Medium Term StrategyThe purpose of this document is to set out the Agency's goals and objectives for the period 2006-2011,
the actions required to achieve those objectives and how the Agency expects to be perceived at the end
of the given timeframe. Unlike its predecessor, the Medium Term Strategy (MTS) for 2001-2005, this
iteration covers a six-year period, i.e. three complete programme and budget cycles.International Atomic Energy AgencyIAEA8371325b-f884-4981-a351-d3803ffe36bb52f67e55-4516-4d70-a898-b25cb8362045c8204537-d546-448a-8729-b2cf21c4934fSustainable DevelopmentAn enhanced contribution of nuclear technologies to sustainable development goals
of Member States5f503610-f68c-4029-b5c8-a6664c4ce501AChallenges:
In a changing world it is important that the Agency remain an authoritative independent source of
quality information, knowledge, capacity building and expertise in support of peaceful uses of atomic
energy. The effective transfer of nuclear technologies and knowledge for sustainable development can
be achieved only through the assessment of available applications of nuclear science and technology,
the improvement of existing nuclear technologies with the expansion of their scope and applicability,
and the effective introduction of innovations. Further efforts will also be required for the development
of innovative nuclear technologies and for the development of new safety, security and verification
approaches for those technologies to achieve efficiently improved safety, non-proliferation, economic,
environmental and security characteristics. In light of growing global energy demands, the full range
of Member State interests and concerns regarding nuclear power needs to be addressed, and
innovation needs to be fostered in nuclear science, technology and applications. The Agency must
catalyse and expand international research and development collaboration and expand partnerships.Current TechnologiesAchieve more effective use of current nuclear technologiesbb901d73-32ca-41fe-96e5-c5992d036491A.1Actions:
(i) With respect to nuclear power, research reactors and the fuel cycle, assist Member States on
human and technical infrastructures, management skills, plant life optimization, exchange of
operational experience, decommissioning technologies, spent fuel and waste management,
civil plutonium management, including use of MOX fuel, and high enriched uranium
management.
(ii) Assess and compare the economic, environmental and other characteristics of nuclear power
with those of alternative energy options and provide the necessary data, tools and capacity
building in order to help Member States to meet their energy development goals and to
elaborate sustainable energy strategies.
(iii) Contribute to international forums on sustainable energy development and greenhouse gas
emission reductions.
(iv) Evaluate radiation and isotope technologies and compare them with other technologies with a
view to their application in different sectors.
(v) Assist Member States in the applications of nuclear science, and radiation and isotope
technologies, with due regard to safety, security and non-proliferation and thereby contribute,
wherever possible, to the achievement of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals
and the Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, in the
context of international development cooperation, concentrating on:
⢠food and agriculture: particularly support to sustainable intensification and
diversification of crop and livestock production, improving food safety and quality
and access to markets, increasing the efficiency of water use in agricultural practices,
combating desertification and land degradation and breeding better crops and livestock
and protecting them from pests and diseases;
⢠human health: particularly support for nuclear techniques in nutrition and disease
prevention, advancing nuclear medicine and diagnostic imaging, building capacities
for radiation oncology and cancer treatment and promoting quality assurance and
metrology in radiation medicine;
⢠water resources: particularly understanding of the water cycle and its changes and
fluctuations, assistance in stopping the unsustainable exploitation of groundwater, and
further integration of isotope techniques into water resources assessment, development
and management;
⢠environment: particularly the application of novel nuclear and isotopic techniques for
better understanding of key oceanic process and dynamics, oceanâclimate coupling
and change, biological effects and cycling, pollutant diagnostics and solutions for
coastal marine environments, the development of terrestrial radioecology and
ecotoxicology;
⢠industry: particularly support for the use of radiation technology for industrial
applications and a cleaner environment.
