IAEA Scientific Forum on Food Security Begins

The IAEA  Scientific Forum 2024, themed Atoms4Food: Better Agriculture for a Better Life, opened alongside the 68th IAEA General Conference, focusing on how nuclear technology can help tackle global food insecurity. With an audience of over 260 participants, including high level speakers and ministers from various countries, the opening session was filled to capacity.

In his opening remarks, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi outlined the Agency's science-based contributions to solving the global food crisis. "The issue of food security has reappeared with particular intensity … countries do not need more speeches or policy papers to be convinced of these problems. What they need is solutions," Mr Grossi said, emphasizing the tangible impact and practical approach of the Atoms4Food initiative.

He highlighted how nuclear techniques, such as developing drought-resistant crops and improving water management through isotopic hydrology, are helping countries address food security challenges. "Nuclear applications,  science and technology allow us to use very concrete techniques to tackle and solve these problems," Mr Grossi stated, noting how the Atoms4Food initiative aims to provide Member States with a set of services to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, President of the OPEC Fund for International Development, emphasized the importance of partnerships in addressing global hunger. "Our renewed partnership with the IAEA will scale up the financing of nuclear technologies for agriculture, helping to strengthen food security and resilience," he said. Mr Alkhalifa praised the collaborative efforts between the OPEC Fund and the IAEA, stressing that combining financial resources and nuclear science can drive innovation and improve food systems in vulnerable regions.

Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of innovative approaches in Africa, where food insecurity is a growing concern. "There is an urgent need to accelerate the transformation of our agri-food systems with innovative approaches to enhance their resilience against major challenges and address existing inequalities," he said. Mr Mudavadi emphasized Kenya's commitment to leveraging nuclear technology to boost food production, including extending the shelf life of crops through food irradiation.

Liu Jing, Vice Chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority, underscored China's commitment to its partnership with the IAEA. "China is willing to work with IAEA to take concrete actions in support of the "Atoms for Food" initiative, jointly promoting the innovation and application of nuclear energy and nuclear application in agriculture, and continuously deepening South-South cooperation in food security."

Sidi Tiémoko Toure, from the Ministry of Animal and Fisheries Resources in Côte d'Ivoire, highlighted the importance of its work with the IAEA in Africa, stating, "The Atoms4Food initiative, which is part of the fight against food insecurity, is an innovative approach that raises great hopes for Africa."

Leila Benali, from the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development in the Kingdom of Morocco, highlighted Morocco's decades-long partnership with the IAEA. "Since joining the IAEA in 1957, Morocco has embraced the use of nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes across various sectors, including agriculture and water. By recognizing early on and leveraging the significant benefits of these technologies, Morocco has committed to advancing their application for the betterment of society."