Fiji assumed the chairmanship of the Regional Cooperative Agreement (RCA) for the Asia Pacific at the opening of the 47th Meeting of National Representatives of the Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology for Asia and the Pacific in Nadi, this morning.
The Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Waterways, Dr. Andrew Tukana and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA’s) Director for Technical Cooperation Asia and the Pacific Division, (TCAP) Mr Deng Ge officially opened the 4-day meeting. In his opening remarks, Dr Tukana said the benefits of the RCA to Fiji are tangible, lasting, and deeply appreciated, stating that beyond technical assistance, the RCA represents a shared commitment to peaceful progress through science.
“I can attest that Fiji’s increased engagements in the last three years with 21 other Member States of the RCA has broadened and strengthened relations and improved capabilities. Fiji’s agriculture sector currently has the most RCA projects implemented in the country and possibly the highest number of staff have been trained under this program. I am delighted to also share that for the first time Fiji has also submitted a project proposal which has been approved and will be implemented to address issues faced by our farmers cultivating vegetative propagated crops,” Dr Tukana said.
He highlighted that Fiji’s collaboration with the RCA through the IAEA has produced benefits such as: (1) Strengthening agriculture and food security, (2) Combating climate change and protecting the environment, (3) Advancing human health and medical services, (4) Building human capital, (5) Creating a platform of regional solidarity and building new networks.
He welcomed Fiji’s chairmanship of the RCA for the period 2025-2026 and reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to working collaboratively in achieving sustainable development goals, health, prosperity, and peace for all, through RCA framework.
IAEA Director-TCAP Mr Deng Ge extended his sincere thanks to the Government of Fiji, for their warm hospitality and the excellent arrangements made for this important gathering.
“As Fiji now assumes the Chairmanship, I am confident that under its leadership, the RCA will continue to thrive and expand its impact across the region. The IAEA is proud to have supported the RCA through our technical cooperation programmes. As you know, technical cooperation remains central to the Agency’s mission of driving social and economic progress across Member States.
“Looking ahead, a key priority must be the strengthening of sustainable financing and a programmatic approach to maximize the benefits of Technical Cooperation programmes on nuclear science and technology. Continued investment and the forging of strategic partnerships will be essential to broadening the reach and amplifying the impact of our initiatives across the region,” Mr Deng Ge said.
The outgoing RCA Chair, National Representative to RCA of China, Department of International Cooperation, China Atomic Energy Authority, Ms Lili Xiao said, that “through RCA framework, the Asia Pacific region has witnessed extensive applications and remarkable achievements of atomic energy in areas such as agricultural productivity enhancements, human health improvement, environmental protection and industry applications. These achievements continue to improve the quality of life for the people in the region and inject new momentum into sustainable development”.
She highlighted the initiative facilitating the use of nuclear technology to develop new crop varieties that are high yielding and disease resistant and in health care nuclear medicine technologies has enabled early diagnosis and treatment of numerous diseases bringing rays of hope to countless patients across the Asia Pacific.
RCA’s new chairman, Dr Shalendra Prasad highlighted 3 key priorities that includes (1) Strengthening inclusivity and engagement among all Member States, (2) Enhancing the visibility and impact of RCA projects by improving outreach, reporting, and alignment with global development frameworks, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), (3) Deepening collaboration with the IAEA and other regional and international partners to maximize the value of our collective efforts.
The RCA comprises 22 Government Parties (GPs) who are Member States of the IAEA in the Asia-Pacific region. These countries include Australia, New Zealand Fiji, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Palau, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.