The 21st FNCA Ministerial Level Meeting (MLM) was held online on December 10, 2020. This meeting is held to give the ministers responsible for nuclear science and related fields from 12 FNCA member countries an opportunity to engage in policy discussions once a year with the aim of promoting regional cooperation related to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Ministerial level representatives (including the ministers of two countries and the directors of government agencies responsible for nuclear energy) from the FNCA member countries attended the meeting. The participating countries exchanged opinions mainly on the keynote speech "IAEA initiatives to tackle infectious diseases under the current pandemic of COVID-19" given by Mr. Rafael Mariano GROSSI, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and on their country reports regarding "The state of nuclear related activities under the pandemic and the possible nuclear technology development to tackle COVID-19". Lastly, a Joint Communique that addressed issues such as the "Normalization of FNCA project activities that had to be suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic" and the "Possible future cooperation of cooperation between the FNCA and IAEA in the area of human health" was adopted as the conclusion of the meeting.(Program)(Participants List) (Summary of Joint Communique)

(1) Opening
Mr. INOUE Shinji, the Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy, Japan, gave the opening speech at the beginning of the meeting. In this speech, he expressed his highest respects to Mr. GROSSI and the representatives of the participating countries for their leadership in maintaining the function of their respective organizations under the severe circumstances of COVID-19 pandemic, and also expressed his sincere condolences to the victims of COVID-19, and his highest respect to all the healthcare professionals who are making every effort with a strong sense of mission. After that, he explained the following: (1) the FNCA has made notable achievements in every important field related to the peaceful use of nuclear energy since its establishment in 2000; (2) although the FNCA has also stagnating unavoidably due to the current Pandemic of COVID-19, the project activities are maintained by the strong leadership of the coordinators and the project leaders and measures such as video conferencing systems; and (3) the knowledge acquired through the launch of the IAEA's ZODIAC (Zoonotic Diseases Integrated Action) project for fighting COVID-19 is expected to be shared.

Mr. INOUE Shinji Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy, Japan

(2) Keynote Speech
Mr. GROSSI gave a keynote speech entitled "IAEA initiatives to tackle infectious diseases under the current pandemic of COVID-19". Following the recent outbreak of COVID-19, the IAEA provided its member countries with COVID-19 testing equipment, training on the use of this equipment, and other forms of support as its initial and current measures. The IAEA is currently providing support to 126 countries. As a measure for the future, they also plan to launch the ZODIAC, a platform that systemizes networks of proprietary technologies and research institutes from the perspective of applying nuclear technologies, in order to prevent global zoonotic infections, which occur repeatedly but on an irregular basis. Mr. GROSSI mentioned that its implementation has recently been approved by the IAEA Board of Directors and that he expected more member countries to participate in the project because that would increase the value of the platform while also increasing the value that the participating countries would gain from the project.

In response, Mr. INOUE mentioned that (1) Japan highly values the activities carried out by the IAEA during the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) Japan supports for the COVID-19 countermeasures implemented by the IAEA in developing countries, and (3) Japan is of the view that the cooperation between the IAEA and the FNCA can be further reinforced. He also asked Mr. GROSSI to give his views on the future cooperation between the IAEA and the FNCA.
While expressing his great appreciation for Radiation Oncology project and other FNCA project activities, Mr. GROSSI mentioned the following as examples of fields where cooperation between the IAEA and the FNCA could be expected: (1) participation in ZODIAC; (2) the application of radiation technologies in cancer therapy and other medical fields; and (3) the application of radiation technologies in the field of climate change, which also has a great influence on agriculture and foods.

Mr. Rafael Mariano GROSSI
Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

(3) Country Reports
Representatives from the participating countries reported on their nuclear research activities and the efforts that they had made to sustain nuclear power generation, etc., during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report from Japan included: (1) the restarting of nuclear power stations; (2) the status of ALPS treated water at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station; and (3) examples of efforts made in the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) and the National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST) for research and development activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

(4) FNCA Awards
Out of the 7 projects and a total of 87 teams in fiscal year 2019, the following Best Research Team (1) and Excellent Research Teams (2) were given awards:

Dr. NAGAI Haruyasu, Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) (right)
Dr. OKA Yoshiaki, Chairman of the Japan Atomic Energy Commission (left)

(5) FNCA Project Report
Mr. WADA Tomoaki, FNCA Coordinator of Japan reported on the "FNCA project activities and achievement in 2020". Coordinators meeting scheduled in March 2020 changed to "Ad Hoc Coordinators Meeting 2020" by emails. The evaluation of the projects to be finished in the end of FY2019, and the evaluation of proposal of new project were postponed. Information on the progress of existing projects was shared online.

