International+Atomic+Energy+Agency

2010 ST. BONAVENTURE UNIVERSITY =MODEL UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE =

** International Atomic Energy Agency **

Hi delegates, I’m Mike Terry and I will be your Chair for this conference. I’m a sophomore political science major here at Bona’s and this is my second year in Model UN. I love sports and am an avid Sabres, Yankees and Bills fan. I’m looking forward to seeing what you all will do in March!

**__Preventing the Spread of Nuclear Weapons/Materials__** The containment of nuclear weapons is of the utmost priority at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). It is the mission of the IAEA to ensure that nuclear weapons do not fall into the hands of terrorists and rogue nations. There has been great concern shown in the international community over the conduct of Iran and North Korea. The IAEA focuses on assisting members to prevent, detect, and respond to terrorist or other malicious acts, such as illegal possession, use, transfer, and trafficking of nuclear weapons/materials and to protect nuclear installations and transport against sabotage. It is unacceptable for such dangerous weapons to be used maliciously. The IAEA works closely with Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) such as the World Nuclear Association and the International Nuclear Societies Council to achieve these goals. With nuclear weapons and materials, security is a must. Nuclear security addresses three areas: needs assessment and information sharing with other international bodies; prevention of “malicious acts” through cooperation and physical protection of nuclear materials; and the detection of and response to nuclear theft and trafficking attempts. In regards to trafficking attempts, the IAEA set up the ITDB, the Illicit Trafficking Database in 1995. As of 2008, there were 100 participating nations that share information of movement and illegal trade of nuclear and radioactive materials. The IAEA has set up a system that includes advisory international standards, codes, and guides; binding international conventions; international peer reviews to evaluate national operations, capabilities, and infrastructures; and an international system of emergency preparedness and response. In your research, you may want to consider the following: Is your nation involved with the ITDB? What precautions does your nation have in place to prevent this illicit trade? What groups other than the IAEA and those listed are involved with nuclear trafficking? How can we, as a body, address the three areas of nuclear security?

__Some helpful links:__ [] [] [] [|http://www.un.org/sc/1540/pdf/ChairStatementMoscowMar2010(1).pdf]

**__Promoting Non-Proliferation__** The IAEA is the agency the United Nations charges with inspection and verification of nuclear weapons. All 190 member states that have signed on to the Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) must pledge to further the goals of nuclear security. Under the NPT, the IAEA fulfills specific roles such as the international safeguards inspectorate and as a multilateral channel for transferring peaceful applications of nuclear technology. Article III of the NPT says that each state has made a commitment “with a view to preventing diversion of nuclear energy from peaceful uses to nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices." The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1996 and bans all nuclear explosions, regardless as to whether they are done by military personnel or civilians. While a number of nations have signed on to the CTBT, not all have ratified. Other steps have been taken towards nuclear non-proliferation including Security Council resolutions 1887 (2009), 1747 (2006), and 1540 (2004).  In a globalizing and increasingly militaristic world, nuclear proliferation is a grave problem. In certain volatile regions, one attack can lead to a nuclear holocaust. As nations build their nuclear arsenals, the possibility of detonation, either accidentally or intentionally, is heightened. In your research, you may want to consider the following: Has your nation signed and ratified the CTBT? How can we assure that the NPT and CTBT are enforced? What areas are proliferating, and how does this affect your nation? What are some ways in which we can promote global non-proliferation?

__Some helpful links:__ [] [] [] []

**__Promoting Peaceful Uses of Science and Technology__** The IAEA is a global authority on the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology. The three focal points of the IAEA’s area of expertise are technological cooperation, research and development, and energy and electricity. The work contributes to fighting poverty, sickness, and pollution of the earth's environment, and to other Millennium Development Goals such as environmental sustainability. Almost 400 million US dollars have already been contributed to the UN’s goal of sustainable development. Nuclear power can provide a safe and efficient alternative to other sources of electricity when used properly. According to the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), it also has provided somewhere between 14,000 and 15,000 new jobs over past few years. Other than its safety, efficiency and ability to create new jobs, it can also be provided at a low cost which is beneficial to all, including nations in the developing world. These developing nations will also gain from the created jobs—jobs not just of those that work in the nuclear plant, but also those that would be needed to build the plant. The IAEA has a number of ongoing projects in fields including nuclear medicine imaging, food irradiation, diagnostic radiology, and health effects of contaminants. Nuclear technology is no longer limited to weapons, and as such, the need for its peaceful use is of the utmost importance. In your research, you may want to consider the following: What types of nuclear technologies are used in your nation? How can we, as a body, make sure nuclear technology is used for peaceful purposes? What types of projects are ongoing in your region? What are some additional risks and benefits associated with nuclear technology?

__Some helpful links:__ [] [] [] []