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.