When was Atomic Energy Agency established?
VerifiedAnswer: 1957
Explanation:
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was established in 1957 as an autonomous international organization within the United Nations system. This milestone came just over a decade after the atomic bombs were dropped during World War II, marking humanity's recognition of the need for proper oversight and peaceful development of atomic energy.
The creation of IAEA can be traced back to President Dwight D. Eisenhower's famous "Atoms for Peace" speech delivered to the United Nations General Assembly on December 8, 1953. In this historic address, Eisenhower proposed that nations should work together to harness atomic energy for peaceful purposes rather than solely for military applications. His vision was to create an international body that would promote the safe and beneficial use of nuclear technology worldwide.
After years of negotiations and planning, the IAEA Statute was approved on October 23, 1956, at an international conference held at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The statute came into force on July 29, 1957, officially establishing the agency. The organization began its operations with headquarters in Vienna, Austria, where it continues to be based today.
The primary objectives of IAEA include promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy, providing safeguards to ensure nuclear materials are not diverted from peaceful uses to weapons programs, and establishing safety standards for nuclear activities. The agency also facilitates the exchange of scientific and technical information related to atomic energy and assists member countries in developing their nuclear programs for peaceful purposes such as electricity generation, medical applications, and agricultural improvements.
Since its establishment in 1957, the IAEA has grown to include 175 member states and has played a crucial role in global nuclear governance. The agency's work has become increasingly important in addressing challenges such as nuclear non-proliferation, reactor safety, and the peaceful application of nuclear technology in various fields including medicine, agriculture, and environmental protection.