(vi) Assist in expanding capabilities in nuclear science, concentrating on atomic, molecular and
nuclear data for innovative nuclear energy systems, strengthening basic science for
technological development, and support work on fusion technology, ITER, accelerator systems
and spallation, and neutron beam research.
(vii) Develop further quality assurance and quality management guidance for nuclear and radiation
technologies.08ecb98c-ac20-48f4-994e-d1f65b8d5af6Science, Technology, and InnovationAdvance nuclear science and technology and catalyse innovation490754e8-54fe-4355-8a77-20c501739b90A.2Actions:
(i) Expand partnerships and information exchange and facilitate collaborative research and
development for beneficial uses of nuclear energy â including evolutionary and innovative
technological developments for improved competitiveness, safety, proliferation resistance and
waste reduction â particularly for developing countries in the areas of small and medium size
reactors and non-electricity applications such as desalination, heat production and hydrogen
production.
(ii) Assist Member States in advancing innovative nuclear energy systems (INS) by identifying
and assisting future infrastructure development, improving methodology for holistic
assessment (including safety, economics, proliferation resistance, waste management,
environment, sustainable development and public acceptance), identifying future technologies
with break-through potential, developing methods to assess the implications of safety
requirements on INS costs and encourage continuous improvement, applying these methods in
energy planning and analysing the future role of nuclear energy at global, regional and national
levels.
(iii) Facilitate collaboration among interested Member States in the joint development of
evolutionary and innovative nuclear energy systems.
(iv) Assist in identifying promising R&D areas to expand and improve existing applications of
current nuclear technologies and facilitate development of innovative new applications.
(v) Develop options for the management of spent fuel.
(vi) Assess new and modified applications of radiation and isotope technologies.
(vii) Assist Member States in developing strategies and management options for effective
utilization of research reactors.
(viii) Collect and disseminate information in cutting-edge areas of nuclear science through the use of
new information technologies as well as information on alternative technologies.110e1661-1454-4c2f-b404-e6954027b10dExperience, Expertise, Knowledge and CapacitySustain and build up the experience, expertise, knowledge base and capacity needed to support existing and expanded use of nuclear power and applications7c753ed3-69d6-498a-b477-fae30a0d78a3A.3Actions:
(i) Provide an integrated approach to nuclear knowledge management, particularly for expanding
nuclear expertise in Member States and efficiently tracking and preserving the increasing
volume of nuclear scientific information and knowledge, with INIS and the Agency Library as
principal knowledge resources.
(ii) Support the collection and maintenance of data information and experience on nuclear power,
nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear sciences and nuclear applications.
(iii) Improve Member State capacity to perform their own analyses regarding electricity and energy
system development, energy investment planning and energyâenvironment policy formulation
and their economic implications.ed91dda4-c523-49c1-b557-1217d218c115Nuclear Safety and SecurityComprehensive and effective international frameworks for promoting nuclear safety
and security7da55b1a-e1d7-490b-8079-c3bf4dd97468BChallenges:
Safety and security considerations have significant impacts on the full utilization and further
expansion of the peaceful uses of nuclear technologies and the international transport of nuclear and
radioactive materials. A nuclear safety culture must be strengthened and a nuclear security culture
fostered. The outstanding safety record achieved in the past several years in the nuclear power industry
needs to be maintained in a sustainable manner with no room for complacency. Minimizing the
likelihood of nuclear and radiological accidents that could endanger life, property and the
environment, and could increase public concern on nuclear safety continues to be essential to the
expanded use of nuclear technology in the future. All aspects of the protection of people and the
environment against the effects of ionizing radiation under conditions of increasing power and nonpower
applications and the related amounts of radioactive waste and spent fuel generated worldwide
also require attention. Potential malicious acts, and terrorist threats need urgent and effective
responses. The need to achieve a comprehensive and effective international framework for
strengthening nuclear security, and to exploit the potential for synergy between aspects of nuclear
security and aspects of nuclear safety, remain a matter of high priority.Safety and SecurityContinue to strengthen international nuclear safety and security instrumentse7fd44ef-6eca-48f2-9eaa-063833a762f6B.1Actions:
(i) Continue to promote broad adherence to and implementation by States of existing international
safety and security related instruments and undertakings, including relevant international
instruments on civil liability for damage, with the Agency carrying out its assigned functions,
particularly the facilitation of peer review processes in the context of nuclear safety.
