Fiji Leads the Charge: Regional Nuclear Science Summit Set to Shape the Future

Fiji will take center stage in promoting nuclear science and technology in the Asia-Pacific region by hosting the 47th Meeting of National Representatives of the Regional Cooperative Agreement (RCA) for four days from May 20 in Nadi. This top-level meeting will assemble more than 50 representatives from 22 member nations to debate regional priorities, enhance cooperation, and identify new avenues for increasing the application of nuclear science in key areas like agriculture, health, and environment management.

 

The RCA operates under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and includes member states like Australia, New Zealand, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, and Fiji itself. The meeting will be jointly coordinated by Fiji’s Ministry of Agriculture & Waterways and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reflecting the country’s growing commitment to scientific innovation and regional development.

 

Dr. Andrew Tukana, Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Waterways, and Deng Ge, Director for Technical Cooperation in the IAEA's Asia-Pacific Division, will preside over the inaugural session. Topics of discussion during the meeting will include the challenges member states are currently experiencing and how they can utilize nuclear technology for sustainable development.

 

This gathering underscores Fiji’s leadership in fostering regional cooperation in nuclear research and training, aiming to boost food security, improve healthcare outcomes, and promote environmental sustainability across the Asia-Pacific. The event also highlights the importance of science diplomacy in building stronger ties among nations for shared progress.

 

Since Fiji is hosting this important gathering, it solidifies its status as a center of scientific excellence and a leader in setting the direction for the future of nuclear science application in the Pacific.

 

Source: FBC News, Fiji Village, Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs