The 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) opened in Vienna, focusing on the peaceful use of nuclear energy and technology and the urgent need to protect the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. In a message delivered by the United Nations (UN) Office at Vienna, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged continued efforts to eliminate the threat of nuclear proliferation.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi told the conference it is convening at a pivotal moment, citing terrorism, armed conflicts and the erosion of nuclear norms amid widening global inequality. He said he had informed the UN Security Council that the global nuclear non-proliferation regime is under significant strain and requires protection.
More than 2,500 participants, including representatives of IAEA member states, international organisations and non-governmental organisations, are attending the meeting, which runs through September 19.