Opening Ceremony of 24th RCA Meeting of National Representatives and 30th

Anniversary Celebration

1. Opening Declaration

The 24th RCA Meeting of National Representatives was held at the Palace Hotel in Seoul and at Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute in Daejon, Korea from 25 to 29 March 2002. Dr. Chung-Won Cho, Director General, Atomic Energy Bureau, Ministry of Science and Technology, Korea, declared the meeting open.

The Opening Ceremony was attended by all 17 Member States except Myanmar and the Philippines.

2. Welcoming Remarks

H.E. Dr. Young-Bok Chae, Minister of Science and Technology, Korea, welcomed the delegates to the 24th RCA National Representatives Meeting and expressed his sincere gratitude to the Director General of IAEA and Deputy Director General TC for their support. He emphasized the importance of Member States cooperation to face new challenges for RCA. He noted that the establishment of the RCA Regional Office in Korea was timely, expecting that it could become the cornerstone for the future development of the RCA. He gave assurances of support and commitment from Korean Government to RCA. (Annex 2)

3. Congratulatory Remarks on behalf of the IAEA

A message from Mr. Mohamed ElBaradei, the Director General of IAEA was delivered by Mr. Qian Jihui, DDG-TC. In his congratulatory remarks, Mr. ElBaradei welcomed the delegates on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the RCA. He highlighted the progress that the RCA had made in promoting tangible socio-economic impacts in the region through the peaceful applications of nuclear technology.

He also detailed examples of the achievements of the RCA regional activities in food irradiation, industrial applications and human health, all of which had contributed to the success of RCA projects in the region. He congratulated Member States on the establishment of an RCA Regional Office in Korea and the holding of Scientific Forum to celebrate the 30th anniversary. He concluded his remarks with the assurance that close cooperation by the Agency with the RCA Member States would bring continued benefits to the entire region. (Annex 3)

24th RCA Meeting of National Representatives

4. Session I

The meeting was attended by 36 participants from the RCA Member States (MSs) including 17 National Representatives (Annex 1). The IAEA was represented by Mr. Qian Jihui, Deputy Director General, Department of Technical Cooperation (DDG-TC), Mr. M.N. Razley, Head, East Asia and the Pacific Section (TCAPS) and Mr. C.R. Aleta, RCA Coordinator, East Asia and the Pacific Section.

4.1 Statement of the Outgoing Chairperson

The outgoing Chairman, Prof. Dr. Naiyyum Choudhury of Bangladesh, welcomed the delegates to the meeting. He thanked the Republic of Korea for hosting this meeting and also thanked IAEA for its support. He opined that the RCA was a classic example of TCDC. He reviewed his past experience as the RCA Chairman and noted that the focus of the RCA was moving from capacity building to problem solving. He also observed that part of the RCA role should be to promote science and technology for peaceful means. He concluded by thanking all the Member States for their active cooperation.

4.2 Election of the Chairperson and Appointment of Rapporteurs

Dr. Chung-Won Cho, Director General, Atomic Energy Bureau, Ministry of Science and Technology, Korea was proposed to be the meeting Chairman by Pakistan. This was seconded by India and supported by all Member States. Dr. Cho was therefore duly elected Chairman.

Dr. Kun-Woo Cho, Head, Radiation Protection Department, Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety and Ms. Nara Yoon, Ministry of Gender Equality, were appointed rapporteurs.

4.3 Statement of the Incoming Chairperson

The incoming Chairman, Dr. Chung-Won Cho, conveyed his thanks and gratitude to the proposer, seconder and all the participants for their whole-hearted support. He thanked the outgoing Chairman Prof. Dr. Naiyyum Choudhury of Bangladesh for his leadership and excellent performance in running the affairs of the RCA during his tenure. He also thanked Mr. Qian for delivering the message from the IAEA. He sought the cooperation of the National Representatives in carrying out his Chairman responsibilities smoothly. Dr. Cho also urged Member States to work for common prosperity in a collaborative manner.

