VIENNA, AUSTRIA, 15 SEPTEMBER 2025 - Brunei Darussalam reaffirmed its commitment to the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technology. Through strategic collaboration and sustained engagement with international partners, the country has developed a clearer understanding of its current position, the challenges it faces, and the actions required for continued progress.

This commitment was highlighted by Yang Mulia Haji Muhsin Haji Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer of the Safety, Health, and Environment National Authority (SHENA), and Head of Delegation of Brunei Darussalam, in the country’s national statement during the General Debate of the 69^th Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference, held from 15 to 19 September 2025 at the Vienna International Centre, Austria.

In the national statement, he outlined three (3) key points at maintaining and enhancing Brunei Darussalam’s developmental momentum. First, he emphasised the importance of sustained guidance and technical assistance at this stage of Brunei Darussalam’s maturity. He acknowledged the pivotal role of the IAEA in building regulatory infrastructure and reinforcing commitments. Among these commitments are Brunei Darussalam’s political dedication to the IAEA Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources and its supplementary documents, as well as the nation’s active participation in the Asia-Pacific Safeguards Network, which  contributes to the strengthening of the global non-proliferation regime.

Second, the importance of mobilizing resources to sustain progress and address emerging priorities was highlighted. The recent participation of Brunei Darussalam in the Regulatory Infrastructure Development Programme (RIDP) for Asia and the Pacific, alongside active participation in the Asian Nuclear Safety Network and ASEANTOM, exemplifies this initiative. Such engagements have ensured continuity and growth, particularly in crucial areas such as emergency preparedness and response, as well as the finalisation of the Integrated Nuclear Security Sustainability Plan.

The Head of Delegation reiterated that the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology are integral to Brunei Darussalam’s national development agenda. Notable achievements under the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme include the commissioning of the nation’s first Early Warning Environmental Radiation Monitoring System and the establishment of its inaugural Radiation Dosimetry Service Laboratory. Looking ahead, Brunei Darussalam will continue exploring the potential of nuclear applications in the domains of health, agriculture, and energy, with ongoing support from the IAEA.

On the sidelines of the General Conference, the Brunei Darussalam delegation convened a bilateral meeting with the Malaysian Department of Atomic Energy (ATOM Malaysia) to explore potential avenues for collaboration aimed at enhancing regulatory capacities and supporting regional initiatives in the domains of nuclear safety, security, and safeguards. Furthermore, the delegation engaged with representatives from the IAEA Department of Technical Cooperation to assess the progress of ongoing projects that facilitate the promotion of nuclear applications in Brunei Darussalam.

The General Conference concluded with the adoption of several resolutions that emphasized the commitment to maintaining the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, and safeguards. These resolutions aim to reinforce international trust and enhance the effectiveness of the global non-proliferation regime.

Moreover, the General Conference was attended by representatives from SHENA and the Permanent Mission of Brunei Darussalam to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. Their participation, alongside that of member states of the IAEA and various international organisations, highlighted the collaborative spirit of the event and the shared commitment to advancing global nuclear governance.