On 14 September 2026, in Vienna, as part of the 70th session of the IAEA General Conference, a side event entitled ‘Atoms for LLDCs: From Commitment to Action – Nuclear Science for the Implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action’ was held, organised by the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the IAEA. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan.

Participants discussed the application of nuclear science and technology for the advancement of healthcare and sustainable development in landlocked developing countries.

IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, Najat Mokhtar, and Azat Ovezov, Deputy Minister of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, emphasised the need to develop infrastructure, introduce modern technologies and train specialists in the field of cancer prevention and treatment.

Issues relating to radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, medical physics, cancer care planning and staff training were also discussed. Particular attention was paid to the IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Programme, PACT and the ‘Rays of Hope’ initiative.

Following the meeting, the importance of international partnership, investment and capacity-building for the implementation of the Awaza Action Programme and for expanding LLDCs’ access to the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology was emphasised.

The 70th session of the IAEA General Conference will continue in Vienna until 18 September 2026.