Statement by Minister SHIMIZU Chitaru at the IAEA Board of Governors Meeting starting on Monday, 7 September 2026 Item 5: Strengthening the Agency’s activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications
2026/9/8
Thank you, Chair,
Japan thanks the Secretariat for preparing a comprehensive and informative report on this item.
As highlighted in the report, nuclear science and technology can make tangible contributions to addressing pressing global challenges.
In this regard, Japan highly commends the IAEA’s continued efforts to promote the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, through its flagship initiatives, notably “Rays of Hope” and “Atoms4Food”, for developing countries.
Japan believes these benefits should reach as many people as possible by improving access to nuclear science, technology and their applications. To this end, Japan remains committed to providing various means of support and working together with the IAEA and other Member States, ensuring that the Agency continues to play its central and irreplaceable role in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology for a better future by making the most of its unique knowledge and expertise.
Chair,
Japan welcomes the Memorandum of Cooperation signed this summer between the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the IAEA on nuclear energy development and capacity building, including on SMRs. We are strongly committed to actively promoting this framework and will make our utmost efforts to support global nuclear power development through the IAEA.
Furthermore, Japan recently hosted the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Nuclear Security School, combining nuclear security learning, hands-on activities, facility visits and career dialogue. Moving forward, Japan will continue to actively support women’s careers in the nuclear field.
In addition, Japan is supporting the provision of mammography equipment under the Rays of Hope initiative through the project “Strengthening Capacity for Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Africa.” Building on this contribution, the IAEA and Fujifilm signed Practical Arrangements to strengthen cancer care through medical imaging technology and human resource development. Japan remains committed to expanding access to quality cancer care in close cooperation with the IAEA.
With these comments, Japan takes note of the Agency’s report.
Thank you, Chair.
Japan thanks the Secretariat for preparing a comprehensive and informative report on this item.
As highlighted in the report, nuclear science and technology can make tangible contributions to addressing pressing global challenges.
In this regard, Japan highly commends the IAEA’s continued efforts to promote the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, through its flagship initiatives, notably “Rays of Hope” and “Atoms4Food”, for developing countries.
Japan believes these benefits should reach as many people as possible by improving access to nuclear science, technology and their applications. To this end, Japan remains committed to providing various means of support and working together with the IAEA and other Member States, ensuring that the Agency continues to play its central and irreplaceable role in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology for a better future by making the most of its unique knowledge and expertise.
Chair,
Japan welcomes the Memorandum of Cooperation signed this summer between the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the IAEA on nuclear energy development and capacity building, including on SMRs. We are strongly committed to actively promoting this framework and will make our utmost efforts to support global nuclear power development through the IAEA.
Furthermore, Japan recently hosted the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Nuclear Security School, combining nuclear security learning, hands-on activities, facility visits and career dialogue. Moving forward, Japan will continue to actively support women’s careers in the nuclear field.
In addition, Japan is supporting the provision of mammography equipment under the Rays of Hope initiative through the project “Strengthening Capacity for Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Africa.” Building on this contribution, the IAEA and Fujifilm signed Practical Arrangements to strengthen cancer care through medical imaging technology and human resource development. Japan remains committed to expanding access to quality cancer care in close cooperation with the IAEA.
With these comments, Japan takes note of the Agency’s report.
Thank you, Chair.