0
0
Vienna, 19 September 2025 — The Philippines has been elected by acclamation to the Board of Governors (BOG) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the 2025–2027 term during the 69th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Austria.
The country secured the seat as the consensus nominee of the Far East region following a months-long campaign. Its candidacy received broad support, particularly from developing nations and states embarking on nuclear energy programs. This marks the Philippines’ return to the Board after last serving from 2015 to 2017.
As a Board member, the Philippines will contribute to shaping IAEA policies on nuclear safety and security, safeguards, technical cooperation, and the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology to advance sustainable development.
Maridon O. Sahagun, Department of Science and Technology Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services and head of the Philippine delegation, delivered the national statement, stressing the country’s long-standing commitment to peaceful nuclear applications. “The peaceful uses of atomic energy are not ancillary to disarmament and non-proliferation—they are foundational pillars of peace, health, and prosperity. We aim to advance these initiatives at this key policy-making body of the IAEA,” she said.
Philippine Permanent Representative to the IAEA, Ambassador Evangelina A. Bernas, underscored the significance of the election. “This outcome signifies that Member States like us, who are just embarking on nuclear energy programs and rely on a rules-based international order, have a chance to advocate for others in similar positions,” she noted. She added that the Philippines would work to ensure nuclear technologies address community needs, deliver tangible benefits, and remain governed by shared international rules. The country also pushed for reforms within the Board to reflect evolving regional and technological realities.
The Philippines joins 10 other newly elected members in the 35-member Board of Governors, alongside Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Egypt, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, India, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Morocco, the Netherlands, Niger, Pakistan, Peru, Portugal, Romania, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, Togo, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Venezuela.
Amid complex global challenges, the Philippines reaffirmed its readiness to help strengthen international cooperation and uphold a rules-based order in the nuclear field.
- source and picture: (1) Facebook (Philippine Embassy, Austria) and IAEA
This post has already been read 2 times!
