have made a lasting impact, consistently raising standards and enhancing practices in the field,” said Director General of the Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission, Bilal Nsouli, and Rizk’s former professor during her Master’s degree.
In 2007, her collaboration with the IAEA began, initially as a fellow and later as a counterpart in four projects under the technical cooperation programme. Rizk worked with the IAEA on individual monitoring and regulatory compliance to improve occupational radiation protection in Lebanon in line with the IAEA International Basic Safety Standards.
“Despite limited resources, she remained steadfast in her commitment to providing dosimetry services according to international standards and her passion for radiation protection research has always stood out,” reflects Filip Vanhavere, Radiation Protection Research Coordinator at the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre who worked with Rizk on an IAEA mission to the Lebanese laboratory.
IAEA and South African G20 Presidency side event on the role of nuclear power and the clean energy transitions, in Cape Town. (Photo: B. Carpinelli/IAEA)
For the second year in a row, the IAEA has been invited to collaborate with the G20 on work related to nuclear power. The cooperation with the G20 (Group of Twenty) resumed under the presidency of South Africa at meetings this week in Cape Town, kicking off with a side event hosted by the IAEA and South Africa on the role of nuclear energy in clean energy transitions, as one of the technology dialogues that the presidency is featuring throughout the yearlong process.
Building on its first-ever collaboration on nuclear power with the G20 in 2024 under the presidency of Brazil, the IAEA engagement this year will include publications tailored to inform the group on topics such as the prospects for nuclear power in Africa and repurposing coal-fired plants with nuclear power such as small modular reactors (SMRs), as well as participation in the G20 Ministerial Meeting on Energy, set for 23-26 September.
“At a time when energy access and security of supply are issues of global concern, the role of nuclear energy in low carbon, resilient and affordable energy systems remains indispensable,” IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said. “Continuing the work that the IAEA began under the presidency of Brazil, we are now looking forward to working with South Africa.”
The first African country to assume the G20 presidency, South Africa is pursuing an Africa-wide approach emphasizing energy security, a just and inclusive clean energy transition and regional energy cooperation. While South Africa remains the only country on the continent to have nuclear power and aims to expand its programme, several African countries have expressed interest in or are embarking its introduction. Egypt is building four large reactors, and other countries such as Ghana and Kenya are working with the IAEA to establish the necessary infrastructure for a nuclear power programme, with a particular interest in SMRs.
The side event opened with special remarks from Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity and Energy of South Africa. Delegates from the G20 Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG) attended the event, which discussed the state of nuclear power in South Africa as well as the IAEA’s outlook on nuclear power and a description of the upcoming publications that the IAEA will publish as part of its G20 collaboration this year. A session on nuclear power project financing issues followed, with panellists from the IAEA, the International Energy Agency, France and South Africa discussing ways to unlock financing for nuclear power projects and pave the way for faster deployment.
“In the wake of the world aiming to reach net zero by 2050, there has been a return to realism where it is globally accepted that nuclear technology has a huge role to play in the energy mix as a key source to ensure countries achieve their energy security, energy sovereignty, and energy justice in the transition,” said Minster Ramokgopa. “The expansion of the nuclear programme gives South Africa energy security and sovereignty that enables the country to move its economy into a digital era, engage in new research frontiers and take its rightful place amongst leading nations.”
Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa delivering his opening remarks at the nuclear energy side event hosted by the IAEA and South Africa during the G20 ETWG meetings. (Photo: B. Carpinelli/IAEA)
During the event, delegates from G20 members and invited countries delivered remarks from the floor and offered their national perspectives.
“Italy is working to relaunch the use of sustainable nuclear energy, in its net zero emissions path by 2050. We have created the National Platform for Sustainable Nuclear involving R&D centres and industrial capabilities and nowadays our Government is strongly committed to work on enabling a favourable legislative and regulatory framework aimed at promoting the use of safe and innovative nuclear at the national level, including small modular reactors and Generation IV advanced modular reactors,” said Alberto Pela, Head of Delegation and Senior Advisor on International activities at the Department of Energy of the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security of Italy.
The United Arab Emirates, an invited country, recently began operating four large nuclear power reactors.
