Mr. Chairman,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The following countries align themselves with this statement: Turkey§, the Republic of North Macedonia*, Montenegro^*, Serbia^*, Albania^*, Bosnia and Herzegovina^*, Iceland+, Liechtenstein+, Norway+, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Georgia and San Marino.

As we celebrate the International Women’s Day this week, the European Union calls for further international efforts to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women. They are a top priority for the EU.

We welcome the Director General’s commitments in this regard and encourage the IAEA to further increase the representation of women in management positions and other professional categories, and to systematically mainstream gender aspects into the Agency's programmes and projects.

In this regard, the European Union is proud to be the largest donor to the IAEA’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme. We very much hope that it will contribute to the emergence of a new generation of female professionals and leaders in nuclear sciences, technologies and non-proliferation around the world. With our support, selected students receive a scholarship for Master’s programmes in nuclear related studies as well as an opportunity to pursue an internship with IAEA’s help. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

§ Candidate Country

* Candidate Countries the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania as well as potential Candidate Country Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

+ Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein are members of the EFTA and of the European Economic Area.