By: Melvin Flomo
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VIENNA, Austria — September 14, 2026: Liberia has called for greater and more equitable access to peaceful nuclear science and technology, particularly for developing countries seeking to address critical challenges in healthcare, agriculture, environmental protection and radiation safety.
Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung Sr., delivering Liberia’s National Statement on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. at the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear science.
Vice President Koung stressed that access to peaceful nuclear technology should not be determined by a country’s geographical location or economic status.
“We believe that access to peaceful nuclear technology must not be determined by geography or by national income. Its benefits must reach people in countries with the greatest needs,” Koung said.
Cancer Treatment a Major Priority
A major focus of Liberia’s statement was the country’s growing cancer burden.
According to Vice President Koung, Liberia recorded approximately 4,217 new cancer cases and 2,745 cancer-related deaths in 2024, underscoring the urgent need to expand access to cancer diagnosis and treatment.
He disclosed that the Government is mobilizing at least US$22 million to construct, equip and sustainably operate Liberia’s first comprehensive cancer diagnosis and treatment center.
Koung also appealed for continued international support through the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, which seeks to expand access to cancer care in countries with limited resources.
“The IAEA’s Rays of Hope must reach countries where cancer patients have the least access to diagnosis and treatment,” he emphasized.
Liberia Drafts New Nuclear Law
The Vice President further disclosed that Liberia has drafted a new nuclear law aimed at strengthening the country’s regulatory framework for radiation protection, regulatory oversight and the security of radioactive materials.
The proposed legislation is expected to provide stronger safeguards as Liberia expands its peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology.
Agriculture and Environmental Protection
Beyond healthcare, Vice President Koung highlighted the role of nuclear science in improving Liberia’s agricultural and environmental sectors.
He pointed to IAEA-supported initiatives in environmental monitoring and agriculture, including the Atoms4Food mission, which is supporting Liberia’s plans for crop improvement, livestock development, nutrition and agricultural value chains.
Koung said such initiatives demonstrate the potential of scientific cooperation to address food security and improve the livelihoods of Liberians.
Call for Greater International Support
Liberia also called for predictable financing for the IAEA Technical Cooperation Fund, alongside equitable access to specialized training, modern equipment and scientific knowledge for developing countries.
The Vice President said Liberia remains prepared to strengthen cooperation with the IAEA and international partners to ensure that nuclear science is used to address pressing national development needs.
“We stand ready to work with the IAEA and all partners to translate scientific cooperation into cancer treatment, resilient agriculture, safer communities, the peaceful use of nuclear science, and renewed hope for our people.”
Liberia’s participation in the 70th IAEA General Conference forms part of the Government’s broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships in support of national development priorities, particularly in healthcare, food security, environmental protection and scientific capacity building.
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