BOTSWANA AND THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY (IAEA)
The IAEA is an international organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons. The IAEA was established as an autonomous organization on 29 July 1957. Though established independently of the United Nations through its own international treaty, the IAEA Statute,[1] the IAEA reports to both the UN General Assembly and Security Council.
Botswana became a member of the IAEA in 2002.
The IAEA serves as an intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology and nuclear power worldwide. The programs of the IAEA encourage the development of the peaceful applications of nuclear technology, provide international safeguards against misuse of nuclear technology and nuclear materials, and promote nuclear safety (including radiation protection) and nuclear security standards and their implementation.
The IAEA’s current Director General is Yukiya Amano. He has been Director of the Organisation since 2009.
The Ministry responsible for the IAEA issues is the Ministry of Infrastructure, Science and Technology with other key Departments like the Department of Geological Survey. Its contact person is Mr. Thapelo Otukile, Director of the Department of Radiation Protection and Inspectorate.
At its 59th General Conference in September 2015, the IAEA accepted Botswana’s ratification of the Amendment to the the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) and the Fiftth Extension of the Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA). The Agreement facilitates cooperation between Botswana and the IAEA in terms of Training and Development in the field of nuclear science and technology.