The IAEA makes peaceful nuclear technology available to its Member States in many fields including energy, human health, food production, water management and environmental protection — all important areas recognized under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Through its technical cooperation programme, the IAEA transfers nuclear technology to developing countries to help them achieve their development objectives. on areas where nuclear and isotopic techniques make a direct contribution either to the achievement of the targets, or to track progress by providing data and thus facilitating decision making. Development is an extremely important part of our work.

The impact of its technical cooperation programme in the daily lives of millions of people around the world is extraordinary. For example, it enables farmers to grow more abundant crops of rice and barley that thrive in difficult conditions. IAEA help countries to monitor and respond to marine pollution that threatens the livelihood of fishermen. It assists countries in providing life-saving access to radiotherapy for cancer patients. The IAEA’s 167 Member States set their own development goals and decide in which areas they would like our assistance. Its approach focuses on capacity building and empowerment. IAEA help countries to master peaceful nuclear techniques and use them effectively for their own benefit, and that of other countries.