4.4 Adoption of Agenda

The Chairman noted that the provisional agenda had been prepared with the cooperation of the IAEA and the host country. The provisional agenda was adopted as prepared. (Annex 4)

4.5 Matters arising from the 30th RCA General Conference Meeting

Mr. Aleta, RCA Coordinator, introduced the agenda item on "Matters arising from the 30th RCA General Conference Meeting "(Annex 5) and mentioned that some items had already been dealt with and others would be covered during the course of the 24th RCA Meeting of National Representatives. These remaining items included: annual report under item 6.1; discussion on the Regional RCA Office under item 7.1; extension of the RCA Agreement under item 7.2; management of the RCA and role of research under items 7.3 and 7.4. On the follow-up item on the designation of a national focal person in radiation protection, Member States will be consulted at this meeting to confirm the names and/or designate the person.

4.6 Adoption of the 30th RCA GCM Report

The report was adopted as prepared.

4.7 IAEA TC Program

Mr. Qian Jihui, Deputy Director General, Department of Technical Cooperation, made a presentation under the title of "Maintaining Relevance and Viability in Maturity "(Annex 6). He highlighted successful projects and past RCA project experiences. He noted that great efforts had been made in enhancing Member States ownership of the programme through the establishment of Regional Resource Units (RRUs) and the Lead Country concept as well as the opening of the Regional Office.

He urged Member States to avoid duplicating past IAEA efforts and to try to find unique ways to add value in RCA projects. He stressed that the IAEA wanted to be a partner in the RCA activities, pursuing the Agencys goal of supporting development. He emphasized that the Agency would need to apply the "central criterion" to RCA project proposals. He suggested that there were many partners who could be in a position to help fund RCA projects such as World Bank, Asian Development Bank, UNDP, etc. He also suggested that the Regional Office could undertake tasks such as informing partners about the benefits of nuclear science and technology and its potential to assist in poverty reduction in the region. He also stressed that the RCA should actively disseminate information on the existing know-how it had available such as: petroleum tank leakage detection; radiation vulcanization; and, detection of leakage in dikes and dams. He concluded by emphasizing that TCDC should be leading to ECDC.

Australia expressed appreciation of the issues raised by Mr. Qian, especially the importance of poverty reduction in the context of development priorities. From Australian experience, it was also noted that the alignment of project goals of the Agency and the Member States was important. Australia cautioned that Member States might not identify regional priorities in the same way as they did their national ones. This could produce difficulties in assessing compliance with the "central criterion" as a basis for the Agencys assessment of the appropriateness of projects. Australia suggested that the Agency should consider some fine-tuning of the "central criterion " to apply to regional projects.

Thailand noted Mr. Qians emphasis on TCDC and ECDC and suggested that ECDC could be viewed as an impact arising from TCDC. They added that projects undertaken by the Agency had made identifiable social impacts and brought economic opportunities to the region.

China stressed the importance of both "ownership" and "partnership" in the RCA and the need to set TCDC as a priority in implementation of the project activities. This proposal was supported by some Member States.

4.8 TC Appraisal Process

During this presentation (Annex 7), Mr. Razley, SH-TCAPS, pointed out important issues related to TC Appraisal Process such as: resource allocation; "central criterion" ; and, demand driven programmes. He explained about the primary consideration for approval of project are quality of projects, the potential for projects to make impacts and meeting the "central criterion" . In conclusion, he stressed that the TC resources were limited and the competition for project funding was strong. The Agency had established criteria for approving projects and all Member States should ensure that RCA project proposals met these, especially the "central criterion" . Member States took note the Appraisal Process.

5. The RCA Scientific Forum:

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of RCA Establishment

The RCA Scientific Forum was held in the afternoon of Monday involving several speakers. Summary of this forum is found in Annex 8.

6. Session II

6.1 Presentation of draft 2001 RCA Annual Report

Mr. Aleta briefly presented the draft 2001 RCA Annual Report, which included RCA highlights (Part 1), individual progress of the projects (Part 2) and details of countries involvement (Part 3). The draft report would be expected to be finalized with the help of Korean Government before the RCA General Conference meeting in September in Vienna. Member States were requested to send inputs and comments to the Agency by the end of April 2002.

After his presentation, some suggestions were made concerning the need for guidelines on the definition of "highlights" . It was agreed that this would be further discussed under "Future Issues" , agenda item 10.1.

6.2 Major Activities in the RCA Programme in 2001

Mr. Aleta briefly introduced the agenda item on "Major Activities in the RCA Programme in 2001" (Annex 9). The major activities included the policy level meetings; consultative meeting with other regional organizations in March 2001; and, evaluation activity of training events under the joint UNDP/RCA/IAEA project. No comments were made.

6.3 RCA Programme for 2002

Mr. Aleta introduced the agenda item on "RCA Programme for 2002" (Annex 10), which covered the issues of projects and budget, the 31st RCA GC Meeting, the Tripartite AFRA/ARCAL/RCA Meeting, Lead Country(ies) Meeting, briefing of mission representatives of the RCA MSs and regional events. He proposed that the RCA General Conference Meeting would be held on the Wednesday morning and last half a day. The meeting discussed this extensively and there was a general feeling that it would not be possible to deal with all the matters in the allocated time. The meeting recognized that future General Conference Meetings would be scheduled for a half-day and held the view that the matters covered by the March National Representative Meeting should be more substantive to enable all the RCA matters to be adequately considered. He also informed Member States that, with their agreement, the RCA would propose topic of health sector during the Tripartite AFRA/ARCAL/RCA meeting. This was agreed.

After his presentation, some comments and discussions were made on the timing interval for project committee meetings and the availability of the meeting reports on the RCA Web site. There was discussion on the necessity for evaluation by outside experts or the Agencys project technical officer. The budgetary constraint on such measures was noted and Member States were advised to ensure that such evaluations were covered in the project budgets.

[ Mr. Qians explanation on evaluation]

6.4 East Asia Pacific Programme for 2002; 2003/2004

RCA Programme for 2003/2004

Mr. Razley presented on the "East Asia Pacific Programme for 2002; 2003/2004" (Annex 11). He stressed the importance of quality in the programme and outlined the East Asia programme. He commented on the challenges ahead for the RCA and suggested that there should be a focus on meeting the central criterion and guaranteeing the quality of project delivery.

Some comments and suggestions were made by the National Representatives on: the need for the RCA to carry out a range of projects from nuclear power to radiation applications; the reasons behind the demarcation between the RCA projects and non-RCA projects; the roles and functions of the Regional Office and the RCA Coordinators office.

Mr. Qian added that, from his experience, most important TC modality was national projects. Latin American countries had been suggesting that more attention should be paid to national projects since they contended that regional projects tended not to solve national problems directly. The effectiveness of national projects was related to the "central criterion" which was a measure of support by each government. Project selection should be based on a competitive basis, with those successful having greater effectiveness and better design. He noted that regional projects were more efficient in dealing with common problems in the region. (e.g. transboundary issues)

Mr. Aleta briefly introduced the "RCA Programme for 2003/2004" (Annex 12). He informed the meeting that, with the exception of proposals in the health sector, the other sectoral projects were not changed from the previous list distributed at the General Conference Meeting. It was reaffirmed that the allocation of the budget for the thematic sectors in the RCA programme would be that agreed at the Dhaka National Representative Meeting.

Lead Country Coordinator, Indonesia (Dr. Kunto Wiharto) made a presentation on project proposals for 2003/2004 in the health sector (Annex 13) and the previous package of proposals was withdrawn.

After some discussions on the proposed projects, the meeting endorsed the Indonesian project proposal for 2003/2004 to replace the list circulated by Mr. Aleta with the condition that further consultations should be made with cooperative partners such as Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, the Philippines and Singapore. A few Member States requested time to consult with their experts. All Member States were recommended to consult with their experts and send comments to Indonesia as well as the RCA Coordinator before 19 April 2002.

Japan proposed to extend the project on LDR/HDR (RAS/6/035) using Japan extrabudgetary contributions. The meeting accepted the proposal to include this project in the health care sector programme.

The Chairman noted that two proposals had been submitted by the Philippines recently. One was on the disposal of non-power radioactive waste and the other on proficiency testing of reference materials for certification of laboratories. He suggested that the Philippines and the Lead Country, Korea should discuss this further and report to the next RCA General Conference meeting in September in Vienna.

7. Session III

7.1 Regional RCA Office: progress; programme for inauguration; issues remaining

Mr. John Chung, Korea, introduced the agenda item (Annex 14). There was extensive discussion on the formulation of Interim Advisory Committee.

The meeting agreed that the representation on the Interim Advisory Committee for next two years would be Australia, Bangladesh, China, India, Korea and RCA Coordinator. The RCA Coordinator would not have any voting rights.

