On February 24, 2026, representatives from Georgia and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) formalized an extension of the Country Programme Framework (CPF) for an additional three years, now covering the period from 2020 to 2028. The agreement was signed by Nino Utiashvili, Head of the Agency of Nuclear and Radiation Safety (ANRS) under the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, and Hua Liu, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation.
The CPF serves as a strategic reference for medium-term planning of technical cooperation between Georgia and the IAEA. It identifies priority areas where nuclear technology transfer and technical resources will align with national development goals. Since becoming an IAEA member in 1996, Georgia has prioritized its development in nuclear safety, health, and environmental management.
Key Focus Areas of the Extended Framework
The 2020-2028 CPF highlights five critical areas of focus for Georgia:
1. **Ensuring nuclear and radiation safety and security:** This area aims to enhance the country’s regulatory framework and safety protocols concerning nuclear energy and radiation use.
2. **Increasing early detection and treatment of oncological diseases:** The initiative targets the improvement of healthcare systems to better address cancer and mitigate risk factors associated with nutrition-related non-communicable diseases.
3. **Ensuring food safety and improving agricultural practices:** This focus area seeks to strengthen food control systems and enhance overall agricultural practices to ensure safe food production.
4. **Improving water resources management:** This involves developing strategies for better management of water resources and environmental radiation monitoring.
5. **Assessing the potential for renewable energy:** The framework includes evaluating Georgia’s capacity to utilize renewable energy sources effectively.
The extension of the CPF demonstrates Georgia’s commitment to advancing its national development objectives through enhanced cooperation with the IAEA, particularly in the fields of health, safety, and environmental management.
The collaboration is expected to provide Georgia with the necessary expertise and resources to address its pressing challenges, particularly in the areas of health care and environmental sustainability. The ongoing partnership between Georgia and the IAEA signals a long-term commitment to leveraging nuclear technology for the benefit of its citizens and the environment.
