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UN nuclear agency agrees to use Nobel Peace Prize money to developing countries

UN nuclear agency agrees to use Nobel Peace Prize money to developing countries

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Peace and Security

The United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), this year’s Nobel peace Prize co-laureate, has agreed to use its share of the award money to funding the needs of developing countries in the peaceful application of nuclear energy and, especially in connection with human health and food production.

The 35-member IAEA Board of Governors authorized its Director General and fellow laureate Mohamed ElBaradei to establish a special fund for the Agency´s share of the 1.07 million Euro award.

In an address to the Board on Friday, Mr. ElBaradei said he was grateful that the Norwegian Nobel Committee had recognized the challenges ahead for the Agency. These included the fight against nuclear terrorism and significant expansion of the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, he said.

“I compare ourselves to an orchestra. I am simply the conductor of a qualified, well-tuned and dedicated orchestra,” he added. “We need to make every possible effort for the highest level of security.

“We owe it to humanity. The award also shows the will of humanity to address challenges and to seize the opportunity for a better life for future generations," he said.