“In the UAE, nuclear energy is more than a power source — it’s a cornerstone of our clean, safe, and sustainable energy future,” said Nawal Yousif Alhanaee, Director of the Future Energy Department at the UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. “With the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant meeting up to 25 per cent of our electricity needs, we affirm our commitment to a carbon-free tomorrow powered by peaceful and reliable nuclear technology.”
Scientific visits to the IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories in Monaco are a key part of harmonizing analytical protocols. (Photo: E. McDonald/ IAEA)
The IAEA training also helps to harmonize data collection methods, so that data collected in the Galapagos is comparable to data gathered by monitoring programs around the world which helps to develop policy measures.
“Worldwide, NUTEC Plastics partners and members of its Global Marine Monitoring Network are working in a wide variety of marine and coastal environments, so monitoring protocols will vary accordingly,” said Carlos Alonso-Hernandez, an IAEA research scientist and technical officer for NUTEC. “Harmonizing these protocols enables us to compare data globally, which gives countries the whole picture of microplastic pollution.”
IAEA Director General Grossi met with World Bank President Ayaj Banga during his three-day visit to Washington DC. (Photo: D. Candano/IAEA)
“To achieve sustainable development and prosperity, the world needs an abundance of clean, reliable and sustainable energy,” Director General Grossi said.
With World Bank President Banga, Director General Grossi shared the IAEA’s perspective on nuclear energy and said the IAEA stands ready, upon request, to provide technical support to MDBs, particularly on nuclear infrastructure development including nuclear safety, security and safeguards.
The World Bank and other MDBs currently do not contribute financing to nuclear power new build projects, although some MDBs have provided lending for upgrades to existing nuclear power reactors or their decommissioning.
Director General Grossi said that financing nuclear power would better align MDBs with the “new global consensus” forged at COP28 in Dubai, where the world called for accelerating the deployment of nuclear power along with other zero emission energy technologies to achieve deep and rapid decarbonization.
In addition, the Director General spoke at two high-profile think-tank events organised by the Council on Foreign Relations and Carnegie Endowment for International Peace respectively, answering questions on Iran’s nuclear programme, North Korea’s nuclear activities, the renewed worldwide momentum for nuclear energy and other current issues.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.
China is making remarkable progress in nuclear energy and is a strong supporter of the IAEA’s mission to ensure that nuclear technology serves peace and development, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said while meeting China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. They also exchanged on China’s commitment to multilateralism and non-proliferation.
During a week-long visit to China, Mr Grossi has met with several high-level officials, signed agreements and visited nuclear and energy facilities and institutions as well as the prestigious Peking University.
Nuclear Energy and SMRs
China operates 58 civil nuclear reactors and has almost 30 new builds in progress. This represents nearly half of all power reactors currently under construction worldwide.
Mr Grossi began his visit at the Hainan Changjiang Nuclear Power Plant, which has some of the country’s most advanced nuclear technologies. This includes a high-pressurized water nuclear reactor and a commercial small modular reactor (SMR).
At Hainan Changjiang NPP—home to some of China’s most advanced nuclear tech, including Hualong One & ACP100 SMR Linglong One. Clear example of how 🇨🇳 is scaling up nuclear energy with safety & innovation.@IAEAorg is committed to supporting China’s remarkable progress on nuclear. pic.twitter.com/31YkmgBMuY
— Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) April 8, 2025
Later, Mr Grossi addressed nuclear power plant personnel and students from the region at a special event where a SMR user requirements document was presented. The document outlines the specific needs and expectations for SMRs, covering design, safety, licensing, and other relevant aspects.
“China is making strong progress in SMR deployment,” said Mr Grossi. “This event marks an important step toward safe and effective implementation.”
Meeting the new Chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA), Shan Zhongde, Mr Grossi added, “China plays a leading role across the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology — from power to medicine, food and more.”
Artificial Intelligence
Mr Grossi also discussed the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and innovative technologies with the President from China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), Shen Yanfeng, signing an arrangement with China Nuclear Power Engineering to apply AI and other innovative technology to boost performance at nuclear facilities.
Nuclear and the Energy Transition
Mr Grossi spoke with Liu Zhenmin, China’s Special Envoy for Climate Change about how China is investing in nuclear to help power its growing economy and decarbonize.
