“Morocco proposes to launch a deep reflection on the future of this process of international conferences on nuclear security. We believe that there is no fatigue in nuclear security which remains a central theme that we, as Member States, should continue to prioritize to meet the emerging challenges and expectations linked to the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes,” he said, in an intervention on behalf of Morocco, on the occasion of the ‘International Conference on Nuclear Security: Shaping the Future’ (ICONS 2024), taking place from May 20 to 24 in Vienna.

Speaking at the conclave, organized on the initiative of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the diplomat noted that identifying clear objectives and priorities for international conferences on nuclear security “will serve the visibility of this significant multilateral process in perspective of the upcoming International Conference on Nuclear Security to be held in 2028.”

In the same vein, Farhane stressed that it is time to consider organizing a high-level segment on nuclear security under the leadership of IAEA during the work of the UN General Assembly, as an inclusive framework to garner  the unwavering support of Heads of State and Government for the IAEA's action to strengthen its international nuclear security regime.

With regard to Morocco's contribution to strengthening nuclear security, the diplomat reiterated the Kingdom's attachment, under the high guidance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, to the principles of South-South cooperation and African solidarity, as well as its commitment to pursuing its actions in favor of strong multilateral cooperation to promote peace and security.

During the last decade, he said, Morocco’s contributions to international efforts to strengthen the international nuclear security regime was rich in its content, diversified in its methodology and multifaceted in its dynamics. This contribution emanates from its constant commitment to disarmament and non-proliferation and its deep conviction of the role of multilateral action in this area.

At the regional level, Morocco, in recent years, has been, according to the IAEA records, one of the leading countries in Africa providing training, workshop, education, and sharing technical expertise with all African Member States, added Farhane, at the conference, which is being held for the fourth time after the 2013, 2016 and 2020 editions. 

Morocco, he added, reaffirms the principle according to which the primary responsibility for nuclear security rests entirely with the States, in accordance with their national obligations and international commitments.

In his view, the ICONS 2024 presents a valuable chance to assess the progress made during the last decade, identify the needs of States to establish relevant targets and priorities within the IAEA and lay solid foundations to Shape the Future of Nuclear Security.

According to the organizers, representatives from more than 130 countries are taking part in ICONS 2024, which covers several topics ranging from nuclear safety regulation to nuclear safety capacity building.