“Atoms for LLDCs”: Advancing the Awaza Programme of Action through Nuclear Science

Vienna, 14 September 2026 – The Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the IAEA organized, on the margins of the 70th session of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, a side event entitled “Atoms for LLDCs: From Commitment to Action – Nuclear Science for the Implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action.” The event brought together high-level representatives and experts to discuss the role of nuclear science and technology in strengthening health systems and supporting sustainable development in Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs).

Among the high-level speakers, Ms. Najat Mokhtar, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, and Mr. Azat Ovezov, Deputy Minister of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, emphasized that, against the backdrop of the growing global cancer burden, health systems need to be prepared to meet increasing demand for cancer diagnosis and treatment. This requires sustained investment in infrastructure and technology, the training of healthcare professionals, and long-term capacity-building, with particular attention to the needs of LLDCs.

Furthermore, a diverse panel of experts from WHO/Europe, the IAEA Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT), the IAEA Division of Human Health, and Ege University School of Medicine and Hospital in Türkiye provided perspectives on cancer prevention and control, cancer-care planning, radiotherapy and nuclear medicine, medical physics and workforce development.

The discussion highlighted the contribution of the IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Programme, PACT and Rays of Hope initiative in helping Member States strengthen cancer-care capacities and expand access to essential services.

The event underscored the importance of stronger partnerships, sustained investment and capacity-building to translate the Awaza Programme of Action into concrete results and enable LLDCs to benefit fully from the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology.

The 70th IAEA General Conference will continue its work in Vienna until 18 September 2026.