General Assembly: 24th plenary meeting, 81st session
Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency - Item 91: note by the Secretary-General (A/81/325) and draft resolution (A/81/L.7)
Debate on the item and action on the draft resolution
Agenda item81st session
Item 91
Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency
Debate on the item and action on the draft resolution
Speaking timeRafael Mariano Grossi (10.1%) · Chair (3.5%) · European Union (3.1%) + 35 more · Unattributed (0%)
General Assembly, 24th meeting of the 81st session. Agenda items taken up: “Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency - Item 91: note by the Secretary-General (A/81/325) and draft resolution (A/81/L.7)”; “Debate on the item and action on the draft resolution”. 36 speakers were heard, representing 35 delegations.
Points of disagreement
Norway stated that what it called Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and its military presence at the Saporidja nuclear power plant create grave risks to nuclear safety and security, and that Russia must withdraw its forces and return the plant to full Ukrainian control.
France called for Russia to end its occupation of the Zaporizhia site, which it described as illegally occupied for more than four years, and to return effective control to Ukraine.
Canada stated the resolution on the implementation of NPT safeguards in the DPRK could not be adopted by consensus for the second year in a row, despite 63 cross-regional co-sponsors, and that Russia's call for a vote did not change the support for the agency's work.
Cuba stated that Cuba had faced an unprecedented tightening of the embargo imposed by the United States and an energy siege, which it said violate the spirit of Article IV of the Treaty on Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons, but reiterated readiness to continue cooperating with the agency.
Key points
Kuwait called for member states to co-sponsor the draft resolution and expressed hope that the General Assembly would adopt it without a vote.
European Union, on behalf of European Union and its member states, reaffirmed strong support for the agency's technical, independent, and impartial work, and commended DG Rafael Grossi for his leadership.
Costa Rica recognized the agency's fundamental role in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, welcomed progress on the Rays of Hope, Atoms for Food, NewTeg Plastics, and Zodiac programs, and reiterated the importance of sufficient, sustainable and predictable resources for them.
Statement by statement · 36 speakers
🇰🇼 Kuwait
Kuwait called for member states to co-sponsor the draft resolution and expressed hope that the General Assembly would adopt it without a vote.
European Union · on behalf of European Union and its member states
European Union, on behalf of European Union and its member states, reaffirmed strong support for the agency's technical, independent, and impartial work, and commended DG Rafael Grossi for his leadership.
European Union, on behalf of European Union and its member states, stated that Russia's continued military attacks gravely endanger nuclear safety, security, and safeguards in Ukraine, and that Russia must withdraw from the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant and the entire territory of Ukraine.
European Union, on behalf of European Union and its member states, called for Iran to remedy its noncompliance, immediately return to full implementation of its CSA and cooperate fully with the agency, and for the DPRK to abandon its WMD, ballistic missile, and existing nuclear programs in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
United Kingdom expressed concern about Iran's continued failure to cooperate with the agency and remedy its long-standing noncompliance with safeguard obligations, noting that the agency had lost all visibility over Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium for over a year.
United Kingdom reiterated its full support for the agency, including its technical cooperation and peaceful uses programs, and its commitment to the safeguard system and the NPT as the cornerstone of the global non-proliferation regime.
🇨🇷 Costa Rica
Costa Rica recognized the agency's fundamental role in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, welcomed progress on the Rays of Hope, Atoms for Food, NewTeg Plastics, and Zodiac programs, and reiterated the importance of sufficient, sustainable and predictable resources for them.
Costa Rica expressed concern about the growing risks faced by nuclear facilities in situations of armed conflict, and reaffirmed that, under international humanitarian law and the Charter of the United Nations, such facilities must never be the target of attacks.
🇧🇾 Belarus
Belarus expressed concern over the strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities subject to IAA safeguards, and said that nuclear facilities must not be targeted by armed attacks.
Belarus stated that the Belarusian nuclear power plant supplies approximately 40 percent of the country's electricity needs, enabling it to completely eliminate electricity imports, and prevents 7 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
🇦🇺 Australia
Australia stated that Australia had been honoured to chair the IAEA Board of Governors over the past 12 months and was delighted that Timor-Leste's membership was approved during that time.
Australia underscored deep concern at the continued expansion of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's nuclear program in violation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and said Iran's ongoing refusal to cooperate with the IAEA on safeguards implementation was alarming.
