The Cabinet Office and the Japan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC) held the 24th FNCA Ministerial Level Meeting (MLM) on November 28, 2023, jointly hosted by Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (TINT). MLM has been 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.
At this meeting, Dr. Najat Mokhtar, Deputy Director General, Head of Department of Nuclear Science and Applications, and Dr. May Abdel-Wahab, Director of Division of Human Health, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) gave a keynote speech entitled "IAEA Rays of Hope Initiative: Increasing Access to Cancer Care through Nuclear Applications" and Dr. Kanokporn Boonsirichai, Manager of Nuclear Technology Development Centre, TINT, gave a keynote speech entitled "Current Status of Radiopharmaceuticals Development in Thailand" respectively. Then a round table discussion was held on the main subject of this meeting, "Nuclear Science Contribution in Human Health and Medical Well-Being (& Rays of Hope)" with lead speeches made by the representatives from Japan and Vietnam. Country reports were given on the nuclear energy policies, progress of the nuclear related activities and status of the domestic situation regarding palliative radiotherapy in the member countries. The results of FNCA activities in 2023 and future plans were reported by Dr. Tamada Masao, FNCA Coordinator of Japan, and the Secretariat. The meeting was concluded with the adoption of the Joint Communique, which addresses efforts to normalize the FNCA project activities, promote cancer treatment including palliative care with radiation, promote radiation oncology efforts in the Asian region, share information on next-generation reactors including small modular reactors (SMRs), and seek to achieve gender equality in nuclear science and technology through gender balance and generational diversity and others. Throughout the meeting, there was an active exchange of opinions and information, and useful information sharing among the participants.(Program)(Participants List)

(1) Opening
At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Permsuk Sutchaphiwat, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation delivered an opening speech and Ms. Takaichi Sanae, the Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy, Japan, delivered remarks (read out by Dr. Uesaka Mitsuru, Chairperson of JAEC). In her remarks, she expressed her highest respect to the fact that FNCA activities have returned to the same level of activity as before following the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, and noted a) FNCA has made outstanding achievements in all important areas of peaceful uses of nuclear energy since its establishment in 1999, b) Today's polity discussion including Nuclear Science Contribution in Human Health and Medical Well-Being (& Rays of Hope) should be reflected in FNCA project activities, of which results should also be disseminated to the local communities, c) The benefit of nuclear science and technology will be shared worldwide, in particular in Asian region, and concluded by wishing for the early and complete revival of the FNCA project activities, which have been stagnated due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

(2) Keynote Speeches
1) Dr. Najat Mokhtar, Deputy Director General, Head of Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, IAEA: "IAEA Rays of Hope Initiative: Increasing Access to Cancer Care through Nuclear Applications"
"Rays of Hope" Initiative is working to increase access to cancer treatment for people living in low-and middle-income countries where the treatment is most needed, and is also helping countries build or upgrade radiotherapy facilities by providing necessary equipment. The project was launched by the IAEA in February 2022 with the aim of reducing inequalities in cancer diagnosis and treatment between regions and countries around the world. The project aims to contribute to human resource development through the expansion of relevant education and training, and to develop infrastructure for advanced radiotherapy.
2) Dr. Kanokporn Boonsirichai, Manager of Nuclear Technology Development Centre, TINT: "Current Status of Radiopharmaceuticals Development in Thailand"
In Thailand, TINT provides radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals as a service to the medical and chemical sectors, and its equipment and facilities include a 2 MWt research reactor (TRR-1/M1) at TINT and a cyclotron at a hospital installation. In addition, a 30 MeV cyclotron is currently being built at TINT. TINT is not only a major supplier of Radioisotopes, but also conducts research and development of new radiopharmaceuticals.

(3) Round Table Discussion
Dr. Uesaka chaired the discussion, and Japan and Vietnam made lead speeches on the main topic of this meeting, "Nuclear Science Contribution in Human Health and Medical Well-Being (& Rays of Hope)" followed by Q&A sessions and discussions. The lead speeches are summarized as follows;
1) Dr. Wakatsuki Masaru, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Japan introduced the current status of palliative radiotherapy in Asian countries. He explained the purpose and effectiveness of palliative radiotherapy, indicating that low-and middle-income countries differ from those in high-income countries due to the limited number of radiotherapy facilities and access to hospitals.
2) Dr. VU Xuan Huy, Radiation Oncologist, Deputy Head of the Radiotherapy Department of Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Cancers, Vietnam National Cancer Hospital (NCH), explained the role of radiation therapy in palliative care for cancer patients in Vietnam, the application of palliative radiation at the Vietnam National Cancer Hospital, and the access to palliative radiation therapy in Vietnam. He also explained that radiotherapy facilities are only available in limited urban areas and are already filled with cancer patients.

