The United States has expressed its opposition to certain recommendations in a recent report from the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) regarding the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) technical cooperation activities. The statement was delivered by Howard Solomon, Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim, at the IAEA Technical Assistance and Cooperation Committee (TACC) meeting in Vienna on November 17, 2025.
Solomon stated, "The United States cannot join consensus in taking note of the OIOS report, given that it is the U.S. position to firmly oppose any effort to politicize the work of this Agency. This opposition extends to the inclusion of 'gender mainstreaming' in the Agency’s technical cooperation activities, as noted in the OIOS report. We object to OIOS’ recommendation of further strengthening such integration and urge the Agency to eliminate such efforts from their Program. It is U.S. policy to recognize two sexes, male and female, and not to promote gender ideology."
Despite these objections, Solomon indicated that the United States supports other aspects of the OIOS recommendations. "Setting the objectionable recommendations aside, the United States urges the Secretariat to implement OIOS’s other recommendations within the timeframe stipulated and to emphasize transparency and results-based management by providing additional metrics for evaluating the impact of IAEA projects," he said.
The U.S. also agrees with calls for a greater focus on needs-based approaches due to increasing requests from member states. Solomon noted support for efforts that would allow IAEA activities to serve as catalysts for international financial institutions and suggested exploring funding opportunities with both these institutions and private sector partners.
Additionally, concerns were raised about gaps in project reporting identified by OIOS. Solomon emphasized, "In light of OIOS’s findings on gaps in project reporting, we strongly urge the Secretariat to prioritize reporting improvements for the 2026 TC cycle. Data-driven-decision-making is essential to ensure that project funds are used effectively and efficiently, and the Agency is able to accurately account for the use of Member States funds, while also laying the groundwork for future program needs."
In closing remarks addressed to committee leadership, Solomon requested that "the United States requests its position be reflected in the official record of the TACC, including its position strongly rejecting the problematic language on gender mainstreaming, urging the IAEA to focus on its mandate and not introduce politically divisive concepts into its work and reporting."