VIENNA, AUSTRIA, 18 SEPTEMBER 2026 – Brunei Darussalam participated in the 70^th  General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), held from 14 to 18 September 2026 in Vienna, Austria.

The Conference brought together IAEA Member States to deliberate on key priorities and developments in nuclear science and technology, including nuclear safety, security and safeguards, as well as the peaceful applications of nuclear technology in areas such as human health, food security, environmental protection, energy planning and radioactive waste management.

The Brunei Darussalam delegation was led by Yang Mulia Dayang Hajah Farida binti Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib, the then Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the Prime Minister’s Office and Brunei Darussalam’s National Liaison Officer (NLO).

In delivering Brunei Darussalam’s National Statement, Yang Mulia Dayang Hajah Farida reaffirmed the country's commitment to the peaceful, safe and secure use of nuclear science and technology. She emphasised the importance of international cooperation in strengthening national capabilities in nuclear safety, security and safeguards, while highlighting the potential contributions of nuclear science and technology to healthcare, food security, environmental protection and long-term energy planning. Brunei Darussalam also welcomed Timor-Leste as the IAEA’s newest Member State.

The delegation comprised representatives from the Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) and the Department of Energy, Upstream and Downstream (DOEUD). Yang Mulia Haji Muhsin bin Haji Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer of SHENA, in his capacity as the National Liaison Assistant (NLA), together with SHENA officers, participated in discussions on nuclear and radiation safety, security and regulatory matters. Meanwhile, representatives from the DOEUD contributed to discussions on national energy policies, strategic planning and future capability development.

During the Conference, Mr Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the IAEA reaffirmed the longstanding cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and the IAEA. Discussions focussed on strengthening national capabilities in the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology, particularly in food and agriculture, human health, environmental protection and energy planning.

The IAEA Director General also reaffirmed the IAEA’s commitment to providing technical expertise to support national-level discussions at Brunei Darussalam's Nuclear Science and Technology (NST) Forum.

A significant milestone of the Conference was the signing of Brunei Darussalam's Second Country Programme Framework (CPF) with the IAEA, formalised with Mr Hua Liu, Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation. Building on the first CPF, the new framework outlines priority areas for future technical cooperation, including national governance, human health, education, food and agriculture, environmental protection, energy planning and whole-of-government coordination.

The delegation further participated in several technical side events and bilateral engagements with IAEA representatives. Discussions addressed key areas including capacity-building, regulatory development, emergency preparedness, radioactive waste management and regional cooperation. These engagements provided opportunities to exchange technical knowledge, share experiences and explore potential areas opportunities for further technical cooperation and capability development.

Separately, SHENA representatives met with Ms Geraldine Low, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA), during a gathering of the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (ASEANTOM). The engagement focused on strengthening regional regulatory cooperation and facilitating the exchange  of views  on nuclear and radiation safety, security and emergency preparedness.

Brunei Darussalam's participation in the 70^th IAEA General Conference underscores the country's continued commitment to strengthening international and regional cooperation in nuclear science and technology. Through its active participation and engagements, Brunei Darussalam remains committed in enhancing its national technical, regulatory and institutional capabilities to support the peaceful, safe and secure application of nuclear technology for national development.