(ii) Promote and co-ordinate the regular review of existing international safety and security related
instruments in terms of updating their scope and improving their effectiveness.
(iii) Continue to develop new international safety and security related instruments as needed.c4094166-529c-4332-9e03-ebb253471829Safety StandardsAchieve global acceptance of international safety standardsc9743c2b-2ed4-447a-ac37-858f912e03f9B.2Actions:
(i) Update safety standards and develop new standards, as needed in all areas of nuclear
installations, radiation, transport and waste safety.
(ii) Promote global acceptance and application of IAEA safety standards and seek feedback for
their continuous improvement through:
⢠providing guidance for the safety assessment of nuclear power plants for long term
operation;
⢠supporting the review of the design, construction and operation of research reactors
and fuel cycle facilities against the IAEA safety standards;
⢠contributing to the development and application of safety criteria for innovative and
evolutionary reactor designs;
⢠supporting the application of international nuclear transport regulations and provision
of transport safety appraisals;
⢠working in cooperation with other international organizations and professional bodies
to prepare guidelines and provide for the application of Agency safety standards
relevant to the radiation exposure of people in medical practices;
⢠developing a coherent approach for the management of radioactive waste, in
accordance with the appropriate safety standards, the safe life cycle management and
decommissioning of nuclear installations, including research reactors, and the
protection of the public and the environment from the impact of ionizing radiation due
to radionuclides, either discharged or present in the environment, including naturally
occurring radioactive material;
⢠promoting the global harmonization and optimization of occupational radiation
protection standards.
(iii) Extend safety related assistance to address Member State needs. Coordinate with other
organizations, where appropriate, and promote national self-assessments and support
sustainable safety infrastructures by:
⢠supporting development of appropriate national legislation;
⢠supporting the upgrading of safety related regulatory infrastructures, in particular to
address the problems related to the safety of some research reactors and control over
radioactive sources;
⢠delivering an integrated âpackageâ of existing safety review services and appraisals
and planning new ones, including those for research reactors, fuel cycle facilities and
emergency preparedness and response activities;
⢠providing material for education and training in nuclear, radiation, transport and waste
safety and training the trainers for its effective utilization.
(iv) Assist in strengthening national and international mechanisms for nuclear and radiological
emergency preparedness and response including training and field response.
(v) Assist in managing existing nuclear safety knowledge and promote the creation of new
knowledge by pooling, analysing, classifying and developing sustainable networks for sharing
nuclear safety knowledge.
(vi) Increase the outreach and transparency of safety related activities.3f2a0c8f-b327-4dda-b0f6-a29f32fe815eNuclear SecurityEstablish and achieve global acceptance of an agreed international framework for
nuclear security and support its application45027a58-f614-47c4-bcec-4daf172dc9e8B.3Actions:
(i) Develop an effective international framework to ensure sustainability of nuclear security
systems.
(ii) Advise and assist in the establishment of national infrastructures in all States with specific
requirements for security for nuclear and other radioactive materials in nuclear as well as nonnuclear
use, storage and transport.
(iii) Develop a comprehensive set of recommendations and guidelines for the international
community, for the prevention, detection and response to acts of nuclear terrorism or other
malicious acts, along with an appropriate review process.
(iv) Devote increased efforts to develop effective techniques, methodologies and services to assist
Member States in combating illicit trafficking in nuclear and radioactive materials and
sensitive equipment, including establishing and sustaining the necessary information systems.