🇸🇮 Slovenia
Slovenia strongly condemned Russia's continued attacks, expressed deep concern about the situation in the Zaporizhia region, and reiterated that the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant is an integral part of Ukraine's nuclear infrastructure.
Slovenia stated that Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon, and called on Iran to fully comply with the non-proliferation treaty and cooperate fully with the agency.
🇰🇵 Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Democratic People's Republic of Korea condemned what it called politically motivated provocation carried out every year in the IAEA forum, and rejected the resolution adopted last September against the DPRK as exceeding the IAEA's mandate and lacking legal and moral justification.
Democratic People's Republic of Korea stated that the DPRK's measures to strengthen its nuclear deterrence were an exercise of its legitimate right to self defense, that the IAEA had no authority to interfere, and that the DPRK would never be bound by IAEA resolutions.
🇮🇶 Iraq
Iraq welcomed the annual reports of the IAEA for 2025 and commended the support provided to 151 countries during 2025, including 36 least developed countries, through a program of 850 active projects.
Iraq reaffirmed its commitment to the NPT and called for implementing its three pillars in a balanced manner, with safeguards agreements and the additional protocol implemented in an effective, objective, and non-discriminatory manner.
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe welcomed the IAEA's 2025 report as a measure of optimism, showing that nuclear science and technology continue to deliver benefits for development, health, food security, energy, security, and climate action.
Zimbabwe underscored the need for adequate, affordable, predictable, and accessible financing to bridge the nuclear science and technology gap, and said enhanced support for the IAEA Technical Cooperation Program was essential.
Zimbabwe reaffirmed its commitment to the founding principle of Atoms for Peace, to strengthening the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, and its support for the IAEA and its initiatives.
🇲🇦 Morocco
Morocco reiterated its full support for the essential role played by the IAEA for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and nuclear security, safety and verification, and noted that Morocco co-sponsored draft resolution A 81 slash L7.
Morocco highlighted the IAEA's work on the Rays of Hope Initiative for cancer care, the Atoms for Food Initiative supporting 39 countries, and a historic partnership with the World Bank.
🇸🇬 Singapore
Singapore commended the agency's achievements over the past year as highlighted in its annual report, and stated that Singapore supports the agency's authority, independence and technical credibility and is pleased to co sponsor the draft resolution again this year.
Singapore urged all states parties to the NPT to fully implement their obligations under their respective CSAs and AP, and called on states that have not yet done so to conclude the CSA or AP without delay.
🇨🇳 China
China commended the Director General and the Agency's Secretariat for their work, noting positive progress in upholding the international nuclear safety and non-proliferation regime and promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
China stated that the Iranian nuclear issue must ultimately be resolved through diplomatic means, that Council Resolution 2231 has expired and terminated, and that the Council and the agency should cease consideration of the issue and the DG should stop submitting related reports.
China stated that AUKUS runs counter to the objects and purposes of NPT, poses serious proliferation risks, and presents a grave challenge to the treaty and the agency's safeguard system.
🇺🇦 Ukraine
Ukraine welcomed the report of the IAE and affirmed its support for the Agency's mandate, nuclear safety, security, safeguards, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Ukraine called for intensified political and economic pressure on Russia to withdraw all military and other unauthorized personnel and equipment from Zaporizhia nuclear power plant and return it to full Ukrainian control, and for member states to sanction Rosatom.
Ukraine demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all unlawfully detained current and former Zaporizhia nuclear power plant employees, and timely and unrestricted agencies' access.
🇪🇬 Egypt
Egypt commended the Director General's constructive engagement with member states, including his visit to Cairo in July of 2026, which witnessed the installation of reactor vessel pressure for Unit 2 of El Daba nuclear power plant.
Egypt stated that Egypt's commitment to the IAEA's role rests on six principles, including the inalienable right of NPT states parties to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, the importance of Technical Cooperation Programs, and the IAEA as sole competent authority for verifying safeguards compliance.
Egypt reiterated its firm position that the additional protocol is a voluntary instrument, and condemned attacks or threats of attack against nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes and under agency safeguards, as well as attacks on civilian infrastructure.
🇳🇴 Norway
Norway reaffirmed its strong support for the IAEA and its independent technical mandate, stating that the agency is indispensable for verifying states' non-proliferation obligations and for ensuring all countries can benefit from peaceful uses of nuclear technology.
