From September 15 to 19, 2025, Vienna hosted the 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the most important event on the global nuclear agenda. Over five days, representatives from more than 150 countries gathered to discuss strategic guidelines for the peaceful, safe, and sustainable use of nuclear energy, with a focus on the global energy transition.
A global forum shaping the future of nuclear governance
The Argentine nuclear industry was represented by a high-level delegation including the National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (ARN), the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and leading companies such as Nucleoeléctrica Argentina S.A., INVAP, Dioxitek, and CONUAR. Their unified presence reaffirmed Argentina’s role as a Latin American nuclear leader and a reliable partner in international nuclear cooperation.
Strategic topics and Argentina’s role in nuclear diplomacy
The IAEA General Conference is the premier forum for shaping the direction of global nuclear governance. In its 69th edition, key topics included:
- International nuclear safety
- Human resources training for highly specialized nuclear professionals
- Nuclear innovation in health, water, and environmental applications
- The role of nuclear energy in the energy transition
Argentina was recognized for its contribution to global technological solutions. Notable highlights:
- The signing of a new National Country Programme Framework (CPF) with the IAEA
- Renewal of the COBEN bilateral mechanism with Brazil, enhancing regional integration
- The designation of CNEA as an ICERR (International Centre based on Research Reactors), elevating Latin America’s global scientific role
Global contributions led by Argentina
The Argentine delegation showcased impactful progress across IAEA-supported global initiatives:
- NUTEC Plastics: applying nuclear technology to advanced plastics recycling
- Rays of Hope: positioning Argentina as the first Latin American Anchor Centre for expanding cancer treatment access
- Lise Meitner Programme: developing future nuclear leaders
- ARCAL projects: supporting regional cooperation in health, water, and food security
These contributions reaffirm Argentina’s role in nuclear innovation and cooperation, and highlight the region’s potential to lead impactful scientific, industrial, and technological projects.
CONUAR’s industrial and technological leadership
Within this framework, CONUAR’s participation held strategic importance. With over 40 years of experience, the company is a recognized leader in:
- Manufacturing nuclear fuel elements
- Producing seamless tubes in advanced alloys
- Delivering critical components for nuclear facilities through specialized engineering
CONUAR is also advancing the adoption of metal additive manufacturing technologies (SLM and DED), enabling the production of next-generation components for use in the nuclear, aerospace, oil & gas, and hydrogen sectors.
Its presence in Vienna reinforced its commitment to nuclear innovation, international partnerships, and industrial excellence.
Looking ahead: international partnerships and innovation
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi highlighted that Argentina’s participation “demonstrates the confidence placed in our country as a strategic partner and reaffirms its role in the global nuclear renaissance.”
For CONUAR, taking part in this international event was both an honor and a responsibility: to project Argentina’s industrial and technological potential to the world and contribute real-world solutions to today’s global challenges.
The 69th IAEA General Conference confirmed that nuclear innovation and cooperation are essential to building a secure, sustainable, and inclusive energy future. From Vienna, CONUAR renews its commitment to shaping that future alongside global partners.