(v) Provide support, as requested, to address Member State nuclear security needs, also in
coordination and cooperation with Member States having bilateral support programmes and
with other organizations, as appropriate, through:
⢠developing appropriate legislation and regulations;
⢠upgrading security related infrastructures, for nuclear and other radioactive material in
use, storage and transport, and the associated facilities;
⢠promoting and providing education and training in the prevention, detection and
response to malicious acts involving nuclear and other radioactive materials and their
associated facilities;
⢠developing modular nuclear security services, in response to specific requests for
security related missions and follow-up.
(vi) Continue to cooperate and enhance cooperation with other international and non-governmental
organizations to improve coordination of nuclear security activities at the national, regional
and international levels and to facilitate exchange of information related to nuclear security
issues.
(vii) Increase the outreach of nuclear security information to Member States and the general public
with due consideration to confidentiality.45309682-4e4f-48b1-b44a-86fd4bdba955Nuclear EnergyAssurances to the international community of the peaceful use of nuclear energy62b7b5e9-7260-43a1-8311-d085e9f0d35cCChallenges:
The Agency needs to be equipped to provide credible assurances regarding the peaceful use of nuclear
energy to the international community. This entails, inter alia: promoting the entry into force of
outstanding comprehensive safeguards agreements, and of additional protocols for all States; the
further development of an effective, efficient and non-discriminatory approach to safeguards, which
includes the implementation of integrated safeguards where appropriate; enhancing the capabilities of
State Systems of Accounting for and Control of Nuclear Material (SSACs) and other relevant
infrastructures and their cooperation with the Agency; further enhancing the capability of the Agency
to detect indications of clandestine nuclear programmes; and identifying and obtaining timely access,
for the Secretariat, to further sources of safeguards relevant information. Additionally, the Agency
needs to be able to count on the availability of appropriate techniques and technology, including
reliable and secure network, telecommunications and database services available at all times for
effective and efficient verification activities in order to make the best use of the human and technical
resources available to the Agency. Safeguards approaches will need continually to be kept under
review and, as appropriate, improved or modified to take account of new challenges, technological
developments and the ongoing need for effectiveness and cost efficiency. The Agency must also be
ready to contribute, as appropriate, in conformity with the relevant provisions of its Statute, and
subject to further consideration by the Board of Governors, to the verification of nuclear arms control
and reduction agreements, including nuclear disarmament.SafeguardsProvide credible assurances to the international community that States are honouring
their safeguards obligations782c367f-3532-44b7-b7c1-a384e8ca149eC.1Actions:
(i) Seek to overcome constraints on the Agencyâs ability to draw timely, soundly-based
safeguards conclusions by such means as:
⢠the timely acquisition and processing of reports and declarations required by
safeguards agreements and additional protocols and other safeguards relevant
information;
⢠obtaining access as necessary to nuclear facilities and other safeguards relevant
locations to carry out the required verification activities;
⢠obtaining satisfactory and timely responses to questions regarding the correctness and
completeness of State declarations;
⢠the timely implementation of safeguards strengthening measures;
⢠addressing any additional, technical limitations that come to light over time.
(ii) Continue activities to encourage the conclusion of safeguards agreements and additional
protocols.
(iii) Continue further to develop and implement an effective, efficient and non-discriminatory
approach to safeguards implementation taking account of State-specific factors including the
implementation of integrated safeguards where appropriate.
(iv) Monitor and address observed deficiencies or vulnerabilities in safeguards approaches,
equipment and technology and acquire new or improved equipment/technology where
appropriate.
(v) Develop and/or use new concepts, approaches, techniques and technology for information
analysis and verification activities, especially with regard to enhanced ability to detect
undeclared nuclear material and activities.
(vi) Help States to develop and improve their SSACs and other relevant infrastructure as important
prerequisites for effective safeguards implementation.
(vii) Seek to strengthen co-operation between the Agency and SSACs as opportunities to do so
arise.
