Kuwait: President of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency

The Kuwaiti delegation to the United Nations in Vienna affirmed that Kuwait’s election to chair the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) underscores the confidence the country enjoys and its active, ongoing role in supporting and promoting the peaceful uses of energy, thereby contributing to sustainable development and serving the interests of states and peoples.

This statement was issued by the delegation on Monday, coinciding with Kuwait’s election as chair of the IAEA Board of Governors, represented by Kuwait’s Governor to the Agency and Permanent Representative, Fawaz Boursali.

The delegation expressed its profound gratitude to member states for the confidence they placed in Kuwait, affirming its pride in this trust, which reflects the appreciation and standing Kuwait enjoys within the international community.

It added that this chairmanship is a continuation of Kuwait’s role in supporting and strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation regime and backing international efforts aimed at consolidating this regime, as well as in supporting and enhancing the Agency’s safeguards system to ensure the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to bolster confidence and transparency in this field.

The delegation clarified that during its term, Kuwait looks forward to working in a spirit of cooperation and consensus with all members of the Board and Agency members, and to contributing constructively to advancing the Board’s work and promoting the Agency’s objectives and principles, in service of the interests of all member states.

It reaffirmed Kuwait’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism and to continuing close cooperation with the Agency and its member states, in order to strengthen the Agency’s role in supporting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, consolidating nuclear safety and security, and enhancing international cooperation in this area.

The delegation confirmed its readiness to work with all parties in a spirit of responsibility, objectivity, and openness, reflecting Kuwait’s steadfast principles in supporting joint international action and enhancing cooperation among member states.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed Kuwait’s gratitude for the confidence placed in it by the member states of the IAEA Board of Governors, which unanimously endorsed Kuwait’s candidacy during the Board’s session on Monday to assume the chairmanship for the period 2026–2027, representing the Middle East and South Asia (MESA) group.

The Ministry stated in a statement that this reflects Kuwait’s standing and its active role in supporting international efforts to enhance cooperation in the field of peaceful uses of atomic energy. It also expressed its deep appreciation to the member states of the MESA group for their support of Kuwait’s candidacy to represent the group in the chairmanship of the Board of Governors.

The Ministry affirmed Kuwait’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities with complete neutrality and transparency, and its dedication to continuing work in a spirit of consensus and cooperation, promoting constructive dialogue among member states, and supporting the Agency’s role in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, consolidating the nuclear non-proliferation regime, strengthening the Agency’s safeguards and verification system, and upholding the highest standards of nuclear safety and security.

It emphasized the importance of leveraging nuclear science and technology applications for peaceful and developmental purposes, including in the fields of health, food, water, and energy, in a manner that contributes to safeguarding international peace and security and enhances the Board’s capacity to fulfill its responsibilities and support the Agency’s efforts in carrying out its mandate in accordance with its Statute and international law.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Kuwait’s full commitment to multilateralism and close cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), its member states, organs, and Secretariat, as well as its contribution to addressing nuclear challenges through institutional action, dialogue, and international cooperation, thereby supporting the optimal achievement of the Agency’s objectives and the effective fulfillment of its mandate.