Item 4: Strengthening the Agency’s Activities Related to Nuclear Science, Technology, and Applications: The 2026 Nuclear Technology Review
Mr. Chairman:
We take note of the publication of the document “Nuclear Technology Review 2026” and its contribution to highlighting the role of nuclear applications in addressing global challenges.
My delegation agrees that only by strengthening technology transfer and capacity building can we ensure that the benefits of the atom reach all States, particularly developing countries.
We reaffirm the importance of strengthening the IAEA’s work in three main areas: establishing strategic partnerships with specialized agencies to achieve the 2030 Goals, such as Atomos4Food, Rayos de Esperanza, and Zodiac; prioritizing technical cooperation over geopolitics, expanding regional agreements such as ARCAL; and creating training programs. We also highlight the support of the Department of Technical Cooperation as an essential mechanism for countries in the Global South to access nuclear technologies with social impact.
Mr. President,
The development of nuclear technologies requires an environment of international cooperation free from impediments.
In our case, this development has been hampered by the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States for more than six decades. Added to this is the unjust inclusion of Cuba on a unilateral list of so-called State Sponsors of Terrorism.
As if this were not enough, these policies—designed to stifle our economy and limit our sovereign right to development—have been compounded by the Executive Order of January 29, 2026, which aims to create a humanitarian catastrophe through an energy blockade.
The impact of the current energy blockade affects all sectors of the population. When energy is lacking, vital services are strained, and when that happens, people—especially the most vulnerable—pay the price.
In Cuba, there are 16,000 patients requiring radiation therapy and another 12,400 who need chemotherapy. Despite the immense efforts of the Cuban government and our heroic healthcare personnel, these patients face interruptions in their treatments due to power outages and a lack of spare parts for equipment.
Radiopharmaceuticals, which have an extremely short shelf life, cannot be produced, administered, or used for treatment and/or diagnosis when the power supply fails, just as CT scans are restricted. An interruption in their radiation therapy cycle can mean the difference between life and death.
We urge this distinguished body to speak out against these practices, which violate the human right to health and development and clearly constitute an obstacle to the right of all States to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Thank you very much.