The United States has reiterated its commitment to the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Technical Cooperation Program during a meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna, Austria. The statement was delivered by Howard Solomon, Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim, on June 9, 2025.
"The United States appreciates the Secretariat’s efforts in preparing the 2024 Technical Cooperation (TC) Report," said Solomon. He emphasized that the U.S. remains the top financial supporter of the program through contributions to both the Technical Cooperation Fund and extrabudgetary-funded activities. This support highlights America's dedication to leveraging nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and aligns with the objectives of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
In 2024, U.S. contributions amounted to $25 million for the Technical Cooperation Fund and an additional $15 million for TC projects. These funds supported various IAEA projects across priority areas such as food and agriculture, health and nutrition, energy, environment, safety, and security. The U.S. also sponsored training courses and fellowships at American institutions while providing experts for IAEA training courses globally.
Solomon expressed gratitude towards other Member States contributing to flagship initiatives and encouraged self-financing participation in IAEA activities where possible due to budget constraints. "This will enable Agency resources to be directed to where they are most needed," he noted.
The U.S. welcomed IAEA's assistance in infrastructure development supporting nuclear science applications and highlighted interest in small modular reactors' potential role in future energy security advancements like AI technologies.
Finally, Solomon requested that more donor country contributions be acknowledged in reports submitted to the IAEA General Conference. "We look forward to working with the IAEA and its Member States to secure our shared interest in creating a safer, stronger, and more prosperous world," he concluded.