On the occasion of the work of the IAEA Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Applications and Technical Cooperation, which is being held in Vienna from November 26 to 29, 2024, the Kingdom was the only African and Arab country to have a stand at the Agency’s headquarters, alongside the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, Ecuador, Malaysia and the Republic of Korea.
Under the theme “let’s share Morocco’s experience in nuclear sciences for the strengthening of national capacities in Africa”, the stand presents the different actions carried out by Moroccan scientific institutions for sharing national know-how with African countries, in accordance with the High Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, aiming to promote knowledge sharing as the best pillar of South-South cooperation.
The Director General of the IAEA, Rafael Mariano Grossi, took this opportunity to welcome the partnership with Morocco which covers several key development sectors, notably agriculture and health, while emphasizing that Morocco’s expertise in nuclear sciences is a strong asset for national and regional development.
For his part, the Ambassador, permanent representative of Morocco to international organizations in Vienna, Azzeddine Farhane, indicated that this stand testifies to Morocco’s long-standing commitment to South-South cooperation acting under the High Directions from His Majesty the King for the sharing of experiences and the strengthening of African national capacities in all areas for the development of the African continent.
For his part, the Director General of the National Center for Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology (CNESTEN), Hamid Marah, stressed that Moroccan scientific institutions are at the service of Africa and took this important opportunity to present a scientific work entitled “Nuclear Sciences and Techniques in the Service of Sustainable Management of Water Resources in Morocco”.
This work compiles, over more than twenty-five years, the work carried out by CNESTEN, the General Directorate of Hydraulics and the Hydraulic Basin Agencies, in terms of water resources management, with the aim of ensuring responsible operation, thanks to the integration of nuclear and isotopic applications.
Set up in cooperation between the permanent mission of Morocco in Vienna and the IAEA, the stand is hosted by CNESTEN with the participation of the main national institutions concerned, namely the Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security (AMSSNuR ), the CHU-Ibn Sina, the National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST), the National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA), and the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA).
In addition to MM. Grossi, Farhane and Marah, the inauguration of the stand was attended by the Ivorian Ministers of Agriculture, Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani and of Health, Pierre Dimba, as well as the Ambassador permanent representatives of Côte d’Ivoire to the International Organizations in Vienna, Yacouba Cisse.
Senior officials of the IAEA, the President of the African Group in Vienna, the Ambassadors accredited in the Austrian capital and the Directors General of the AMSSNuR and the CNRST, respectively Mr. Said Mouline and Ms. Jamila Alamie, also took part in the ceremony.
What specific initiatives is Morocco implementing to promote nuclear science in African nations?
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into a significant event with Dr. Hamid Marah, the Director General of the National Center for Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology (CNESTEN). Dr. Marah, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Marah: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss Morocco’s contributions to nuclear science and its role in South-South cooperation.
Interviewer: The IAEA Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Applications and Technical Cooperation is an impressive platform. What does Morocco’s presence as the only African and Arab country at this event signify for the continent and the Arab world?
Dr. Marah: Morocco’s participation highlights our commitment to being a leader in the nuclear sciences field, not just regionally, but on a global scale. Our stand represents an opportunity to showcase our advancements and share valuable knowledge that can benefit other African nations.
Interviewer: You mentioned sharing knowledge and experience. Can you elaborate on specific actions Moroccan scientific institutions are taking to support other African countries?
Dr. Marah: Certainly! Our initiatives focus on areas like agriculture, health, and capacity building. For instance, we have training programs and workshops aimed at enhancing nuclear technologies for improving agricultural yields and ensuring food security. This aligns with King Mohammed VI’s vision of utilizing Morocco’s expertise to strengthen national capacities across Africa.
Interviewer: Rafael Mariano Grossi, the IAEA Director General, highlighted Morocco’s expertise as a strong asset. How has this been recognized in specific areas like agriculture and health?
Dr. Marah: Morocco’s advancements in nuclear applications, especially in agriculture—such as using isotopes for pest control and soil fertility—have garnered attention. In health, we’ve implemented nuclear techniques for diagnostics and treatment which could greatly benefit other African countries facing similar health challenges.
Interviewer: It sounds like Morocco is positioned as a pivotal knowledge hub in nuclear sciences. Could you tell us more about the partnerships Morocco is engaging in?
Dr. Marah: Absolutely. We are fostering partnerships not only with established nuclear nations but also directly with African nations eager to build their own capacities. By doing so, we’re creating a collaborative network that promotes research and development in the nuclear field tailored to our unique regional challenges.
Interviewer: Speaking as a leader in this field, what role do you believe nuclear science will play in the overall development of Africa?
Dr. Marah: Nuclear science can be transformative. It provides solutions for energy security, agricultural efficiency, and health improvements. By investing in nuclear technology, African countries can leapfrog into a more sustainable and self-reliant future. It is essential for our development goals, particularly in achieving food security and health care improvements.
Interviewer: There’s certainly a vision for the future here. How do you see the role of Morocco evolving in the coming years in regards to supporting nuclear science in Africa?
Dr. Marah: Morocco aims to enhance its role as a regional hub for nuclear science. We will continue to share our expertise and train scientists and technicians from across Africa. Our goal is to ensure that our nuclear development does not happen in isolation, but rather as part of a cohesive African strategy for sustainable development.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Marah, for sharing your insights on Morocco’s impactful role in nuclear science and cooperation. It’s inspiring to see such commitment to regional collaboration and development.
Dr. Marah: Thank you for having me. We look forward to seeing how our initiatives will contribute to sustainable growth in Africa.