India suggested that "Establishment of RCA Regional Office" could be viewed as yet another step towards ownership of the RCA. The funding for this could be considered as extrabudgetary support or cost-free office. This approach might avoid any need for action on legal issues, immunity, etc. Australia mentioned that in the past there was a regional office established in Indonesia without having set up any legal arrangements. A similar approach was seen to be preferable.

Japan reminded the meeting that all Member States had the right to present their views to the Interim Advisory Committee.

7.2 Extension of the RCA Agreement: status

Mr. Aleta introduced the agenda item on "Extension of the RCA Agreement: status" (Annex 15). He informed that legally the agreement extension would take effect on 12 June 2002, although 6 Member States already consented to the extension of the agreement. He requested Member States that had not yet notified their acceptance to extend the Agreement to do so in the near future.

7.3 Management in RCA

7.4 Role of Research in RCA

Japan presented these two agenda items together and suggested an action plan for fine-tuning the RCA activities with regard to: the duties and responsibilities of the Lead Countries; the duties and responsibilities of the IAEA technical officers; projects and the sharing of valuable technical knowledge.

The meeting noted its appreciation of the efforts made by Japan and adopted the two papers (Annex 16 and Annex 17) with the comment of "assisting lead countries" had also the same level of duties as described in the documents.

It was also noted that, in the process of implementing elements in the two papers, Member States should play their roles during the IAEA Regular Budget process to ensure their interest and priority was taken into account.

7.5 Criteria for Hosting Regional Events outside the RCA

Mr. Aleta introduced the paper entitled "Revised Criteria for Holding RCA Events outside the RCA Region" (Annex 18) and stressed that the RCA events could only take place outside the RCA if they met the criteria. The meeting adopted the recommendations with the amendment that both new and old paragraphs of the first criterion should be retained and only the new paragraph for the second criteria should be kept. (Note: The revised version is in Annex 18a)

8. Session IV

8.1 Implementation issues (host agreements; local operating costs; others)

Mr. Aleta introduced the paper entitled "Implementation Issues" (Annex 19). The issues included local operating costs, communication issues, lead times and reporting requirements.

Some discussions were made on: priority of email as communication tool; local operating costs; ready access to contact information about all the national project coordinators as well as the national representative; lead times related to implementation of activities; and, strengthening of the long-term fellowships for young people. The meeting noted the document.

The meeting agreed that only email message received from National Representatives be recognized as official. Member States were reminded to duly complete [ ???? ] form for insurance coverage of participants. The age limit for participants was also discussed.

Mr. Aleta informed the meeting that the national project coordinator information would be placed on the RCA Homepage.

8.2 Regional Resource Units (RRUs) developments

Mr. Aleta introduced the paper entitled "Developments on Regional Resource Units (RRUs)" (Annex 20) and Mr. Anand presented the paper entitled "Study on RRUs" (Annex 21). Member States were requested to update the information on the RRUs.

Some comments were made on the issue of utilization of RRUs in relation to project evaluation. There were suggestions concerning the review of RRUs by the project committee on an annual basis and project committee should include project evaluation as a standing agenda. The meeting noted the two papers and Member States were requested to send feedback to the RCA Coordinator by the end of April 2002.

8.3 Lead Countries developments

Mr. Aleta introduced the paper entitled "Lead Country" (Annex 22) containing a list of projects with and without Lead Country Coordinators. Member States were asked to confirm the accuracy of information on Lead Country Coordinators and to designate Lead Countries on new projects.

Some comments were made on the procedures leading up to the designation of Lead Country status. Concerning the Lead Country for the health sector; Japan emphasized its intention to support the health sector projects with sufficient human resources and expressed willingness to cooperate with Indonesia, the current lead country. Australia offered its continuing support as assisting Lead Country. It was announced that Indonesia would continue to be Lead Country for the health sector for 2003-04. Japan offered to be an assisting Lead Country for thematic health sector. Japan also offered to be the Lead Country for the health sector when the formulation of the 2005-06 programme commenced.

There was a proposal that the industry and environment sector should be split into two separate industry and environment sectors with separate Lead Countries. This was agreed.

India would continue to be the Lead Country for this industry and environment sector for 2001-02. New Zealand, Pakistan and Philippines offered to be the Lead Country for the environment sector from 2003.

Thailand commented that activity entitled "Construction and Maintenance of Web site on Radiation Sterilization in Tissue Banking" was to be removed from the Table [ ???? ], because the intention of the RRU in Thailand was to host the Web site under the interregional project on the subject.

Japan announced that it would withdraw as Lead Country for NDT and India offered to be the Lead Country. The meeting agreed that the NDT Project Committee Meeting should decide this.

It was noted that the UNDP/RCA/IAEA project (RAS/8/076) would continue until the end of this year. It was designed to last 5 years and UNDP had only funded the first 3 years. No further funds were expected from the UNDP. It was also suggested that extension of the project could be continued for 2003-04 with a new project title and be assigned to appropriate sector.

The meeting noted the paper and Member States were requested to send information and comments to the RCA Coordinator.

8.4 Outsourcing developments

Mr. Aleta introduced the paper entitled "Outsourcing" (Annex 23). The Agency was keen to do outsourcing, especially for events that would take place from June to the end of this year. A questionnaire was circulated to be filled-up by those interested countries and to be returned to the Agency for evaluation.

The Chairman noted that outsourcing could be an efficient way implementation option. Suggestions were made to consider the possibility of also outsourcing to the RCA Regional Office. Spin-off benefits could be achieved from outsourcing. "In-kind contributions" from Member States hosting of events would not be affected.

The meeting noted the paper and Member States were requested to send their responses to the RCA Coordinator as soon as possible, especially for those who will be hosting events beginning in June 2002.

8.5 Report on Participatory Evaluation of RCA Training Events

Mr. Aleta introduced the paper entitled "Self-Evaluation" (Annex 24) and Mr. Awais, Pakistan introduced the paper entitled "Report on Participatory Evaluation of RCA Training Events" (Annex 25).

Member States voiced their appreciation of the efforts made by Mr. Awais and the evaluation done by 9 participating countries. The need to focus on practical training and to enhance the performance of training was noted in the conclusions and recommendations. It was also noted that this was the first formal evaluation of training events by Member States and it was a learning process, therefore more progress was expected in future. There was a request that Australia, Japan and New Zealand should be involved in the evaluation process because of their presence as resource personnel in training events.

The Chairman expressed the hope that the comments and suggestions would be reflected in the next evaluation process. The meeting noted the paper and encouraged all Member States to undertake self-evaluation based on the experience of this report.

8.6 Adoption of Information Flow Chart (From Recommendations of the Electronic Networking and Outreach (ENO) Counterparts Meeting)

Malaysia presented the paper entitled "Information Flow" (Annex 26) and emphasized that it was the key to a coordinated approach to the website and information flow and was currently a very important element in pursuing regional cooperation.

Member States noted with appreciation the effort made by Malaysia. The meeting encouraged Member States to adapt the flow chart to fit in their own country coordination. The flow chart might be further reviewed in the light of establishment of the RCA Regional Office. It was suggested that during the forthcoming Lead Country meeting to be held in Vienna, this issue could be further discussed.

[ Procedural idea should be added. ]

9. Session V

9.1 Regional Cooperation

Under this item, cooperation with FNCA and with other regional organizations was discussed.

Dr. Machi on behalf of the FNCA presented the paper entitled "[ ????????? ]" (Annex 27) and highlighted that nuclear technology and applications developed by FNCA should be disseminated to RCA Member States to the extent possible. He anticipated that the FNCA would have synergy effect and be complimentary to other regional cooperation bodies, especially RCA. He also noted that FNCA was representing the field of nuclear science and technology in Japan and was expected to cooperate with other regional cooperation mechanisms.

The meeting appreciated the FNCAs efforts to be complimentary with the RCA and also the readiness of Japanese government that Japanese government expected the FNCA to make an intellectual contribution to the RCA, expecting to have a synergetic relation between the two mechanisms. In response to the concern expressed by India that, in the process of cooperation, RCA priorities should not be diluted or lost, Dr. Machi assured that there would not be any duplication and the FNCA would share its expertise with the RCA in areas such as 99mTc generator, cervic cancer, etc.

Regarding the Tripartite AFRA/ARCAL/RCA meeting, the progress of the technologies agreed to be transferred among the regional agreements would be presented and the exchange of information on the thematic area would be on success stories in the health sector.

On the follow up on action items on the consultative meeting held with other regional organizations, Mr. Aleta presented the requests made by other organizations such as IMO, UNICEF. On the UN ESCAP, it was noted that the ESCAP submitted a paper on a regional action plan mentioning the ongoing projects of the RCA, e.g. air pollution, etc, so that Member States were requested to submit more information.