(6) Adoption of Joint Communique
Following Joint Communique was adopted.

Summary of the Joint Communique (Full Text (PDF262KB))

1. The normalization of FNCA project activities and regular meetings
   Maximise efforts to promptly normalize FNCA project activities and the several regular meetings while ensuring the safety under the pandemic of COVID-19,
   Request the coordinators to conduct the CDM by making the best use of virtual means such as online meetings where appropriate,
2. Future cooperation between the FNCA and the IAEA in the area of human health
   Anticipating that IAEA will strengthen its coordination with the relevant international organizations including the WHO in combating zoonotic diseases including COVID-19, explore possible collaboration between the FNCA and the IAEA in the future,
3. Promotion of cancer treatments with radiation technology in Asia
   Accelerating the FNCA project in the member countries according to the policy established by the project leaders to enhance cancer therapy with radiation technology in the Asian region,
   Continue and intensify the efforts also through the cooperation with the relevant international organizations to develop and disseminate innovative technology related to radiation therapy,
4. Cooperate in addressing issues of environmental protection and countermeasures to climate change
   Adopt "Nuclear Isotopic Technology and Climate Change" as the topic of the 2021 Study Panel,
5. Enhance the practical use of R&D results in agricultural and industrial production
   Adopt "The Enhancement of Utilization of Research Reactors and Accelerators" as the topic of the Round Table Discussion of 22nd FNCA Ministerial Level Meeting,
   Encourage the member countries, to utilize the outcomes of projects with end-users,
6. Other areas and activities to be promoted
   Promote activities related to the applications of nuclear science and technology, particularly in sustainable agriculture development and food security, environmental protection, medical care and human health, and infrastructure development for nuclear safety and security culture,
7. Cooperation in HRD of the nuclear technology and science field
   Activate organizational exchange of human resources among universities and research institutions, and of information related to the reinforcement of HRD infrastructure by utilizing virtual means such as webinar and/or online workshops where appropriate,
8. Enhancement of public communication and public relations functions, and relationship with international institutions
   Continue to promote public communication to raise an awareness of, and build public trust in, nuclear technology through the public relations functions of the FNCA such as its website and open lectures in the member countries,
   And make efforts to further reinforce the relationships with relevant international institutions, including the IAEA and the OECD/NEA.

(7) Closing
After the secretariat explained the meeting schedule for 2021, Dr. OKA Yoshiaki, Chairman of the Japan Atomic Energy Commission, gave a closing address. The meeting was closed after he finished his speech with a comment related to human resource development in the nuclear science and technology field, which was adopted as item 7 of the Joint Communique.

1. Opening Words
2. Welcome Statement
3. Self-introduction of participants
4. Adoption of agenda

"The IAEA initiatives to tackle infectious diseases under the current pandemic of COVID-19" by Mr. Rafael M. Grossi, Director General of the IAEA

1. Australia 2. Bangladesh 3. China 4. Indonesia 5. Japan 6. Kazakhstan 7. Korea 8. Malaysia 9. Mongolia 10. Philippines 11. Thailand 12. Vietnam

1. Announcement of the Best Research Team of the Year Award and the Excellent Research Teams of the Year Award
2. Commemorative speech by the Best Research Team

"Report on the Ad-Hoc CDM (the outlines of the activities in 2020 and the prospect of 2021)" by Mr. Tomoaki WADA, FNCA Coordinator of Japan

1. Other issues (Schedule of 2021MLM, SP and CDM)
2. Closing address

Mr. Steven MCINTOSH
Senior Manager, Government and International Affairs
ANSTO

Mr. Mark Andrew ALEXANDER
Manager, International Affairs
ANSTO

Ms. Lynn TAN
International Cooperative Programs Advisor
ANSTO

Prof. Dr. Md. Sanowar HOSSAIN
Chairman
Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC)

