Speech by Ambassador Pablo Berti Oliva on behalf of the Cuban delegation to the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency. March 3-7, 2025.
Item 6: “Strengthening the Agency's activities related to science, technology and nuclear applications”.
Mr. Chairman:
The Cuban delegation thanks the Director General for his report GOV/2025/4, of which we take note.
My delegation congratulates the Secretariat for the success of the International Conference on Nuclear Applications and Technical Cooperation Program held in November 2024, which we attended at the highest level.
Cuba highlights the work carried out by the IAEA in the field of nuclear-electric and non-electric applications and reaffirms the need to continue increasing the transfer of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and the exchange of knowledge with developing countries.
As part of the program to update the legislative system, our country recently approved a new Decree Law on the use of nuclear energy and ionizing radiation. With this new higher-ranking regulation, Cuba updates its legal framework in accordance with international commitments related to the safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy and ionizing radiation, applying an integral approach between radiological safety, nuclear safeguards and nuclear security.
We reaffirm our support for the NUTEC-Plastics initiative to address the challenges posed by plastic pollution. My country reiterates its willingness to continue participating in this project and to contribute its experience and knowledge in this field, led by the Cienfuegos Center for Environmental Studies (CEAC), which obtained IAEA collaborating center status in 2024.
We fully support the Rays of Hope initiative, aimed at promoting the expansion of the capabilities of Member States, with the purpose of providing their population with access to diagnostic and radiotherapy equipment and facilities, as well as for cancer control.
We highlight the Atoms4Food initiative, which represents a valuable opportunity for food security, sustainable agricultural development, the optimization of water resources and the strengthening of scientific and technical capacities in the country through the training of professionals and the exchange of knowledge.
We thank the IAEA and its Department of Technical Cooperation for the assistance offered to our country following the natural phenomena that occurred in 2024.
Mr. Chairman:
We reaffirm our support to the Regional Cooperation Agreement for the Promotion of Nuclear Science and Technology in Latin America and the Caribbean (ARCAL), as well as to the collaborative actions derived within the framework of the Agreement and the expansion of its national and international alliances.
We recognize the work carried out by the Ibero-American Forum of Radiological and Nuclear Regulatory Agencies (FORO), in promoting the safety of nuclear applications.
Mr. Chairman:
Our country's efforts have been hampered by the negative impact of the criminal economic, commercial and financial blockade, as well as its extraterritorial application, which threatens our development, the welfare of our people and hinders the full exercise of our legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Mr. Chairman:
Nuclear applications have demonstrated their potential to contribute to the sustainable development of our nations. Cuba ratifies its full willingness to advance in the use of atoms for peace and development as opposed to nuclear proliferation.
Thank you very much.