Dr. Easey also detailed initiatives made by Australia and Malaysia to have nuclear science and technology as part of the agenda of APECs industrial science and technology programme. Dr. Easy said he would be contacting individual National Representatives with a view to making a further approach at an appropriate APEC meeting.

The meeting noted the progress that had been made and reconfirmed that more cooperation with other regional organizations was appropriate.

10. Session VI

10.1 Future Issues for RCA

Under this item, the following future issues were raised. The RCA Regional Office, with the advice of Interim Advisory Committee, would start the study on these issues and report to next RCA Meeting of National Representatives;

i) evaluation using electronical means;

ii) ownership & partnership,

iii) radiation protection project; model project, legal issue and RCA activities, importance of water resources, isotope & hydrology,

iv) Paper by Prof. Djaloeis, Indonesia, (Annex 28 )

v) ways and means for scientific exchange among Member States, Japan proposal on CRP, importance of research,

vi) Philippines: research component vs modality, Lead Country duties of projects output distribution,

vii) Johanesburgh meeting: RCA contribution in the preparatory meeting, Indonesia; registration of RCA, marketing opportunity, harmonization; food irradiation, etc.

The Australian proposal for a project on improving regional capabilities for assessment, planning and response to environmental and radiological emergencies was reviewed. It had been discussed and supported at the RCA PRM for radiation protection held in Dhaka in February 2002. The meeting expressed its support for the proposal.

Japan suggested that the next RCA Meeting of National Representative should consider how the RCA might respond to the new priorities on nuclear terrorism and related issues that had arisen since the events of September 11.

10.2 25th Meeting of RCA National Representatives

The National Representative of Pakistan, Mr. Awais proposed to host the next RCA National Representatives Meeting in Pakistan and also its willingness to celebrate the 25th National Representative Meeting, possibly in March 2003. The meeting welcomed the proposal made by Pakistan. The National Representative of Sri Lanka, Mr. Jayasinghe offered Sri Lanka to be the alternate host country.

11. Opening of the RCA Regional Office

Opening Ceremony of the RCA Regional Office was held on 27 March 2002 at Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Daejeon, Korea.

Progress report on the establishment of the RCA Regional Office was made by the interim regional representative of the Office, Mr. Jin-Kyung Kim and congratulatory remarks on behalf of the host government was given by Dr. Hee-Yol Yu, Vice-Minister of Science and Technology, Korea. Mr. Qian Jihui, Deputy Director General TC, IAEA on behalf of the IAEA and Prof. Dr. Choudhury on behalf of RCA Member States also addressed the congratulatory remarks.

12. Wrap-up and Closing Session

12.1 Review of Meeting Report

The draft meeting report was presented and discussed at length. It was adopted subject to the incorporation of the various agreed amendments.

12.2 Closing

Member States expressed their thanks to the organizers of the meeting and especially to the fine organization and arrangements made by the Chairman and his staff.

Mr. Razley on behalf of the IAEA expressed thanks to the government of the Republic of Korea and to the meeting organizers. He noted that he had been pleased that the meeting had dealt most effectively with the many issues in front of it and made significant progress.

Annex 8. The RCA Scientific Forum: Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of RCA Establishment

In his opening remarks, Dr. Chung-Won Cho expressed the hope that the speakers would give guidance on the further development of the RCA to tackle the new challenges that will be faced in the future.

Mr. Qian Jihui emphasized the progress that RCA Member States had made since the regional agreement started. He noted that the RCAs efforts with nuclear technology for peaceful uses were being made to meet the challenges the region was facing. He also mentioned that the alleviation of poverty through sustainable development was a concern of the international community, including IAEA. He suggested that, in the future, the RCA should find ways to give added value to past experiences. In concluding his remarks, he said he was certain of the optimistic prospects for future cooperation among the RCA Member States.

5.1 The Legend of the RCA by Mr. A.K. Anand

Mr. Anand presented a history of the RCA technical cooperation programme over the past 30 years, dividing it into three stages. The experience and achievements from implementing the RCA activities had been well-recognized by the Agency. During the first 25 years of the RCA, about 275 meetings were organized and about 65 projects undertaken. There were no research reactors related projects until 1996.

