Kuwait submits UN draft resolution on IAEA report

The State of Kuwait submitted a draft resolution to the United Nations General Assembly two days ago, which received an unprecedented historic sponsorship from 111 countries, marking a diplomatic achievement that reflects broad international support for the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in promoting international peace and security and harnessing nuclear science and technology for development.

The draft resolution, titled “Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency,” was presented by Kuwait in its capacity as Chair of the IAEA Board of Governors for the period 2026–2027.

Speaking before the General Assembly, Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Tariq Al-Banna, stated that the draft resolution is based on the Agency’s Statute and the 1957 Agreement between the Agency and the United Nations, within the framework of institutional cooperation between the two organizations.

Ambassador Al-Banna clarified that consideration of the Agency’s annual report provides an opportunity to reaffirm the General Assembly’s support for the Agency’s contributions to safeguarding international peace and security, as well as its efforts to harness nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes and in the interest of development.

He added that the text under consideration builds upon last year’s General Assembly resolution, incorporating updates that reflect decisions and resolutions adopted during the 70th regular session of the IAEA General Conference, as well as statements made by the Conference President regarding five agenda items.

In this context, he noted that one member state had raised the same objection regarding the Agency’s 2025 annual report as it had previously done concerning the 2022 annual report. Some member states pointed out that three decisions referenced in footnote 2 of the draft resolution had been adopted by vote.

He explained that the President of the 70th regular session of the General Conference expressed understanding that the Agency would continue implementing decisions related to the five agenda items in the form adopted in previous General Conference sessions, and that the Director General would continue reporting on them until new relevant decisions are adopted.

Ambassador Al-Banna emphasized that the draft resolution renews strong support for the Agency’s indispensable role in encouraging and facilitating the development of nuclear energy and its practical applications for peaceful purposes, as well as technology transfer to developing countries. It also highlights the Agency’s role in nuclear safety, security, and safeguards.

He added that the draft calls on member states to continue supporting the Agency’s activities, enabling it to fulfill its responsibilities and respond to the needs of member states within its mandate.

He stressed that the importance of this support is growing amid current challenges, which underscore the need to preserve the Agency’s technical role, independence, professionalism, and neutrality, while enhancing international cooperation to ensure the benefits of peaceful nuclear applications and to strengthen confidence in the safeguards and verification system.

He clarified that the draft resolution resulted from comprehensive and constructive consultations in Vienna, during which its referral to the General Assembly at their conclusion received consensus support. He expressed Kuwait’s appreciation to all delegations that contributed to these consultations in a spirit of cooperation, and to all countries that participated in sponsoring the draft.

Ambassador Al-Banna invited other member states to join the sponsorship of the draft resolution before its adoption, expressing hope that the General Assembly would adopt it without a vote, as a testament to shared support for the Agency and the importance of its work in promoting peace, security, and development.

In this regard, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi praised the efforts of the State of Kuwait, directing his special thanks and appreciation to Kuwait’s Permanent Representatives and to its missions in New York and Vienna.

Grossi expressed his pride that the number of sponsoring countries for the draft resolution had reached 111, describing it as a “record number.”

“Historic,” he affirmed, adding that this endorsement embodies the growing importance of the Agency’s work for all countries.