China is investing in nuclear to help power its growing economy and decarbonize—complementing renewables like solar & wind with a stable, low-carbon source. Good exchange w/ 🇨🇳 Special Envoy for Climate Change Liu Zhenmin. @IAEAorg will continue supporting China in these efforts. pic.twitter.com/1h1HlR1yvS
— Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) April 9, 2025
During a visit to China’s State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) on Friday, Mr Grossi also exchanged with SPIC Chairman Liu Mingsheng on clean, smart and innovative energy generation. SPIC owns a number of nuclear power plants under construction and in operation.
On the last day of his visit, Mr Grossi visited China Huaneng Group (CHNG) in Beijing, one of the largest state-owned electricity companies in China. CHNG has participated in projects such as the Shidao Bay and Hainan Changjiang Nuclear Power Plants.
“Huaneng Group is central to China’s energy transition — showcasing the value of a diversified low-carbon energy mix including nuclear,” he said.
Nuclear Safety and Security
As China expands its nuclear energy programme, the country continues to strengthen its cooperation with the IAEA in nuclear safety. On Wednesday, Mr Grossi met with Dong Baotong, the Administrator of the National Nuclear Safety Administration of China and agreed on increased cooperation between the IAEA and China in this area.
Energy, Health and Atoms4Food
China is supporting the IAEA’s initiatives to use nuclear techniques and technologies to help boost energy security, enhance global health and grow better food.
Mr Grossi met with the Director of China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) Luo Zhaohui to discuss these priorities.
China is committed to international development and I’m grateful for support to @IAEAorg initiatives in areas like energy, health or agriculture. Pleased to agree with 🇨🇳 @cidcaofficial’s Luo Zhaohui to boost cooperation & bring the benefits of nuclear science where most needed. pic.twitter.com/UAoPiyAeHE
While at CAEA, Mr Grossi signed a new Country Programme Framework with China and an arrangement with CAEA to strengthen education and training in the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology via a Chinese university consortium at the authority.
He also discussed education during an exchange with China’s Education Vice Minister Xu Qingsen.
“The IAEA works closely works closely with Chinese universities — and we’ll do more — to train the next generation of professionals,” he said. Mr Grossi expressed his gratitude to China for its support to the IAEA Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme, which provides scholarships and internships to women master’s students studying STEM subjects.
IAEA Director General Rafael Marano Grossi spoke with students at Peking University. Photo: IAEA
During a visit to Peking University, one of the most prestigious universities in China, Mr Grossi gave a keynote presentation and had the chance to talk to students in the School of International Studies. He spoke about the IAEA’s work, from energy to security, and the role of effective multilateralism in addressing global issues.
China, a member of the IAEA since 1984, is involved in around 100 IAEA technical cooperation projects – spanning national, regional and interregional activities.
Food irradiation is a gentle, non-invasive technique that uses radiation to keep food fresh and safe to eat. It eliminates microbes and controls insects and other pests while preserving the nutritional content, flavour and overall quality of food. It can also be used to stop the spread of insect pests. This technique uses radiation to transfer energy into food without changing its temperature or leaving residues. It is typically used to preserve the quality of high-value food items like spices, fish and meat, and now it is also applied to exotic fruits and vegetables.
Ensuring that food is available in adequate amounts but also nutritious and safe to eat is essential to food security. However, food is not just sustenance and nutrition; it is also part of our cultural heritage and identity. It is important that many techniques are available for making food safe to eat and wholesome while making sure it tastes, feels, smells, and looks good.
Food irradiation effectively extends the useful shelf life of food, reduces waste and ensures that consumers have access to fresh, top-quality products. For example, it can help fresh strawberries stored in a fridge last up to seven days longer.
Beyond technical discussions, ICARST-2025 will also explore education, training and certification in radiation science and technology, ensuring that the next generation of experts is well-equipped to drive innovation in the field. Several side events and networking opportunities will further support knowledge sharing and collaboration.
The conference proceedings, including recorded sessions and key takeaways, will be made available to participants and the broader scientific community. For those unable to attend in person and for anyone interested, the conference is being livestreamed here.
