The Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) today reappointed by acclamation Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi for a second four-year term in office beginning in early December 2023.
In a decision adopted at its regular meeting this week, the 35-nation Board requested that the General Conference – the annual meeting of the IAEA’s 176 Member States – approve the reappointment when it meets in September.
“I’m deeply honoured by the Board’s unanimous decision to appoint me for another term in office, and very grateful for the confidence and trust Member States continue to place in me as head of this truly remarkable organization. It comes at a time when we face many major challenges and I’m fully committed to continue to do everything in my power to implement the IAEA’s crucial mission in support of global peace and development,” Director General Grossi said.
“In the different areas of our work based on nuclear science and technology – preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, ensuring nuclear safety and security, mitigating and adapting to climate change, fighting cancer and much else – the Agency’s role and work are more important than ever. This is an organization that delivers very real and tangible benefits to people all over the world. As a result, our workload is constantly increasing. I will make sure that we continue to deliver and meet the growing demands and expectations of all our Member States, whose continued support is indispensable,” he said.
After the Board’s consensus decision, senior representatives of Member States and regional groups took the floor to congratulate Director General Grossi on his reappointment.
Speakers lauded his leadership in conducting the Agency with a visionary and courageous approach in challenging times during his first term, including the outstanding performance of the Agency in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and his continuing efforts to ensure nuclear safety and security in Ukraine. They also highlighted and commended his initiatives to improve cancer care around the world, reduce global plastic pollution, prevent disease outbreaks, and encourage more women to pursue careers in the nuclear field. Member States expressed their full support to the Director General for the upcoming four years.
Director General Grossi took up his first term of office on 2 December 2019, following the General Conference’s approval of his appointment by the Board. His second term starts on 3 December this year and runs until 2 December 2027. He is the sixth Director General since the IAEA was established in 1957.