Vienna, Austria, September 15, 2025 – Liberia has joined 180 Member States at the 69th Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference, which runs from September 15–19, 2025, at the Vienna International Centre in Austria.
The week-long gathering brings together high-ranking officials to discuss global progress in the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology, while also reviewing the Agency’s annual report, budget, safeguards, and commitments to nuclear safety and security.
The Liberian delegation is headed by Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Alexander Nuetah, who serves as the country lead, supported by the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Liberia to Germany, H.E. Younger Telewodah, who is also Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the IAEA. Other members of the delegation include senior technical experts such as Mr. Rafael Ngumbu, Director of ERRS at the EPA, and other officials from key ministries and agencies.
During the General Conference, Liberia is expected to engage in a series of high-level bilateral and technical meetings. Among the key highlights is a courtesy visit to IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, where discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation between Liberia and the Agency.
Liberia will also participate in the signing of its Country Programme Framework (CPF) for 2026–2030, a strategic document that will guide IAEA-supported projects in the country over the next five years.
In addition, the delegation will hold a bilateral meeting with IAEA Deputy Director Generals and technical departments to explore opportunities for advancing national priorities in agriculture, health, and environmental protection.
On the margins of the General Conference, Liberia is actively participating in several thematic events. The Ministry of Agriculture, led by Dr. Nuetah, will join the GC69 side event on “Advancing Food Security in Africa through the Atoms4Food Initiative,” which emphasizes the role of nuclear techniques in improving food production and resilience against climate challenges.
The Minister will also engage with the IAEA’s Nuclear Applications Food and Agriculture (NAFA) and Technical Cooperation for Africa Division (TCAF) for an Atoms4Food briefing with a focus on Liberia.
The Ministry of Health will participate in meetings with the IAEA’s Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT) and Rays of Hope Initiative to strengthen Liberia’s efforts in expanding access to cancer diagnosis and treatment.
For its part, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), represented by Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo, will hold a meeting with the IAEA’s Marine Environmental Laboratories to enhance technical cooperation on marine pollution monitoring and environmental resilience.
