Since the end of World War II, development of the peaceful applications of nuclear technology has been possible only because of broad international agreement that this development must take place within the context of clearly defined conditions. Through its unique system of international safeguards, the IAEA facilitates worldwide peaceful nuclear cooperation by providing critical assurance that nuclear materials and technology are not being misused for non-peaceful purposes. Safeguards and peaceful nuclear cooperation truly go hand in hand. The breadth of peaceful nuclear cooperation under IAEA auspices is particularly noteworthy. The agency is currently engaged in nuclear development projects with over ninety of its member states, including important work in a number of developing countries.
Projects range from medical applications to work in agriculture and basic industry.
The United States recognizes the value of the agency's diverse programs in promoting the quality of human life in many countries and is very pleased to be a major contributor to this work. The building blocks of an improved program are increasingly utilized, including model project criteria, thematic planning, and country program frameworks. These elements will be even more central to progress in the 2001-2002 program. It is also important that evaluation of the program and comparison of its goals with achievements should continue. The diverse projects undertaken by the TC Program and their many benefits provide the world with a better understanding of how nuclear-related activities can be used to help solve difficult problems in human health, the environment, agriculture and industry.