Norway stated that what it called Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and its military presence at the Saporidja nuclear power plant create grave risks to nuclear safety and security, and that Russia must withdraw its forces and return the plant to full Ukrainian control.
🇲🇽 Mexico
Mexico reaffirmed its support for the International Atomic Energy Agency, whose work it called indispensable to strengthening multilateralism, promoting international cooperation and ensuring the peaceful uses of nuclear energy with full respect for international law.
🇲🇻 Maldives
Maldives noted that in December 2025 the Maldives became the agency's 181st member state, and said membership must now translate into practical capability, including expertise, institutions and systems to use nuclear applications safely.
🇬🇹 Guatemala
Guatemala highlighted the progress achieved through initiatives such as Rays of Hope and Atoms for Food, which it said illustrate the potential of nuclear applications for cancer care, agricultural productivity and food security.
Guatemala stressed that strengthening technical cooperation, knowledge transfer, capacity building and access to peaceful nuclear technologies remain essential so that the benefits of science reach more countries and contribute to sustainable development.
🇮🇩 Indonesia
Indonesia stressed that peaceful nuclear technology must benefit all, that access to technology, expertise and financing remains unequal, and that the IAEA must help close this gap through stronger technical cooperation, technology transfer and capacity building for developing countries.
🇦🇷 Argentina
Argentina reaffirmed its firm support for the essential role of the IAEA in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, the application of safeguards, and nuclear safety and security.
Argentina called for Iran to cooperate fully and in good faith with the agency.
🇫🇷 France
France said it supported and co-sponsored the resolution on the report of the International Atomic Energy Agency, reflecting its commitment to the agency's independent and impartial work on nuclear nonproliferation, nuclear safety and the peaceful uses of nuclear technology.
France called for Iran to resume effective cooperation with the IAA, noting that the Board of Governors had referred Iran to the Security Council for noncompliance with its safeguards agreement, and said France stood ready to consider the referral.
France called for Russia to end its occupation of the Zaporizhia site, which it described as illegally occupied for more than four years, and to return effective control to Ukraine.
🇵🇭 Philippines
Philippines recognized the Agency's work in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, fostering nuclear safety and security, and implementing safeguards and verification, and said the IAEA has been a trusted partner in developing the Philippines' nuclear science and technology.
Philippines stated the Philippines is pleased to convey its endorsement and co-sponsorship of the draft resolution on the report of the IAEA.
🇨🇿 Czechia
Czechia stated the Czech Republic's priority was expanding its nuclear program and international nuclear cooperation while maintaining a high level of nuclear safety, security, and safeguards, and that the project for two new units at the NPP Dukovani, with the Republic of Korea, was moving forward.
Czechia urged Iran to remedy its non compliance with its NPT safeguards obligations and to address in a credible and transparent manner the grave concerns regarding its nuclear program, and to cooperate fully, promptly and substantively with the agency.
Czechia welcomed the new Syrian government's embrace of cooperation with the Agency, transparency, and compliance, and encouraged Syria to bring into force an additional protocol.
🇮🇳 India
India welcomed the agency's flagship initiatives, including Atomic Technologies License for Application at Sea Atlas, Nuclear Power for Maritime Sector, Rays of Hope for Cancer Control, Zodiac and new tech plastics, and said it supported them.
India noted that in April 2026 the 500 megawatt prototype fast breeder reactor at Kalpakam achieved criticality, making India only the second country in the world to do so, and that NPCIL had accumulated more than 660 reactor years of safe operation.
India stated that India's chairmanship of RCA reaffirmed its commitment to South-South cooperation, and that India remained committed to expanding peaceful applications of nuclear technology while ensuring the security of nuclear and radiological materials.
🇰🇷 Republic of Korea
Republic of Korea welcomed the resolution Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement between the agency and the DPRK, adopted by an overwhelming majority at this year's IAEAGC, and reiterated its commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Republic of Korea urged the DPRK to engage constructively in dialogue and fully comply with all its international obligations.
Republic of Korea stressed the importance of enhancing representation and participation of member states in the IAEA Board of Governors, and encouraged all member states that have not yet accepted the Article VI amendment to do so without further delay.
🇸🇻 El Salvador
El Salvador reaffirmed its commitment to the work of the agency, saying cooperation with the IAA was a fundamental tool for advancing national priorities in energy diversification, health, food security, sustainable water resources management, and scientific and technological capacities.