Mr. DENG Ge
Secretary General
China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA)

Mr. HUANG Ping
Director
China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA)

Ms. Chang Bing
Assistant of Secretary-General
China Nuclear Energy Association

Prof. Bambang Permadi BRODJONEGORO
Minister of Research and Technology
/ Chief of National Research and Innovation Agency

Dr. Mego PINANDITO
Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Research and Technology / Executive Secretary of National Research and Innovation Agency

Dr. Muhammad DIMYATI
Acting Deputy Minister of the Strengthening for Research and Development
Ministry of Research and Technology
/ National Research and Innovation Agency, Republic of Indonesia

Prof. Ali Ghufron MUKTI
Advisor / Expert Staff for Infrastructure
Ministry of Research and Technology
/ National Research and Innovation Agency, Republic of Indonesia

Ms. Nada Darmiyanti SRIWIJANINGRUM
Head of Bureau for Cooperation and Public Communication
Ministry of Research and Technology
/ National Research and Innovation Agency, Republic of Indonesia

Prof. Dr. Anhar Riza ANTARIKSAWAN
Chairman
National Nuclear Energy Agency of Indonesia (BATAN)

Dr. Hendig WINARNO
Deputy Chairman of BATAN for Nuclear Technology Utilization
National Nuclear Energy Agency of Indonesia (BATAN)

Mr. Heru UMBARA
Head of Bureau for Legal, Public Relations, and Cooperation
National Nuclear Energy Agency of Indonesia (BATAN)

Mr. Yaziz HASAN
Head of Cooperation Division
Bureau for Legal, Public Relations, and Cooperation
National Nuclear Energy Agency of Indonesia (BATAN)

Ms. Ros Intan PURBASARI
Head of Technical Cooperation Management Sub Division
Bureau for Legal, Public Relations, and Cooperation
National Nuclear Energy Agency of Indonesia (BATAN)

Mr. Dirgahary TAMARA
Staff of Technical Cooperation
Management Sub Division
Bureau for Legal, Public Relations, and Cooperation
National Nuclear Energy Agency of Indonesia (BATAN)

Mr. Batyrzhan KARAKOZOV
Director of Department for Atomic Power and Industry
Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Prof. Erlan BATYRBEKOV
Director General
National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Mr. Chang-Yune LEE
Director-General
Space and Nuclear Energy Bureau
Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT)

Mr. Kiseok KIM
Director
Nuclear and Fusion Energy Cooperation Division
Space and Nuclear Energy Bureau
Ministry of Science and ICT(MSIT)

Mr. Hong Seob KIM
Deputy Director
Nuclear and Fusion Energy Cooperation Division
Space and Nuclear Energy Bureau
Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT)

Ms. Seoyeong JEONG
Director
Department of Global Cooperation
Korea Nuclear International Cooperation Foundation (KONICOF)

Ms. Ji Yun PARK
Researcher
Department of Global Cooperation
Korea Nuclear International Cooperation Foundation (KONICOF)

Dr. Siti Aiasah HASHIM
Director General
Malaysian Nuclear Agency

Dr. Abdul Muin Bin ABDUL RAHMAN
Deputy Director General (R&D)
Malaysian Nuclear Agency

Mr. Nurulah Ernesto Bin KENNEDY
Assistant Secretary
International Division, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Malaysia

Mr. Mohd Azlan Bin IDRIS
Principal Assistant Secretary
Strategic Technology and S&T Application Division
Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Malaysia

Mr. MANLAIJAV Gunaajav
Secretary of the Nuclear Energy Commission and the Head of the Executive Office
Executive Office of the Nuclear Energy Commission of Mongolia

Mr. CHADRAABAL Mavag
The Head of the Nuclear Technology Department
Executive Office of the Nuclear Energy Commission of Mongolia

Ms. Tuyatsetseg BYAMBADORJ
The Head of Foreign Affairs Division
Executive Office of the Nuclear Energy Commission of Mongolia

