Shan Zhongde, director of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA), speaks during the 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria, Sept. 15, 2025. The conference opened here Monday, focusing on the peaceful use of nuclear energy and technology and the urgent need to protect the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. (Xinhua/He Canling)

VIENNA, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- The 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) opened Monday in Vienna, focusing on the peaceful use of nuclear energy and technology and the urgent need to protect the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.

In a message delivered by Ghada Waly, director-general of the United Nations (UN) Office at Vienna, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the IAEA plays a vital role in ensuring nuclear science and technology are used solely for peaceful purposes. "Together, we can ensure that these tools advance development and safeguard humanity," the message said, urging continued efforts to eliminate the threat of nuclear proliferation.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi told the conference it is convening at a pivotal moment, citing terrorism, armed conflicts and the erosion of nuclear norms amid widening global inequality. He said he had informed the UN Security Council that the global nuclear non-proliferation regime is under significant strain and requires protection.

More than 2,500 participants, including representatives of IAEA member states, international organizations and non-governmental organizations, are attending the meeting, which runs through Sept. 19.

Delegates will review the agency's 2024 Annual Report and 2026 budget and discuss issues ranging from nuclear science and applications to safety, security and safeguards in Ukraine, the Middle East and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. ■

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi delivers a speech during the 69th General Conference of the IAEA in Vienna, Austria, Sept. 15, 2025. The conference opened here Monday, focusing on the peaceful use of nuclear energy and technology and the urgent need to protect the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. (Xinhua/He Canling)

Ghada Waly, director-general of the United Nations (UN) Office at Vienna, reads a message from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria, Sept. 15, 2025. The conference opened here Monday, focusing on the peaceful use of nuclear energy and technology and the urgent need to protect the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. (Xinhua/He Canling)

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi (front, L) visits an exhibition showcasing the development of China's nuclear energy in Vienna, Austria, Sept. 15, 2025. The 69th General Conference of the IAEA opened here Monday, focusing on the peaceful use of nuclear energy and technology and the urgent need to protect the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. (Xinhua/He Canling)

The 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is held in Vienna, Austria, Sept. 15, 2025. The conference opened here Monday, focusing on the peaceful use of nuclear energy and technology and the urgent need to protect the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. (Xinhua/He Canling)