The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), an independent private agency of the United Nations, was established in 1957. The IAEA operates to promote the safe and secure use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and to prevent the use of nuclear technology for weapon and military purposes. As a center of cooperation among 176 member states, the IAEA provides technical assistance on nuclear energy, radiation safety, nuclear safety and the nuclear fuel cycle.

On the other hand, the IAEA plays a central role in international cooperation in areas such as operational safety of nuclear reactors, protection of human and environmental health, nuclear fuel management and security. The IAEA publishes safety and security standards which are not legally binding and provides a range of review and advisory services and tools to enable member states to effectively develop their nuclear programs.

Türkiye became a member in 1957, being among the first group of countries to approve the IAEA charter. By virtue of its membership in the IAEA, Türkiye avails itself of technical support and training opportunities within the domains of nuclear energy, radiation safety, and nuclear safety. Türkiye also participates in meetings and conferences organized by the IAEA exchanging information and experience on international policies and regulations in nuclear energy and related fields.

The cooperation that has developed in line with the needs of our country's nuclear energy program has particularly focused on nuclear infrastructure development. On 18 September 2018, the 2018-2023 Country Program Framework was signed, which expresses Türkiye's five-year technical cooperation program. This framework covers six priority areas aimed at supporting Türkiye's cooperation and capacity building in the field of nuclear energy:

• Nuclear power and technology, research and development, nuclear installation and radioactive waste;
• Knowledge management and capacity building;
• Nuclear and radiation safety and security, including national regulatory infrastructure for safety, security and safeguards;
• Nuclear and radiological emergencies, including emergency preparedness and response and operation of radiation early warning systems;
• Isotope and radiation technology applications, including radiation metrology, radiation dosimetry, and environmental, agricultural, and industrial applications;
• Human health and nutrition, including nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, radiology, medical physics and nutrition;

Technical cooperation activities are coordinated by the Turkish Energy, Nuclear and Mineral Research Institute (TENMAK).

For more information: https://www.iaea.org/