On behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, the Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) has successfully participated in the 68th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Annual General Conference held from 16-20 September 2024 at the Vienna International Centre, Vienna, Austria. This conference serves as a significant platform for high-ranking officials and representatives from IAEA Member States to discuss and consider a wide range of global issues on nuclear safety and security, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, and the peaceful use of nuclear technology. The conference elected the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the International Organization in Vienna, His Excellency Ambassador Sam Wook Ham, as the President of this prestigious conference.

Brunei Darussalam’s delegation was led by Yang Mulia Awang Haji Muhsin bin Haji Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer of SHENA. In the delivery of his national statement in the plenary session of the conference, he expressed affirmation towards the existing collaboration between Brunei Darussalam and the IAEA in various areas including strengthening of Brunei Darussalam’s nuclear legal framework, enhancement towards the state’s nuclear security regime and the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technologies in Brunei Darussalam. As the national radiation regulatory authority of Brunei Darussalam, SHENA’s representation in the IAEA General Conference reaffirms Brunei Darussalam’s unwavering support of the work of the IAEA globally. It elevates Brunei Darussalam’s profile in the global arena towards promoting nuclear safety, security, and safeguards.

A significant milestone achieved by Brunei Darussalam in 2024 was the successful acceptance as a member of the IAEA regional group – Southeast Asia and the Pacific Group (SEAP), led by the Chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Australia. This collaboration is intended to enhance Brunei Darussalam’s regional efforts to address challenges in nuclear safety, security, and safeguards. This key accomplishment was applauded by many of the IAEA member states during the general conference.

Brunei Darussalam’s delegation also had a courtesy meeting with Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director General of the IAEA. The Director General congratulated Brunei Darussalam on the increasing development of nuclear-related applications in the country and encouraged continuous participation and support towards various initiatives under the IAEA, particularly the Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action (ZODIAC).

In conjunction with the general conference, SHENA has participated in several key bilateral meetings with the IAEA to discuss the existing collaborative work between Brunei Darussalam and the IAEA on regulatory radiation.  The IAEA has expressed support towards assisting Brunei Darussalam in strengthening the country’s security infrastructure by formulating of an integrated nuclear security sustainability plan (INSSP) for Brunei Darussalam. The IAEA has also applauded Brunei Darussalam’s effort towards strengthening the national nuclear legal framework by initiating the review of the Radiation Protection Act, Chapter 228. SHENA has reassured the IAEA of Brunei Darussalam’s unwavering support towards the global efforts in the non-proliferation regime and remains committed to ensuring Brunei Darussalam’s compliance with the safeguard agreement concluded with the IAEA.

Brunei Darussalam remains dedicated to its responsibilities as a member of the IAEA and to supporting various initiatives that promote the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear applications in Brunei Darussalam, and globally.