(viii) Obtain, through appropriate mechanisms and channels, pertinent information on international
nuclear activities and trade relevant to safeguards implementation.
(ix) Seek continually to improve safeguards working methods, including through the application of
a Quality Management System.80b08399-b43c-4e1f-9e61-b1da390e1ce7Arms Control and ReductionContribute as appropriate to effective verification of nuclear arms control and reduction
agreements, including nuclear disarmament10f4bd92-92ee-48d3-b6c1-8442c7559b05C.2Actions:
(i) Respond, as appropriate in conformity with the Statute, to any request by States to verify
weapons-origin and other fissile material released from nuclear weapons programmes and
remain ready to use the technical and legal framework developed under the Trilateral Initiative
in the negotiation of relevant bilateral or multilateral agreements.
(ii) Provide advice and assistance, as requested, on other pertinent verification tasks.b28a381e-fe17-42f1-a7ee-180ed745eaccCooperative InteractionEnhancement of cooperative interaction with partners and the public to achieve the
Agencyâs goals512beade-5b66-4cb2-9fb0-29d10743edd9DChallenges:
Development planning would benefit from the inclusion of nuclear solutions with demonstrated
competitiveness as components of larger projects. Many constituencies in Member States do not
capitalize on the results of Agency work because of insufficient knowledge, awareness and a limited
capacity for marketing services and products. All these areas need to be addressed and more effective
methods for international cooperation applied.Cooperation and CapacityIncrease cooperation among Member States and capacity to address national, regional
and international prioritiese8f98c4d-7a58-43ff-a236-bdb9b76d8357D.1Actions:
(i) Encourage, where appropriate, the emergence of regional resource centres and the use of
regional expertise, goods and services to deliver Agency programmes.
(ii) Apply more effective methods for technical cooperation that strengthen the capacity of
Member States using nuclear technology to increase technical and financial self-reliance,
wherever possible.
(iii) Promote and support cooperation and technical exchanges among Member States including
through SouthâSouth and NorthâSouth cooperation, regional agreements and other
collaborative mechanisms that sustain the benefits derived.
(iv) Facilitate ties among national nuclear research institutes and other relevant institutions in
Member States, particularly national development authorities.ec59d29e-5c5a-4b9a-8ced-bc2496a136cfRelationshipsEnhance the impact of the Agencyâs work through strengthened relationships with
Member States, development and funding organizations, scientific and technical
institutions and the private sector6cb3452c-29bf-4227-ad32-84cb796f0787D.2Actions:
(i) Increase efforts to develop new partnerships, for example with private industry and other nontraditional
partners, while respecting the inter-governmental and non-commercial character of
the Agency.
(ii) Strengthen cooperation focused on the developing countries, including least developed
countries, where nuclear science and technology can play a significant role.
(iii) Actively seek partnerships with multilateral and bilateral donors in those fields where nuclear
technology can help optimize the investment of other donors and facilitate coordinated
delivery of support in those fields to Member States.
(iv) Maintain and develop stronger ties with scientific and technical institutions and, wherever
possible, promote the sustainability and self-sufficiency of nuclear scientific and technical
institutions.
(v) Establish strategic partnerships in order to maximize the role and responsibilities of national
institutions to develop and apply nuclear technologies for sustainable social and economic
development.
(vi) Develop strategic alliances with international development organizations and other
stakeholders using the competitiveness of nuclear technologies as leverage.
(vii) Engage with relevant partners and stakeholders, including major donors.Member StatesDevelopment OrganizationsFunding OrganizationsScientific InstitutionsTechnical InstitutionsPrivate Sector45dc6c43-2ba7-4df1-84b1-e720cdfcbb95Awareness and RecognitionIncrease support for the Agencyâs work through awareness of its activities and
recognition of its contributions89285bc5-06d0-4f03-82fe-0f63af8abd6aD.3Actions:
(i) Explain complex, technical subjects clearly to the general public and media.
