Nuclear Energy and the Role of IAEA Safeguards: A Perspective from Brazil and Argentina

We are witnessing the renaissance of nuclear energy as a suitableoption to sustain socio-economic growth for future generations in achanging world where international security and peace are challengedby old and new realities. The nuclear weapons race is anincreasing and frightening reality. Discussions and research are takingplace to consider the actual use of such weapons. The nonproliferationand disarmament model of the 1950s is perceived asobsolete or insufficient by important actors. The NuclearNonproliferation Treaty (NPT) is put at serious strain and risk.Sustainable high safety has steadily become more important for publicacceptance of nuclear energy and the validity of the frameworkfor international technical cooperation on nuclear energy applicationshas been challenged. We need to urgently and convincinglyrespond to these realities to preserve peaceful nuclear energy developmentand applications. Undoubtedly, the IAEA is the mostimportant collective forum to ensure the safe and peaceful expansionof nuclear energy for the benefit of mankind. The times we facedemand the highest moral attitude from those decision-makersresponsible for the definition of this new safe environment.