Fiji has officially taken over the chairmanship of the Regional Cooperative Agreement (RCA) for Research, Development, and Training in Nuclear Science and Technology for Asia and the Pacific, coinciding with the commencement of the 47th Meeting of National RCA Representatives held in Nadi. This significant event, which spans four days, brings together representatives from 22 RCA member nations, under the guidance of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The meeting is jointly organized by Fiji’s Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Waterways, Dr. Andrew Tukana, along with Mr. Deng Ge, the IAEA Director for Technical Cooperation in Asia and the Pacific, officiated the opening ceremony.
In his address, Dr. Tukana emphasized Fiji’s increasing involvement with the RCA over the past three years and highlighted the remarkable benefits derived from technical cooperation initiatives, particularly in the agricultural sector. He noted that Fiji recently secured approval for a groundbreaking project aimed at addressing the challenges faced by farmers who cultivate vegetatively propagated crops.
The collaborative efforts of the RCA have led to several key outcomes, including strengthening agriculture and food security, addressing climate change, improving human health, developing human capital, and fostering regional solidarity and professional networks. Dr. Tukana reaffirmed Fiji’s dedication to sustainable development and prosperity in the region, demonstrating the leadership it intends to exercise throughout its term as Chair.
IAEA’s Mr. Deng Ge praised Fiji’s leadership and expressed confidence in the RCA’s capability to amplify its impact under Fiji’s guidance. He highlighted the need for ongoing investment and strategic partnerships to maximize the benefits of the program.
Outgoing RCA Chair, Ms. Lili Xiao from China, commended the program’s accomplishments in enhancing agriculture, healthcare, and environmental management through nuclear technology. She shared success stories such as the development of high-yield crop varieties and advancements in medical diagnostics.
As the incoming RCA Chairman, Dr. Shalendra Prasad outlined three core objectives for his tenure: promoting inclusivity among member states, enhancing visibility and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and strengthening partnerships with the IAEA and other entities to optimize project impacts.
The RCA’s composition includes 22 IAEA member states from across the Asia-Pacific region, including notable nations like Australia, China, India, Japan, and Vietnam. Fiji’s role as Chair not only reinforces its growing influence within regional cooperation frameworks but also highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing common challenges.
This meeting serves as a promising opportunity for regional cooperation, emphasizing the importance of nuclear science in advancing various developmental sectors, and delivering a hopeful outlook for collaborative initiatives that can lead to significant advancements throughout the region.
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