He presented statistics showing the increase in the RCA activities. He gave examples in the different areas: Agriculture, Health, Industry, Environment, Energy/Research Reactor/Waste Management, Radiation Protection and General TCDC. He cited examples of projects using nuclear applications in agriculture in China and India where population is huge and their dependency on agriculture is high. The impact of UMMBs in Asian countries was analyzed. (Annex 29).

5.2 Serving for Human Needs by Prof. Naiyyum Choudhury

Prof. Choudhury made a presentation entitled "Nuclear Technology for Clean Drinking Water" . He said that the supply of fresh water could not meet the needs of growing population especially in developing countries. The situation in Bangladesh was alarming. To make things worse, the presence of arsenic in drinking water posed even greater threats to health. To meet such threats, isotope techniques had been successfully used for groundwater assessment, monitoring of water flow, and evaluation of the contamination of water resources.

He informed the meeting that Bangladesh was initiating water projects with the help of World Bank and IAEA. He noted the importance of fresh water placed by the Rio Conference on Environment and Development, which had put emphasis on the protection of the quality and the supply of clean water. Before concluding his presentation, he highlighted the importance of clean water supply in connection with sustainable development and poverty reduction. (Annex 30)

5.3 New Challenges with Nuclear Techniques by Dr. Sueo Machi

Dr. Machi detailed examples of radiation technology being used in environmental protection and in nuclear applications in agriculture with reference to projects in Japan, Malaysia and Viet Nam. He also discussed radiation therapy techniques. In conclusion, he emphasized that new nuclear technologies would contribute to sustainable development. (Annex 31)

5.4 For a better Partnership by Dr. John Easey

Dr. Easey proposed that a strategic approach was needed to handle major issues in the future for RCA. Since funding resources were expected to be limited, finding the most effective means to achieve the RCA programme goals was needed. He suggested that a paradigm shift was necessary to change the image from the IAEAs RCA to Member States RCA. Funding options for the RCA programme were presented. He proposed that carefully focused awareness campaigns on the RCA could be a means to expand the RCAs activities. He concluded that RCAs future lay in the strength of the Regional Cooperation. (Annex 32)

5.5. Wrap-up: Toward a Viable Economic Development by Prof. Byong-Whi Lee

Prof. Lee noted that, based on his experience from the evaluation of IAEA/RCA/UNDP, the issues to improve the benefits from radioisotope and radiation applications for viable economic development are project design, project management and project operation. He also stressed that future strategies for improving these benefits should focus on giving assistance to small and medium size industries in improving their productivity and product quality, giving priority to tackle environmental problems and addressing the need to upgrade transport infrastructure of the region. (Annex 33)

After presentation, the following comments were made;

Dr. Easey mentioned that both the Member States and the Agency had a responsibility to improve the RCA programme and gave examples of problems observed in the training area. He also suggested that the region needed more experience in the management of projects.

Dr. Machi urged those involved in the use of application of nuclear energy or nuclear power to communicate more with others and do it more effectively. He criticized the Agency for not providing a high level of information on the advantages of nuclear energy.

Mr. Razley admitted that the Agency was poorly communicating about the benefits of nuclear energy. He related the Agencys experience with CNN and BBC as examples of communicating with the media.

On the paper of Prof. Lee, Mr. Aleta, RCA Coordinator commented that the Agency had gradually been improving the project design through the application of model project criteria.

Prof. Choudhury recalled that there has been a change in the policies of the Agency regarding project design, project management monitoring and evaluation. A manual had been developed for TC project Planning and Design in collaboration with US Argonne Laboratory and it included the use of a logical framework matrix. He agreed that all projects had to fulfill the project criteria in order to be approved. He noted that training policy has also changed recently and that the selection of trainees was more rigorous than in the past.

Prof. Lee commented that a current major challenge was how to harness new nuclear technology for sustainable development. He said he was worried that the UNDP funding was not available now. He agreed that projects should be mission oriented and suggested that the Agency should seek additional funding and also assist in the sustainable supply of qualified manpower. He said it was most important for RCA activities to be sustainable.

Dr. Easey mentioned that funding from donors had essentially plateaued and that the staffing level in international agencies was also static. The RCA had valuable skills, skilled manpower and active regional and national networks to be able to go out and exploit this deficit and through this earn money which could be used to fund other RCA projects or priorities.