• Today: October 28, 2026

Brunei reaffirms commitment to peaceful use of nuclear science and technology

International cooperation is important in strengthening national capabilities in nuclear safety, security and safeguards, said then Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the Prime Minister’s Office and Brunei Darussalam’s National Liaison Officer Hajah Farida binti Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib.

She said this delivering Brunei Darusslam’s National Statement during the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from September 14 to 18, 2026 in Vienna, Austria.

She also reaffirmed the Sultanate’s commitment to the peaceful, safe and secure use of nuclear science and technology, and highlighted the potential contributions of nuclear science and technology to healthcare, food security, environmental protection and long-term energy planning. Brunei Darussalam also welcomed Timor-Leste as the IAEA’s newest member state.

The delegation, led by Hajah Farida, comprised representatives from the Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) and the Department of Energy, Upstream and Downstream.

Chief Executive Officer of SHENA Haji Muhsin bin Haji Ahmad, in his capacity as the National Liaison Assistant, together with SHENA officers, participated in discussions on nuclear and radiation safety, security and regulatory matters. Meanwhile, representatives from the DOEUD contributed to discussions on national energy policies, strategic planning and future capability development.

During the conference Director General of the IAEA Rafael Mariano Grossi reaffirmed the longstanding cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and the IAEA. Discussions focussed on strengthening national capabilities in the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology, particularly in food and agriculture, human health, environmental protection and energy planning.

Then Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the Prime Minister’s Office and Brunei Darussalam’s National Liaison Officer Hajah Farida binti Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib speaks at the conference. PHOTO: SHENA 
Hajah Farida in a group photo. PHOTO: SHENA

The IAEA Director General also reaffirmed the IAEA’s commitment to providing technical expertise to support national-level discussions at Brunei Darussalam’s Nuclear Science and Technology Forum.

The conference also saw the signing of Brunei Darussalam’s Second Country Programme Framework (CPF) with the IAEA, formalised with Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation Hua Liu.

Building on the first CPF, the new framework outlines priority areas for future technical cooperation, including national governance, human health, education, food and agriculture, environmental protection, energy planning and whole-of-government coordination.

The delegation participated in  technical side events and bilateral engagements with IAEA representatives. Discussions addressed key areas including capacity-building, regulatory development, emergency preparedness, radioactive waste management and regional cooperation. The engagements provided opportunities to exchange technical knowledge, share experiences and explore potential areas opportunities for further technical cooperation and capability development.

Separately, SHENA representatives met with Chief Executive Officer of Singapore’s National Environment Agency Geraldine Low during a gathering of the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy. The engagement focused on strengthening regional regulatory cooperation and facilitating the exchange of views on nuclear and radiation safety, security and emergency preparedness.

Brunei Darussalam’s participation in the 70th IAEA General Conference underscores the country’s continued commitment to strengthening international and regional cooperation in nuclear science and technology. Through its active participation and engagements, Brunei Darussalam remains committed in enhancing its national technical, regulatory and institutional capabilities to support the peaceful, safe and secure application of nuclear technology for national development.

The conference brought together IAEA member states to deliberate on key priorities and developments in nuclear science and technology, including nuclear safety, security and safeguards, as well as the peaceful applications of nuclear technology in areas such as human health, food security, environmental protection, energy planning and radioactive waste management.

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN

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