The Hon. Fortunato T. DE LA PEÑA
Secretary (Minister)
Department of Science and Technology

Dr. Lucille V. ABAD
Chief
Atomic Research Division
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI)

Dr. Thawatchai ONJUN
Executive Director
Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization)

Dr. TRAN Ngoc Toan
Vice President
Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM)

Ms. CHU Thi Van Anh
Department of International Cooperation
Ministry of Science and Technology

Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi
Director General
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Mr. INOUE Shinji
Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy

Dr. OKA Yoshiaki
Chairman
Japan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC)

Mr. SANO Toshio
Commissioner
Japan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC)

Dr. NAKANISHI Tomoko
Commissioner
Japan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC)

Mr. CHIHARA Yoshiyuki
Deputy Director General for Science, Technology and Innovation
Cabinet Office of Japan (CAO)

Mr. HOKUGO Taro
Director for Atomic Energy and International Affairs
Bureau of Science, Technology and Innovation
Cabinet Office of Japan (CAO)

Mr. WANI Hiroyuki
Official
Office of Atomic Energy Policy
Secretariat of the Atomic Energy Commission
Cabinet Office of Japan (CAO)

Mr. IWASAKA Katsuhiko
Senior Researcher
Office of Atomic Energy Policy
Secretariat of the Atomic Energy Commission
Cabinet Office of Japan (CAO)

Ms. FUKANO Keiko
Senior Researcher
Office of Atomic Energy Policy
Secretariat of the Atomic Energy Commission
Cabinet Office, Government of Japan (CAO)

Mr. NAGAYOSHI Shoichi
Director
International Nuclear Cooperation Division
Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Science Department
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

Dr. OKAMOTO Yoshiko
Deputy Director
International Nuclear Cooperation Division
Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Science Department
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

Mr. HIKIHARA Takeshi
Permanent Representative,
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary,
Permanent Mission of Japan to the International Organizations in Vienna

Mr. KUWABARA Atsushi
Minister
Permanent Mission of Japan to the International Organizations in Vienna

Dr. KANEKO Toshio
Counsellor,
Permanent Mission of Japan to the International Organizations in Vienna

Mr. MIZUNO Toshiaki
First Secretary
Permanent Mission of Japan to the International Organizations in Vienna

Mr. HAGIWARA Sadahiro
Director
International Nuclear Cooperation,
Research and Development Bureau, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)

Mr. SUZUKI Tetsu
Deputy Director
Office for Fusion Energy, Environment and Energy Division and Policy Division, Research and Development Bureau, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)

Ms. TANAKA Fumiyo
Administrative Researcher,
International Nuclear and Fusion Energy Affairs Division, Research and Development Bureau, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)

Mr. YAMAMOTO Keishi
Researcher
International Nuclear and Fusion Energy Affairs Division, Research and Development Bureau, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)

Ms. HATA Yumiko
Director for International Issues / Waste Management of Fukushima Daiichi NPS
Nuclear Accident Response Office
Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)

Ms. HONZAWA Yuko
Assistant Director
Nuclear Accident Response Office
Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)

Mr. WADA Tomoaki
FNCA Coordinator of Japan

Dr. NAMBA Hideki
FNCA Advisor of Japan

Dr. NAGAI Haruyasu
Division Head, Environmental and Radiation Sciences Division
Nuclear Science and Engineering Center
Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA)

Dr. TAMADA Masao
Deputy Director
Department of Research Planning and Promotion, Quantum Beam Science Research Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology

Prof. EBIHARA Mitsuru
Professor
Waseda University

Prof. KOSAKO Toshiso
Emeritus Professor
Univ. of Tokyo

Mr. NAOI Yosuke
Director, Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Nuclear Security (ISCN)
Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA)

Australia (PDF 686KB)
Bangladesh (PDF 6.7MB)
Indonesia (PDF 16.8MB)
Japan (PDF 2.8MB)
Kazakhstan (PDF 1.6MB)
Republic of Korea (PDF 2.4MB)
Malaysia (PDF 918KB)
Mongolia (PDF 955KB)
The Philippines (PDF 1.5MB)
Thailand (PDF 749KB)
Vietnam (PDF 978KB)