(4) Country Reports
The representatives from each country reported about progress of their recent nuclear energy policies and nuclear related activities, as well as status of the palliative radiotherapy. As for Japan, Mr. Tokumasu Shinji, Deputy Director General for Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, Cabinet Office of Japan (CAO) presented a report about a) basic policy for nuclear energy, b) current status of research, development and innovation on the nuclear energy, c) basic policy for green transformation (GX), d) action plan for promotion of production and utilization of medical radioisotopes, and e) human resource development.

(5) Reports for FNCA Activities
Dr. Tamada Masao, FNCA coordinator of Japan, reported on the overview of the 23rd Coordinators Meeting held in June 2023 and "mid-term evaluation and end-of-project in 2023", "determination and evaluation of new projects" and "evaluation of the on-going projects and the status of those project activities".
Then, the Secretariat reported 2 keynote speeches on the small modular reactors (SMRs) and presentations and discussions on the case studies from the FNCA member countries, as an outline of 2023 Study Panel (2023SP) which was held back-to-back the 23rd Coordinators Meeting. The meeting participants' reactions and comments were also introduced.
Next, the Secretariat explained on the FNCA 25th Anniversary Commemorative Events (draft), FNCA's efforts on gender and generation balance, and the amendment to Terms of Reference (TOR)referring to new membership, following the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) held on the previous day (November 27).

(6) Joint Communique
The meeting confirmed contents of Joint Communique, which include efforts to normalize FNCA project activities after the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19, promote cancer treatment including palliative care with radiation, promote radiation oncology efforts in the Asian region, share information on next generation reactors including small modular reactors (SMRs), and pursue the achievement of gender equality in nuclear science and technology through gender balance and generational diversity. The communique was adopted after adjustments reflecting some comments. (Full Text (PDF208KB))

Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (TINT),
Cabinet Office of Japan, and Japan Atomic Energy Commission

1. Opening & Welcome Remarks by representative of Thailand
   Mr. Permsuk Sutchaphiwat, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher
   Education, Science, Research and Innovation
2. Message from Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy, Japan
   Presented by Dr. UESAKA Mitsuru, Chairperson of JAEC
3. Self-introduction of the participants

Group Photo

Discussion

1. Report on the 23rd CDM: Project activities
2. Report on 2023 Study Panel (SP2023)
3. Report on the SOM on the previous day
4. Announcement of the meeting schedule in 2024

Closing Remarks
Dr. Thawatchai ONJUN, TINT Executive Director

Mr. Alan Brindell
Director, Corporate Affairs
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)

Ms. Natascha Spark
Senior Manager, International Affairs
Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation (ANSTO)

Ms. Pippa Ainley
Senior Advisor, International Affairs
Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation (ANSTO)

Prof. Ashoke Kumar Paul
Chairman (Current Charge),
Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC)

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

Mr. TAN Junlong
SENIOR ENGINEER
China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA)

Dr. XU Xiaoting
Vice-Director of the department of Radiation Oncology
The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University

Dr. Mego PINANDITO
Deputy Chairman for Development Policy
National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN)

Mr.Totti Tjiptosumirat
Executive Director of International Nuclear Agency Indonesia,
National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN)

Ms. Mursalova Gulmira
Deputy Director of Department of Atomic Energy and Industry
Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Mr. Sergey Berezin
Deputy Director General of the National Nuclear Center (NNC) of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Mr. Sunhak CHO
Director-General
Space Policy and Nuclear Energy Bureau
Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT)

Ms. Doyeon LEE
Deputy Director
Space Policy and Nuclear Energy Division
Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), Republic of Korea

Mr. Cheonkyeong PARK
Director
Department of Global Cooperation
Korea Nuclear International Cooperation Foundation (KONICOF)

Ms. Jieun LEE
Researcher
Department of Global Cooperation
Korea Nuclear International Cooperation Foundation (KONICOF)

