The General Conference (GC) is one of the two policy-making organs of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), with specific responsibilities under the IAEA Statute and its own unique Rules of Procedure. The GC can be fast-paced and involve intensive negotiations on resolutions and decisions. The GC is also an opportunity for Member States to “check the pulse” on issues affecting the IAEA’s work.
The GC can be a challenging experience for diplomats that have not previously worked in nuclear affairs or who have not been to one of its annual meetings before. In the latest brief of the VCDNP’s “Governing the Atom” series, Senior Research Associate Noah Mayhew describes the functions of the GC and how it is structured, the basics of the resolutions and decisions that it takes, what metrics for success Member States apply, and what other activities take place at the GC.
The “Governing the Atom” brief series presents easily digestible and factual information to experts and government representatives on critical nuclear governance issues and aids States in their decision-making on critical issues related to working with international organisations and regimes, including the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the IAEA, the Comprehensive Nuclear‑Test‑Ban Treaty Organization, as well as on arms control and disarmament, nuclear export controls, nuclear security, and other relevant topics.
