RCA News 2026.09.23

RCA Side Event Held during the 70th IAEA General Conference

  The RCA Side Event, entitled "RCA: Advancing Positive Change through Nuclear Science and Technology in Asia and the Pacific," was held on the occasion of the 70th IAEA General Conference on 16 September 2026 in Vienna, Austria. Chaired by the RCA Committee of Chairs, the event brought together more than 70 participants, including National RCA Representatives and delegates from the Government Parties, as well as representatives of the IAEA, RCARO and partner organisations.   Aimed at highlighting the RCA's contribution to advancing the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology across the Asia-Pacific region, the event featured a presentation on the major achievements of the RCA Programme, drawing on evidence-based findings from the social and economic impact assessment of the Programme conducted by the IAEA. This was followed by interventions from participating Government Parties and relevant stakeholders, who shared their perspectives on the value of the RCA and expressed their continued commitment to the RCA.   In his remarks, Mr Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, recognised the RCA as a highly active regional cooperation framework that contributes to positive change through nuclear science and technology and reaffirmed the Agency's continued support for RCA activities.

RCA News 2026.09.23

The Cook Islands Becomes a New Government Party to the RCA

  Following the approval of the 55th RCA General Conference Meeting, held on 11 September 2026 in Vienna, Austria, the Cook Islands formally deposited it instrument of acceptance of the 2017 RCA Agreement during the Treaty Event held on the margins of the 70th IAEA General Conference.   With this, the Cook Islands has become a new member of the RCA, bringing the total number of the RCA Government Parties to 23 across the Asia-Pacific region. Its participation marks a further expansion of regional cooperation in the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology. At the same time, the Cook Islands is expected to benefit from greater access to advanced nuclear technologies, expertise and knowledge, contributing to the strengthening of its national capacities.   The RCA Government Parties warmly welcome the Cook Islands and look forward to its active participation in and contribution to a wide range of activities under the RCA framework.

RCA News 2026.09.18

The 55th RCA General Conference Meeting (GCM) held on 11 September 2026 at the IAEA Headquarters

The 55th RCA General Conference Meeting was held on 11 September 2026 at the IAEA Headquarters in Vienna, Austria. Representatives from 19 RCA Government Parties, the IAEA and RCARO, as well as observers from Pacific island countries, participated in the Meeting. With the participation of Mr Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, the Meeting officially launched the RCA Social and Economic Impact Assessment Report on Hydrology and Groundwater Projects. The Meeting reviewed the implementation of the 2026–2027 RCA Programme, project development for the 2028–2029 cycle and discussed the development of the future RCA Programme Framework, resource mobilisation, arrangements for the RCA Side Event, and RCARO activities. The 49th RCA National Representatives Meeting will be held in Indonesia in 2027.

RCA News 2026.09.11

The 43rd Meeting of the RCARO SAC was held on 10 September 2026 at the IAEA Headquarters in Vienna,Austria

  The 43rd Meeting of the RCARO Standing Advisory Committee (SAC) took place on 10 September 2026 at the IAEA Headquarters in Vienna, Austria. Representatives from India, Fiji, the Republic of Korea, the IAEA and RCARO attended the Meeting.   The Meeting reviewed key issues relating to RCARO's outreach activities to increase awareness of the RCA, progress in the preparation of an introductory workshop for new National RCA Representatives and its Managed Project, and so on.   The outcomes of the Meeting will be reported to the 55th RCA General Conference Meeting for their consideration.