. @VCDNP webinar on the IAEA continuing operations in a pandemic and providing vital assistance to its Member States (MS) to combat Covid-19 with IAEA DG @rafaelmgrossi UK Ambassador @DaveHallFCO and Philippines Ambassador Maria Natividad @PHLinAustria (1/12)

. @rafaelmgrossi stopping IAEA's work during the pandemic was never on the cards lest we wanted to increase the fragility of the world.

The IAEA maintained a presence in nuclear safety, security, and safeguards and mounted the largest assistance operation in the history of the Agency in a disrupted world market with severe transport limitations..

Responding to 123 MS requests for assistance the IAEA made 416 shipments of COVID-19 response packages including nuclear-derived techniques for rapid diagnostics - (RT-PCR), PPE as well as testing equipment

This is the first time the IAEA is at center of a global health crisis. No longer known only as a nuclear watchdog but now seen and valued for its role in developing and providing life-saving nuclear technology and support...

IAEA is a lean and mean institution with more than 60 years of scientific experience working closely with a unique network of 260 veterinary laboratories to diagnose zoonotic diseases like COVID-19 and ebola to manage and prevent pandemics...
https://www.iaea.org/services/networks/vetlab

Newley launched ZODIAC initiative will build on these experiences and networks to ensure global preparedness for future pandemics like COVID-19

The impact of COVID on the global economy will threaten the budgets of all international organizations. DG raised 27 million USD from a number of MS for the first wave of support but much more is needed to meet the dire global needs for tests and equipment to stop COVID-19.

. @PHLinAustria Pandemic an eye-opener for what the IAEA stands for and its critical role in keeping the world safe, secure, and taking care of its MS. IAEA responded immediately to assistance request providing COVID assistance package incl gold standard in testing..

The IAEA is best placed to lead the charge on preventing future pandemics. It is imperative to develop the capacity of all countries to fight the pandemic. We are only as strong as our weakest link...

. @DaveHallFCO UK is a big contributor across all IAEA’s programs as IAEA makes the world safer and more secure. The IAEA has proven its ability to respond to crises and providing essential technology to combat the pandemic....

Credit to the leadership of DG Grossi and commitment of IAEA staff that the IAEA continued safeguards during the pandemic.