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Vienna, Austria, 28 November 2024 – A side event during the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Science, Technology and Applications highlighted the transformative potential of nuclear solutions in addressing plastic pollution. The event titled “NUTEC: Plastics Recycling in Asia-Pacific” highlighted the strides made under the Nuclear Technology for Controlling Plastic Pollution (NUTEC Plastics) initiative.
Launched in May 2021, NUTEC Plastics addresses plastic pollution through nuclear techniques, focusing on recycling and generating alternative plastics at the source and monitoring and assessing the impact of microplastics in oceans. This initiative represents a pivotal step toward global sustainability by leveraging nuclear science for environmental solutions.
IAEA Leadership and Progress
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi reaffirmed the Agency’s steadfast commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges through the innovative application of nuclear technology. He highlighted the IAEA’s pivotal role in tackling plastic pollution, a global issue threatening ecosystems and human health. He also emphasized that through initiatives like NUTEC Plastics, the IAEA demonstrates its dedication to promoting sustainable solutions, fostering international collaboration, and driving progress toward a circular economy. DG Grossi concluded by thanking all the speakers and attendees, the technical cooperation and scientific departments in nuclear applications, who are enthusiastic about this endeavour. He further reiterated how he wants: “to see Nutec become a vector for real change and to have projects that have an economical and ecological impact, from both sides.”
Key Discussions and Highlights
Presentations showcased the IAEA’s significant advancements in implementing NUTEC Plastics, with a strong focus on capacity-building and technology dissemination. Experts from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines shared updates on their NUTEC Plastics-related initiatives, highlighting regional leadership in innovative plastic recycling solutions.
The Philippine delegation stood out with two notable presentations.
Engr. Winchester Lemen of Envirotech shared an impactful environmental project that reduces plastic waste by transforming it into practical products such as pots, benches, school chairs, and other furniture, exemplifying the potential of sustainable innovation.
Dr. Jordan F. Madrid outlined the Philippine government’s proactive role in addressing plastic pollution through policies and mitigation efforts under NUTEC, emphasizing the synergy between technology and governance in tackling environmental challenges.
Mr. Ichitomo Taninai from the Permanent Mission of Japan, representing a key donor country, delivered a thoughtful intervention highlighting the critical importance of the success of NUTEC pilot projects in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. He commended the speakers for their insightful and impactful presentations, describing them as impressive and enlightening, offering fresh perspectives on tackling plastic pollution through innovative solutions.
IAEA Deputy Director General Liu Hua, Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation, delivered the closing remarks, highlighting the pivotal role of international collaboration and nuclear technology in addressing global challenges like plastic pollution.
Ms Siti Najila Binti Mohd Janib, a senior researcher in the Medical Technology Division of the Malaysian Nuclear Agency, expertly moderated the event. Mr. Denis Subbotnitskiy, Programme Management Officer, and Ms. Celina Horak, Section Head, represented the IAEA, whose presence underscored the agency’s strong support and commitment to the initiative.
About the IAEA:
Widely known as the world’s “Atoms for Peace and Development” organization within the United Nations family, the IAEA is the international centre for cooperation in the nuclear field. The Agency works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote nuclear technologies’ safe, secure, and peaceful use.
For further information, please visit the IAEA website: https://www.iaea.org/
About the Author
Maria Zelda “Marizel” Rojas is a Board Member of the United Nations Correspondents Association Vienna (UNCAV), Chairperson of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora-Austria (ENFiD-Austria) and a current Board Member of ENFiD, President of the Bikol Society Austria (BSA), 1st Vice President-Elect of the United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG), Founding Member and former President of the Philippine Austrian Cultural and Educational Society (PACES), Adviser and former President of the Vienna International Centre Club Filipino (VIC CF), Auditor for the Vienna International Centre Gastronomy Club (VIC GC), Liaison for the Philippines and Councillor in the European Police Association (EPA), and a member of the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN), which honoured her with the prestigious “Most Influential Filipina Women in the World” (Global FWN100™) award in 2019.
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