The IAEA helps countries maximize the benefits of radiation science and technology through technical cooperation, expert guidance and training programmes. The Agency also fosters knowledge transfer through initiatives such as Collaborating Centres and Coordinated Research Activities, while providing peer reviews, safety standards and technical documents. These efforts help countries integrate radiation science and technology in their national plans to address critical challenges in health, industry and environmental sustainability.
Lorna Awo Renner (left) is seen discussing paediatric care as part of the imPACT Review team at work at Primary Health Care Centre Primerio Maio.
“The rising numbers of cancer cases in Mozambique is of great concern,” said Mozambique’s Minister of Health, Armino Tiago, speaking of his decision to invite the IAEA, World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, to carry out an imPACT review in the country in 2024. “The government is taking action to expand access to diagnosis and treatment,” he added.
Mozambique, in common with many low- income countries (LICs) around the world, is facing a growing cancer challenge. Cancer is now the second leading cause of death globally, and many health systems in LICs are least prepared to manage this burden.
How do ImPACT Reviews Help Countries with Cancer Control?
Each year, the IAEA, together with its partners the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), conducts around ten ImPACT Reviews, designed to support countries in their efforts to improve comprehensive cancer control.
ImPACT Reviews assess a country’s cancer control capacities and needs in order to prioritize interventions and help governments effectively respond to their country’s cancer burden. This response could involve creating a national cancer control plan, producing feasibility documents – often called ‘bankable documents’- that justify the funding of cancer care facilities to donors, or deciding to join WHO cancer initiatives, such as those on cervical, breast and childhood cancer.
“Controlling cancer in Mozambique is a significant challenge, compounded by limitations in infrastructure, human resources, and access to adequate diagnostics and treatments,” said Tiago, Mozambique’s Minister of Health.
“The imPACT Review represents a valuable opportunity to identify critical gaps and outline concrete strategies to strengthen our capacity to address cancer. We are confident that this collaboration will provide essential guidance to improve cancer care in our country,” the Minister of Health added.
What Goes On Behind the Scenes of an ImPACT Review?
Experts participating in the Mozambique mission came from countries in Africa, Europe, North and South America, bringing expertise from fields ranging from palliative care, pathology and public health to oncology and epidemiology. Many were also native speakers of Portuguese, which is widely spoken in Mozambique.
As in other imPACT Reviews, the Mozambique mission experts were nominated by the IAEA, IARC and WHO. IARC recommended experts in cancer registry, an information system that collects, manages and analyses data on people diagnosed with cancer. The IAEA nominated experts in radiation medicine, diagnostic imaging and radiation safety and the WHO nominated experts on all other aspects of cancer control.
The experts met online several times in the run-up to the mission to discuss their findings.
Three months before setting foot in Mozambique, the imPACT Review international experts started meeting online to assess the needs of the country. The experts researched the latest available evidence on public health policies and cancer control, provided by IARC, WHO and IAEA, including experts from the IAEA human health programme. They also gathered reports and data from UN staff, professionals from Mozambique’s Ministry of Health and other national cancer stakeholders to gain a good understanding of the country’s cancer-related infrastructure and capacity. Professionals and stakeholders in cancer control in Mozambique completed questionnaires to help the imPACT Review experts identify needs, challenges and opportunities. A preliminary report was produced ahead of the in-country mission to determine its scope.
Arsen Juric, Mozambique imPACT Review Coordinator said: “These preparatory meetings are part of a strategic process. They help the experts make evidence-based recommendations that aim to strengthen and embed cancer control in Mozambique’s national health system, better serving patient needs across the country.”
The imPACT review is designed to give a broad overview of cancer care in the host country, determining the gaps and needs which are most urgent, to inform decision makers when formulating health policy regarding cancer.
What is Cancer Control?
Prevention includes factors such as diet, smoking cessation and vaccinations against infectious disease. It is estimated it is currently possible to prevent 40 per cent of all cancers.
Detection includes screening and early diagnosis. Early detection means many cancers have a high potential for cure.
Treatment aims to cure disease, prolong life, and improve the quality of remaining life
Palliative care involves addressing the needs of patients and their families from the time of cancer diagnosis to improve quality of life and the ability to cope effectively.
