As chair of the WFEO Committee on Energy, Marie-Line Vaiani, Secretary General of World Energy Council France, represented WFEO at the 69th General Conference of the IAEA, which was held from 15 to 19 September 2025 at the United Nations Office in Vienna.
This was an important moment, where the Agency brought together delegations from over 150 of its 180 Member States around a very dense agenda.
In his opening statement, António Guterres, the Secretary General of the United Nations mentioned:
“From advancing the peaceful use of nuclear technology across health, agriculture, energy – and even in the fight against plastic pollution – the Agency’s work is a beacon of hope, and a testament to the power of multilateralism.”
Regarding the development of nuclear energy, Rafael Mariano Grossi, General Director of IAEA, stated:
”Everywhere I go, people are talking about wanting nuclear energy. In Africa, Europe, the Americas and Asia interest is growing. […]
Today, nearly 40 countries are at different stages of development, from carrying out initial studies to constructing their first plants. More than 20 others are exploring nuclear as part of their future energy mix. The IAEA’s Milestones Approach remains the gold standard when it comes to developing a new nuclear programme.
In the past year, we have conducted follow-up Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review missions in the Philippines and Sri Lanka. Next year we are planning additional missions as newcomers, including Bangladesh and Türkiye, look to commission their first nuclear power reactors.
We also held our first SMR Schools in Kenya, Thailand and Argentina, benefitting their respective regions by training national authorities, regulators and stakeholders on SMR technology, regulation and engagement. […]
We also continue to support non-power applications of nuclear energy, from hydrogen production to industrial heat, and seawater desalination to marine propulsion. Marine-based SMRs in particular are emerging as sought-after solutions for offshore platforms, remote coastal communities and commercial shipping. […]
Even more important to the IAEA’s mission is making sure that developing countries are not left behind. For many months I have been speaking to development banks and international financial institutions about how the people and governments we – and they – serve want nuclear power. Most of the countries actively considering adding nuclear to their energy mix are from the developing world, many from Africa.”
Report by Marie-Line Vaiani, Chair of the WFEO Committee on Energy.
For more information:
Nuclear Technology Review 2025
International Status and Prospects for Nuclear Power 2025
Original report by the World Energy Council France
IAEA General Conference webpage
OCT
2025