El Salvador highlighted progress made in 2026, including the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review Mission in May and the signing of two memoranda of understanding with the agency on regulatory capacities and technical support for the nuclear energy agenda.
El Salvador highlighted the importance of the full, effective and meaningful participation of women in nuclear science and technology, and of expanding training and specialization opportunities for the next generation.
🇩🇿 Algeria
Algeria reaffirmed steadfast support for the Agency and thanked the Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi for presenting its annual report.
Algeria stated that in 2025 five major seawater desalinization facilities were commissioned in Algeria, which advances nuclear applications with the help of the agency and other partners through its geoscientific laboratory for isotope hydrology.
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Pakistan underscored the importance of implementing the agency's mandate in a balanced manner across all its pillars, and the fundamental importance of removing barriers to equitable and non-discriminatory access to civil nuclear cooperation.
Pakistan stated that any issues of noncompliance must be addressed through competent technical bodies like the IAA, without politicization, and that outstanding situations must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
🇿🇦 South Africa
South Africa underscored that the conclusion of the eleventh review conference of the NPT without an agreement on an outcome document reflected persistent challenges facing the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, and said the NPT's credibility and effectiveness depend on balanced implementation of its three pillars.
South Africa emphasized the importance of sustained, adequate and predictable funding for the IAEA technical cooperation program, including timely and full payment of assessed and voluntary contributions, and noted that South Africa continues to benefit from it.
South Africa welcomed the agency's efforts to improve gender representation within its secretariat and across its technical cooperation program, and reaffirmed South Africa's support for the IAEA and its central role.
🇵🇹 Portugal
Portugal stated that full cooperation with the agency is essential to ensure that states comply with their non-proliferation obligations, and that cases of non compliance and lack of cooperation with the agency are alarming and should be addressed.
Portugal welcomed the draft resolution put forward by Kuwait, which Portugal co sponsored, and expressed hope for its adoption.
🇳🇦 Namibia
Namibia commended the agency for its extensive safeguards implementation, including nearly 3,000 verification activities across facilities worldwide, and welcomed the conclusion that in most states with comprehensive safeguards agreements and additional protocols all nuclear material remained peaceful.
Namibia called for universal adherence to the NPT, and encouraged all states to conclude comprehensive safeguards agreements and ratify additional protocols.
Namibia stated Namibia was honored to host the ongoing CTBTO Integrated Field Exercise 2026, reiterated its support for the universalization and early entry into force of the CTBT, and called on all states that have not yet done so to sign and ratify the treaty.
🇲🇾 Malaysia
Malaysia expressed concern over geopolitical tensions affecting consensus building, and regretted the failure of the NPT review conference to achieve a substantive consensus outcome for the third consecutive review cycle.
Malaysia expressed concern over DPRK's ballistic missile tests in violation of UN Security Council resolutions, urged full compliance and called for resumption of peaceful dialogue towards the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Malaysia called for safe and unhindered access to deliver technical assistance to Gaza, and urged timely and effective implementation of Resolution GC69 REST slash 10, which Malaysia co-sponsored.
🇨🇦 Canada
Canada said Canada was pleased to join the consensus adoption of the resolution and was proud to co-sponsor it, and remained committed to supporting the IAAEA in delivering its mandate.
Canada stated the resolution on the implementation of NPT safeguards in the DPRK could not be adopted by consensus for the second year in a row, despite 63 cross-regional co-sponsors, and that Russia's call for a vote did not change the support for the agency's work.
🇨🇺 Cuba
Cuba reiterated support for the important work of the agency and its contribution to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and stated that Cuba honors its commitments to the IAA rigorously and transparently.
Cuba stated that Cuba had faced an unprecedented tightening of the embargo imposed by the United States and an energy siege, which it said violate the spirit of Article IV of the Treaty on Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons, but reiterated readiness to continue cooperating with the agency.
Cuba condemned in the strongest terms what it called the aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28th, and rejected and denounced the attacks on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities.
🇹🇬 Togo
Togo reaffirmed its commitment to the central role of the IAA in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, verifying nonproliferation obligations, and strengthening nuclear safety and security.
Togo commended the agency's initiatives such as Rays of Hope, Atoms for Food, and New Tech Plastics.
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