On the Ground in Mozambique
At the beginning of May, the imPACT Review team experts arrived in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, to visit hospitals and public health centres. They met cancer care experts, policy and decision makers and technical staff from Mozambique’s Ministry of Health, and the staff of the WHO country office, as well as representatives of civil society organizations
In addition to experts from IARC and WHO, the mission also included an expert from MD Anderson Cancer Center, an IAEA nuclear safety expert, an IAEA cancer control expert and the IAEA’s National Liaison Officer for Mozambique.
ImPACT reviews look at every aspect of cancer control, including how data on cancer is managed, and financing, as well as prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care. During the review, the experts visited hospitals, primary health care facilities, and met with civil society, patient and cancer advocacy groups in Mozambique to obtain as much data as possible on the cancer control situation in the country.
The imPACT Review team visited Primeiro Maio to find out more about the country’s national cervical cancer screening programme
Prioritizing Women and Children’s Cancers
While imPACT Reviews look at all aspects of cancer control, the Mozambique review gave the team to focus on WHO cancer initiatives, such as those on cervical, breast and childhood cancer.
Severin von Xylander from Mozambique’s WHO Country Office said the WHO was also working with the National Cancer Control Programme in Mozambique to prioritize the prevention and early detection of cancers affecting women and children, in line with global cancer control initiatives.
At the Primeiro Maio healthcare centre, the imPACT Review team learned more about the scope of services in primary care, such as prevention and early detection, particularly in terms of cancers that affect women and children.
Speaking of positive outcomes, Celina Mate, of the Mozambique Ministry of Health, said that interactions with the imPACT review team during the in-country mission had helped realize that their cervical cancer screening coverage was more comprehensive than they had previously thought.
“In addition to this aspect, we were able to look at our needs and the need to advocate for financial support to increase screening capacity using a high-standard test such as the HPV DNA test,” said Mate.
Paintings by children at Maputo Central Hospital.
Lorna Awo Renner, an international expert in paediatric oncology from Ghana taking part in the imPACT Review, used her time in Mozambique to observe and make recommendations on how the country is addressing childhood cancer.
“Over 80 per cent of childhood cancers are curable, but at a global level we are at about 30 per cent, you take the low- and middle- income countries, they have even lower rates,” she says.
The WHO’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancers, aims to improve long term cure outcomes for childhood cancer globally to over 60 per cent by 2030. Renner said she hoped Mozambique would also join the initiative.
At the end of the mission, a report was produced for the Mozambican government, which will support the next national cancer plan to address the growing cancer situation in the country.
The IAEA’s Support to Mozambique
The imPACT Review team are shown imaging equipment by Narciso Sitoe,a radiation oncologist trained under the IAEA technical cooperation programme.
The IAEA has supported Mozambique in providing cancer care at Maputo Central Hospital for over a decade. A Brazilian team of consultants carried out the training and implementation of radiotherapy at Maputo Central Hospital with the support of the IAEA’s technical cooperation programme. Since 2009,14 specialists at Maputo Central Hospital have been trained in radiation oncology and medical physics through the IAEA’s technical cooperation programme, with the aim of strengthening radiotherapy services.
Rays of Hope: Cancer Care for All
While around half of all cancer patients can benefit from some form of radiotherapy, countries such as Mozambique have only limited access to this technology. As just one radiotherapy unit in the capital city of Maputo is available for a population of over 30 million people, many cancer patients in Mozambique are unable to access this life-saving treatment.
Establishing new radiotherapy facilities is a complex project, requiring new infrastructure and equipment (or better use of existing infrastructure and equipment) as well as training to ensure professionals are available to work in the new facilities, and that radiation safety protocols are followed.
In 2023 Mozambique joined the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, which aims to help bridge the gap in cancer care around the world by expanding access to radiotherapy.
“Through Rays of Hope the IAEA will continue to support the expansion of radiation medicine capacities in Mozambique, in diagnosis as well as treatment, including through support for the development and training of the national cancer care workforce,” said Hua Liu, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation.
ImPACT Reviews are a vital step in helping countries to improve national radiotherapy services, along with cancer control in general, as they allow international teams of cancer control experts to support national counterparts with cancer control planning and investments.
