The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the world’s centre of co-operation in the nuclear field. It was established in 1957 as the world’s ‘Atoms for Peace’ organisation, an independent international organisation under the United Nations (UN). It has a membership of 150 member states.
The IAEA is the UN’s ‘nuclear watchdog’ and is the verification authority for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). In this capacity, it is responsible for promoting and agreeing international nuclear safeguards with member states, and for verifying that non-proliferation commitments are met. It also fosters safety and security in nuclear related activities and contributes to sustainable development in key areas of the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology.
The main aims of the IAEA are to:
- verify through its inspection system that states comply with their commitments under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and other non-proliferation agreements, by ensuring safeguarded nuclear material and activities are not used for weapons purposes
- develop nuclear safety and security standards and promote the achievement and maintenance of high levels of safety in all applications of nuclear energy. The main aim is to protect people and the environment from harmful radiation exposure
- provide the world's focal point for scientific and technical co-operation in nuclear fields. This work contributes to fighting poverty, sickness, and pollution of the earth's environment, and to other global ‘Millennium Goals’ for a safer and better future.
There two policy making organs within the IAEA are the General Conference and the Board of Governors. Working jointly, these two organs decide the Agency's programme and budget and appoint the Director General of the IAEA.
The General Conference is composed of representatives of all IAEA Member States. The Board of Governors has 35 members, of which 13 are designated by the Board and 22 are elected by the General Conference.
The Board of Governors meets five times a year and its function is to examine and make recommendations to the General Conference on the IAEA's accounts, programme and budget, and consider applications for membership. The Board also approves safeguards agreements and the publication of the IAEA's safety standards, and overseas the work of the Agency more generally.
The General Conference takes place once a year, typically in September, to consider the Board of Governors' report for the previous year, approve the accounts, programme and budget, and to approve any applications for membership. The Conference also conducts a wide ranging general debate on the IAEA's policies and programme and examines a variety of matters brought to its attention by the Board of Governors, the Director General, and individual member states.