On Monday, Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition Leila Benali emphasized the nation’s commitment to using nuclear technology for peace and development at the 68th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Morocco, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, actively supports South-South cooperation and African solidarity in nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes.
Benali welcomed IAEA’s initiatives in agriculture, health, and environmental sectors, and reaffirmed Morocco’s role in providing technical assistance to African countries.
Morocco’s National Centre for Energy, Nuclear Science and Technology (CNESTEN), recognized by the IAEA, was awarded Africa’s first distinction as an International Center for Research Reactors (ICERR) last year.
The National Institute of Oncology (INO) was also designated an anchor center under the IAEA’s “Rays of Hope” initiative, supporting cancer treatment in Africa.
Benali highlighted Morocco’s significant contributions to training African experts, with over 40 countries benefitting from the expertise shared by Moroccan institutions.
Institutions like CNESTEN and INO offer training in nuclear applications, such as radiotherapy, radiology, and nutrition, as part of IAEA cooperation programs.
Morocco also assists partner nations in analyzing laboratory samples using nuclear techniques, further strengthening technical cooperation and knowledge-sharing.
Morocco continues to play a key role in water resource management, promoting equitable access through multilateral collaboration and sustainable practices.
Benali referenced King Mohammed VI’s speech on water management, emphasizing international cooperation to address the global water crisis effectively.
Morocco is advocating for the adoption of a G77 resolution at the IAEA General Conference on nuclear desalination, supporting sustainable water production.
The resolution seeks to strengthen international cooperation for the economical production of drinking water using small and medium-sized nuclear reactors.
Through these initiatives, Morocco reaffirms its commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear technology and continued support for African development.