The IAEA’s 181 Member States gather in Vienna this week for the 70th General Conference, with a wide-ranging programme of discussions, a Scientific Forum on expanding access to cancer care, side events, exhibitions and visits. See what to expect in the week ahead.
Representatives from the IAEA’s 181 Member States are convening in Vienna, Austria from 14 to 18 September 2026 for the Agency’s 70th IAEA General Conference.
During today’s opening session of the General Conference, Mr Grossi reported on the Agency’s work and impact in the past year. Read the full statement here.
During the week, delegates will discuss a range of topics on nuclear safety and security, IAEA safeguards, as well as efforts to strengthen activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications, including technical cooperation.
Delegates will also consider the IAEA Annual Report for 2025, the 2027 Budget Update and Agency’s 2025 Financial Statements, including contributions to the Technical Cooperation Fund for 2027. Members to the IAEA Board of Governors will be elected during the conference. Sessions in the Plenary Hall, including statements by officials and delegates, will be livestreamed for the public. Documents provided to delegates are available online.
For more background on what goes on at the IAEA General Conference, take a look at our Q&A here.
Follow the IAEA on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, YouTube and LinkedIn for updates throughout the week: using #IAEAGC and #ScientificForum.
This year’s Scientific Forum, held on 15 and 16 September, will explore how nuclear science and technology can expand access to cancer care and close the global gap. Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with millions of people lacking access to timely diagnosis and treatment. Many cancers are preventable and treatable if detected early, millions of people — particularly in low- and middle-income countries — still lack access to essential cancer care.
Through its Rays of Hope initiative, the IAEA supports Member States in strengthening cancer care services through diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy equipment, training, research and innovation.
The two-day forum will showcase the impact of Rays of Hope, highlight successful partnerships and innovative funding approaches, and explore opportunities to further expand and sustain access to life-saving cancer care worldwide.
The Scientific Forum will be livestreamed here.
Around 122 side events will take place on the margins of the Conference, with the full programme available online here. Member States will host 98 side events, some of which will be livestreamed and open to the public.
The IAEA will host 24 side events and visits. These include showcases on: how Rays of Hope Anchor Centres are strengthening radiation medicine globally, how Atoms4Food is scaling nuclear innovations in food and agriculture; including the global impact of the NUTEC Plastics Initiative after 5 years since its launch. Other IAEA side events delve into success stories in financing the scaling up of radiation medicine, expanding pathways for nuclear energy projects, and developments in nuclear security, safeguards and fusion.
Lunchtime guided tours will be available for delegates and the media to visit the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre and the IAEA Archives, which include important historical artefacts. To mark the first anniversary of the IAEA Visitor Centre in Seibersdorf, a special tour will be hosted at the venue, bringing together students, young nuclear scientists, Member State representatives and academia to discuss how the next generation is contributing to the future of nuclear. A full list of tours and visits is available here. Self-guided virtual tours of the IAEA’s laboratories are also available on the IAEA website.
Finally, several exhibitions are planned during the week. Member States, international organizations and IAEA departments will present their work on nuclear science and technology. Exhibitions cover a range of subjects, including nuclear energy and innovation to human health, safety, security and international cooperation. Featuring interactive displays and hands-on public engagement, the exhibitions provide an opportunity to exchange knowledge and insights on activities ongoing across the global nuclear community. See the full list here.
Source: IAEA