International Atomic Energy Agency
The IAEA was created in 1957 in response to
the deep fears and expectations resulting from the discovery of nuclear energy.
Its fortunes are uniquely geared to this controversial technology that can be
used either as a weapon or as a practical and useful tool.
The
Agency's genesis was US President Eisenhower's "Atoms for Peace"
address to the General Assembly of the United Nations on 8 December 1953. These
ideas helped to shape the IAEA Statute, which 81 nations unanimously approved
in October 1956. The Statute outlines the three pillars of the Agency's work -
nuclear verification and security, safety and technology transfer. IAEA has 140
member states (March 2006).
In 1961
the IAEA opened its Laboratory in Seibersdorf, Austria, creating a channel for
cooperative global nuclear research. That year the Agency signed a trilateral
agreement with Monaco and the Oceanographic Institute headed by Jacques
Cousteau for research on the effects of radioactivity in the sea, an action
that eventually lead to the creation of the IAEA's Marine Environment Laboratory.
The IAEA
is the world's nuclear inspectorate, with more than four decades of
verification experience. Inspectors work to verify that safeguarded nuclear
material and activities are not used for military purposes. The Agency is
additionally responsible for the nuclear file in Iraq as mandated by the UN
Security Council.
The IAEA
helps countries to upgrade nuclear safety and security, and to prepare for and
respond to emergencies. Work is keyed to international conventions, standards
and expert guidance. The main aim is to protect people and the environment from
harmful radiation exposure.
The IAEA
is the world's focal point to mobilize peaceful applications of nuclear science
and technology for critical needs in developing countries. The work contributes
to fighting poverty, disease, pollution of the environment, and to other goals
of sustainable development.
In 2005 the IAEA and its
director general Mohammed ElBaradei were awarded the
Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to prevent nuclear energy
from being used for military purposes and to ensure that nuclear energy for
peaceful purposes is used in the safest possible way. In addition IAEA has been
awarded many prizes. On 13 May 2006 in Middelburg, the Netherlands, the
International Four Freedoms award was presented to Dr. ElBaradei by the
Roosevelt Stichting. The award celebrates four essential values for humanity
and freedom as outlined by Franklin Roosevelt some 65 years ago. The Foundation
honoured Dr. ElBaradei with its top award for his work as the IAEA head
"where he has done everything in his power to prevent and control nuclear
threats". (photo: AP/Bas Czerwinski)
Links
The official IAEA website.
Flag of IAEA in Flags of the
World.
Article on IAEA in Wikipedia.
Related subjects
Stamp catalogue - general issues
Belgium
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