The Philippines will host in 2025 the first International Atomic Energy Agency International Conference on the Nuclear Technology for Controlling Plastic Pollution.

The announcement was made by Department of Science and Technology Undersecretary Dr. Leah Buendia, head of the Philippine Delegation to the IAEA Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Science, Technology, and Applications and the Technical Cooperation Program in Vienna, Austria, from 26 to 28 November next year.

“Plastic pollution is a major global concern that necessitates global solutions at scale. Nuclear applications can provide one of them,” Buendia said.

NUTEC Plastics is IAEA’s flagship initiative to address plastic pollution.

It brings together countries and partners from around the world to fight plastic pollution on two fronts: at point of source, by introducing new technologies to improve plastic recycling; and in the ocean, where the bulk of plastic waste ends up.

More than 80 countries are part of the initiative.

Buendia also highlighted the Philippines’ various IAEA-supported projects on the peaceful applications of atomic energy in cancer care, pharmaceuticals, food safety, education, environment protection, and industry.

“The Philippines recognizes the transformative effect of atomic energy for sustainable development and commends the Agency for its continued delivery of assistance,” added Buendia.

Around 1,200 delegates from government, the private sector, international organizations and other institutions are gathering in Vienna for the three-day IAEA Ministerial Conference to discuss the role of nuclear science and technology in addressing pressing challenges in health, food security and safety, water resource management and climate change.

The conference further aims to strengthen international cooperation, explore innovations in nuclear advancements, and highlight the role of nuclear technology in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.