On 23-26 May 2023, the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Safety and Security Agency of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan (CBRN Safety and Security Agency of the NAST) jointly with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) hosted a meeting of National Liaison Officers to enhance the IAEA's technical cooperation programmes in Dushanbe.

Representatives of more than 30 Member States from Europe and Central Asia participated in the meeting, and more than 35 IAEA Member States joined the meeting online. 

Dr. Ilhom Mirsaidzoda - Director of the CBRN Safety and Security Agency of the NAST, pointed out that specialists from uranium waste remediation, nuclear and radiation safety and the health sector are meeting to discuss how to equip cancer research centers with modern cancer prevention equipment, along with issues related to protecting glaciers and using radionuclide and radiation technology to determine the age of the glaciers as well as international, regional and national health programmes.

 "The Annual Meeting of National Officers is dedicated to improving and advancing IAEA technical cooperation projects and is an important platform for cooperation and exchange of ideas for member countries with experience in implementing IAEA technical cooperation programmes," remarked the director of the CBRN Safety and Security Agency of the NAST.

It was underlined that this meeting will allow representatives of member states in Europe and Central Asia to assess the effectiveness and impact of current projects, to explore innovative solutions to problems encountered, as well as technical cooperation on important issues for the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology.

Through interactive sessions, workshops and forums, participants exchanged ideas and discussed the IAEA's technical cooperation programmes as well as their relevance to the Sustainable Development Goals.

The results of the meeting will be useful in forming future strategies, policies and initiatives that will contribute to the peaceful and sustainable development of member states, including Europe and Central Asia, through the application of nuclear science and technologies.