(ii) Expand outreach and promotional activities with governments, non-governmental
organizations, media and the general public, particularly through the use of Internet
connections.
(iii) Seek continually to improve the quality and timely availability of information on the
Agencyâs work and the results achieved in the peaceful uses of nuclear technologies, safety,
security and verification.
(iv) Promote communications with the public through all Agency programmes.51ed0aeb-c86c-41cb-8f9a-ef771af71aa7Responsiveness and QualityEnhancement of Agency responsiveness and quality management2fec76e1-40c6-465b-bdaf-dd0195face33EChallenges:
It is important to establish consistent and effective communication of the needs of Member State to the
Secretariat and translation by the Secretariat of these needs into effective regular and technical
cooperation programmes that will produce tangible outcomes. It is also vital for the Agency to secure
adequate and predictable resources to fund commitments to both promotional and other statutory
activities. Additionally, for quality performance to be sustained, a quality management culture needs
to be created and sustained within the Secretariat along with the implementation of a quality
management system. This needs to include knowledge management as an important component.Relevance and ImpactImprove the relevance and impact of the Agencyâs programmes through maximum
responsiveness to the needs, interests and priorities of Member Statesf0ed5279-17f0-4f61-a464-8836c4d14827E.1Actions:
(i) Identify Member State priority needs and interests through improved dialogue, consultation,
use of recommendations and advice provided by Agency Advisory Groups and use of Country
Programme Frameworks, Thematic Planning and a wider range of information sources.
(ii) Integrate major programme planning and priority setting processes to bring greater synergy
between the technical cooperation and regular programmes.
(iii) Maximize the benefits from the application of results based management, already introduced,
through the improvement of processes and methodologies for programme formulation,
including the application of the Central Criterion for the technical cooperation programme,
performance assessment and evaluation, and the introduction of modern management practices
and self-evaluation methodologies.
(iv) Coordinate closely all activities, particularly activities in the technical cooperation programme
and the regular programme and all cross-cutting areas, to ensure efficient and effective
delivery of programmes.
(v) Make optimal use of information technology to support programme planning and delivery, and
increase access to nuclear information.
(vi) Ensure an appropriate balance between promotional and other statutory activities of the
Agency.70cc71c0-261f-48fe-b033-4002e6afa9beProgramme Delivery and AssessmentContinue to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of programme delivery and
assessmentc8a33384-962a-453e-b92a-db6c1fc4c811E.2Actions:
(i) Seek adequate and predictable funding for all Agency activities.
(ii) Seek to achieve effective management of financial resources by:
⢠introducing further cost consciousness and cost control measures including costâ
benefit studies to reinforce programme priorities;
⢠addressing in the most appropriate way the social security deficit (post-retirement
health insurance);
⢠adopting a new methodology for funding capital requirements, through
development of an Agency capital spending plan and the creation of a reserve
capital fund.
(iii) Develop resource mobilization strategies and dedicate efforts to fund footnote components of
the technical cooperation programme.
(iv) Align human resources policy and practices more closely with new and emerging programme
needs.
(v) Seek continually to capture and build upon the specialized knowledge of staff members to
ensure maximum value-added from Agency activities.1cb36c57-ab4a-457e-a38a-0b6f6413771eQuality ManagementEstablish a Quality Management System throughout the Agency3fa0597e-7046-4a7b-aad0-1ad06e5dcacbE.3Actions:
(i) Adopt appropriate quality management standards for application throughout the Agency along
with policy, objectives and necessary procedures and work instructions.
(ii) Train staff in quality management practices and procedures with the aim of creating a quality
management culture throughout the Agency.
(iii) Apply continual process improvement methodology to all work processes.
(iv) Monitor the effectiveness of and continually improve the Quality Management System.52a8bb50-0ab4-41ae-9279-374e5f9e23492006-01-012011-12-312011-04-11http://www.iaea.org/About/mts2006_2011.pdfOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net