Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) opened in Vienna on 14 September, with a delegation from Uzbekistan led by Uzatom Director Azim Akhmedkhadjaev taking part, Uzatom said.
The anniversary session is being held at the Vienna International Centre and will run until 18 September. It brings together IAEA member states, international organizations and representatives of the expert community.
Uzbekistan reaffirmed its commitment to non-proliferation
During the general debate, Azim Akhmedkhadjaev presented Uzbekistan’s position on nuclear non-proliferation, safety and the development of peaceful nuclear energy.
Uzbekistan reaffirmed its commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and its safeguards agreement with the IAEA.
The country has a state system for accounting for and controlling nuclear materials in accordance with the Agency’s standards.
“The Republic of Uzbekistan consistently reaffirms its firm commitment to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime,” the head of the delegation said.
Key international conventions ratified
Uzbekistan has completed the ratification of a number of international instruments in the field of nuclear safety. These include conventions on early notification of a nuclear accident, nuclear safety, assistance in the event of a nuclear or radiological emergency, as well as the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage.
“An important direction in strengthening the national regulatory framework has been the completion of procedures for ratifying key international legal instruments,” Akhmedkhadjaev said.
First concrete poured for nuclear power plant in Jizzakh Region
In 2026, Uzbekistan moved to the practical implementation of the first nuclear power plant project in the region. On 4 June, the first concrete was poured in Jizzakh Region under the patronage of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and in the presence of IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.
The project provides for an integrated configuration combining two high-capacity Generation III+ power units and two small-capacity power units.
“For Uzbekistan, this year has been a landmark stage in the development of our national nuclear energy programme. We have moved to the practical implementation of the first nuclear power plant project in the region, including a unique integrated configuration with no global analogue,” the Uzatom head said.
IAEA mission notes Uzbekistan’s progress
An IAEA review mission worked in Uzbekistan from 22 to 26 June. Following its work, the Agency noted the country’s progress in developing nuclear energy, improving legislation and implementing recommendations issued in 2021.
“The IAEA’s conclusions confirmed Uzbekistan’s significant progress in developing nuclear energy, modernizing legislation and implementing the recommendations of 2021 through close partnership,” Akhmedkhadjaev said.
Cooperation with IAEA implemented in three areas
Under agreements between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, a joint Roadmap, a Country Programme Framework and a Comprehensive Work Plan are being implemented.
“In furtherance of the agreements reached between President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, the joint Roadmap, Country Programme Framework and Comprehensive Work Plan are being successfully implemented,” the head of the delegation said.
Nuclear technologies applied in medicine and agriculture
Uzbekistan is also developing peaceful uses of nuclear energy beyond electricity generation. The country participates in IAEA initiatives including ZODIAC and Atoms4Food, including the use of nuclear technologies in agriculture and work with drought-resistant crops.
Another area of cooperation is cancer care under the Rays of Hope initiative. Since 1994, the Ministry of Health has received technical assistance from the IAEA, including equipment for diagnosis and treatment, as well as support for the development of dosimetry and laboratory infrastructure.
A total of 273 specialists have completed training at an educational centre operating under the ISO standard. By 2030, 15 regional oncology centres are expected to be modernized, alongside further development of nuclear medicine.
“We highly value the Agency’s humanitarian mission, the ‘Rays of Hope’ programme. We believe these projects will improve access to modern cancer care throughout the country,” Akhmedkhadjaev said.
UzAtom outlines tasks through end-2026
Uzbekistan’s immediate priorities include completing the feasibility study for the nuclear power plant, continuing construction of the integrated facility, concluding contracts for nuclear fuel supplies and ensuring the physical protection of facilities.
The country also plans to strengthen workforce training and localize production.
“By the end of this year, we plan to continue construction of the integrated nuclear power plant, conclude contracts for fuel supplies and physical protection, and also strengthen workforce training and localization,” the Uzatom head said.
According to Akhmedkhadjaev, Uzbekistan views the peaceful use of nuclear energy as a tool for developing the energy sector, strengthening energy security and promoting sustainable development.
“Peaceful nuclear energy should serve progress, energy security and sustainable development. Uzbekistan remains a reliable partner of the IAEA and is ready to expand international and regional cooperation for a stable, clean and safe future,” he said.