Dr. Rosli Bin Darmawan
Director General,
Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuclear Malaysia)

Dr. Muhammad Rawi Bin Mohamed Zin
Deputy Director General (R&D PROGRAMME)
Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuclear Malaysia)

Mr. Manlaijav GUNAAJAV
Secretary of the Nuclear Energy Commission and Head of the Executive Office,
Executive Office of the Nuclear Energy Commission (NEC) of the Government of Mongolia

Mr. Chadraabal MAVAG
Head,
Nuclear Technology Department,
Executive Office of the Nuclear Energy Commission (NEC) of the Government of Mongolia

Dr. Renato Solidum, Jr.
Secretary (Minister)
Department of Science and Technology

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

Mr. Permsuk Sujjaphiwat
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation

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

Ms. Kanchalika DECHATES
Director of Management Division
Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization)

Dr. Kanokporn Boonsirichai
Manager of Nuclear Technology Research and Development Center
Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization)

Dr. Somsak Dangtip
Manager, Advanced Engineering and Nuclear Technology Center
Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization)

Ms. Napatsorn Varatornsinchai
Director of General Affairs
Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization)

Dr. Kanokrat Tiyapun
Thailand's Project Leader on FNCA Research Reactor Utilization Project
Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization)

Ms. Chatchawan Mansaithong
International Cooperation Officer, Professional Level
Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization)

Ms. Chotika Dararatana
Nuclear Scientist
Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization)

Dr. Yaowalak Chansilpa
Thailand's Project Leader on FNCA Radiation Oncology Project
Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital
Mahidol University

Mr. Apichart Noenplab
Thailand's Project Leader on FNCA Mutation Breeding Project
Rice Department

Ms. Malinee Janwan
Rice Department

Ms. Harinate Mungpayaban
Thailand's Project Leader on FNCA Nuclear Security and Safeguards Project
Office of Atoms for Peace

Dr. Areerak Rueanngoen
Nuclear Chemist
Office of Atoms for Peace

Dr. TRAN Chi Thanh
President,
Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM)

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

Dr. VU Xuan Huy
Radiation Oncologist,
Deputy Head of the Radiotherapy Department of Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Cancers, Vietnam National Cancer Hospital (NCH)

Dr. Najat MOKHTAR
Deputy Director General, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, IAEA

Dr. May ABDEL-WAHAB
Director, Division of Human Health, IAEA

Mr. Wong Kang Jet
Chief Executive Officer,
National Environment Agency

Ms. ANG Zuo Jin
Senior Assistant Director, Energy and Climate Policy Division
Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment

Mr. Daryl Alphonsus Gomes
Deputy Director, International Relations
National Environment Agency

Mr. Calvin Hoo Tian Ern
Engineer
National Environment Agency

Dr. WAKATSUKI Masaru
Director, Department of Radiation Medicine, QST Hospital, National Institute for Quantum Science and Technology

Dr. TAMADA Masao
FNCA Coordinator of Japan

Mr. WADA Tomoaki
FNCA Advisor of Japan

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

Mr. OBATA Ryoji
Deputy Director
International Nuclear and Fusion Energy Affairs Division
Research and Development Bureau
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)

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

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

Mr. MINAMI Kentaro
Director
International Nuclear Cooperation Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)

Ms. HAYASHIDA Akiko
Deputy Director
International Nuclear Energy Cooperation Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)

Dr. UESAKA Mitsuru
Chairperson
Japan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC)

Dr. OKADA Yukiko
Commissioner
Japan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC)

Dr. TOKUMASU Shinji
Deputy Director General for Science, Technology and Innovation Policy
Cabinet Office of Japan (CAO)

Mr. YAMADA Tetsuya
Director for Atomic Energy and International Affairs
Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy
Cabinet Office of Japan (CAO)

Mr. SAKUMA Akira
Deputy-Director
Office for Atomic Energy Policy
Secretariat of the Atomic Energy Commission
Cabinet Office of Japan (CAO)

Ms. TANADA Mizue
Technical Counsellor
Office of Atomic Energy Policy
Secretariat of the Atomic Energy Commission
Cabinet Office of Japan (CAO)

Mr. YAMADA Katsumi
Technical Counsellor
Office for Atomic Energy Policy
Secretariat of the Atomic Energy Commission
Cabinet Office of Japan (CAO)