Monrovia, Liberia – Head of delegation to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), 68th General Conference in Vienna, Austria, the Deputy Minister for Legal Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cllr. Jeddi Mowbray Armah is representing the Republic of Liberia.
Cllr Armah reaffirmed Liberia’s dedication to the peaceful use of nuclear energy in giving her national declaration. Promoting nuclear safety, security, and development depends much on the conference, which brings government officials, experts, and foreign players.
Particularly in the spheres of health, agriculture, energy, and environmental protection, Cllr. Armah underlined Liberia’s commitment to using nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. He underlined that Liberia’s interaction with the IAEA shows the government’s emphasis on implementing creative technologies to propel sustainable development while guaranteeing adherence to international norms and safety criteria.
“Liberia’s attendance at this important conference is evidence of our country’s support of worldwide initiatives aiming at the responsible and peaceful application of nuclear technology. Cllr. Armah said: “We are committed to working with the IAEA and other international partners to ensure that nuclear energy is used in ways that advance our national development goals, while safeguarding human health and the environment.”
Cllr. Armah said the government of Liberia is interested in increasing cooperation with the IAEA, especially in capacity building and technical support, as it aims to improve its capability in nuclear science and technology. From enhancing healthcare through nuclear medicine to increasing agricultural output and energy security, he underlined the transforming possibilities nuclear technology might present for Liberia’s development strategy.
The IAEA conference also gave Liberia a forum to interact with international experts and legislators, sharing best practices, creative ideas, and observations on the critical part nuclear energy may play in addressing world issues including food security and climate change.
Reiterating Liberia’s commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the IAEA’s protections meant to stop the proliferation of nuclear weapons, Cllr Armah spoke with top officials from the IAEA and other members states. He underlined Liberia’s will to uphold a peaceful nuclear agenda in line with its legal responsibilities under international law.
By attending the conference, Liberia marks yet another important turning point in its attempts to include nuclear technology into its national development plan, therefore guaranteeing its central role in the international debate on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
The Liberian delegation, led by Cllr. Armah, includes Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo (Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency), H.E. Younger Telewoda (Ambassador to Germany), Mr. Charles H. V. Allen, Jr. (Counselor at the Liberian Embassy in Germany), and Mr. Eddie Ville (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
Further bilateral talks between the Deputy Foreign Minister and Dr. Robert Floyd, Secretary General of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), aim to create a National Data Center (NDC) in Liberia for seismic activity monitoring.
Liberia formally deposited five instruments of accession and acceptance at this same time. Youngor Sevelee Telewoda, resident representative of the Republic of Liberia to the IAEA, deposited the instruments on Liberia’s behalf.
The five conventions include: The Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident: This establishes a notification system for nuclear accidents with potential international transboundary effects on radiological safety.
The Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency: This outlines a framework for cooperation and assistance in the event of nuclear accidents or radiological emergencies.
The Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS): This commits parties operating civil nuclear power plants to uphold high safety standards, with peer reviews of their implementation reports.
Legal instruments controlling the physical protection of nuclear materials during international transportation, criminalize related offences, and encourage international cooperation in the event of illegal activity involving nuclear material are the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) and its 2005 Amendment.
