Fiji officially assumed the chairmanship of the Regional Cooperative Agreement (RCA) for Research, Development, and Training in Nuclear Science and Technology for Asia and the Pacific during the opening of the 47th Meeting of National RCA Representatives in Nadi today.

The four-day meeting brings together 22 RCA government parties under the coordination of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and is jointly hosted by Fiji’s Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Waterways, Dr. Andrew Tukana, and IAEA Director for Technical Cooperation in Asia and the Pacific, Mr. Deng Ge, officiated the opening of the meeting.

In his address, Dr. Tukana highlighted Fiji’s deepening engagement with the RCA over the past three years, noting that the nation has seen notable benefits from participating in technical cooperation initiatives. He stated that Fiji’s agriculture sector has benefitted significantly from the program, with the highest number of implemented projects and trained staff.

“For the first time, Fiji has submitted and secured approval for a project to address challenges faced by farmers growing vegetatively propagated crops,” Dr. Tukana said.

He listed the outcomes of the RCA’s collaboration as:

• Strengthening agriculture and food security
• Combating climate change
• Advancing human health
• Building human capital
• Creating regional solidarity and professional networks

Dr. Tukana also reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to promoting sustainable development, health, and prosperity in the region through its leadership in the RCA.

IAEA’s Mr. Deng Ge praised Fiji’s hospitality and expressed confidence in its leadership moving forward.

“As Fiji takes over the Chairmanship, the RCA is well positioned to enhance its impact. Continued investment and strategic partnerships are essential,” he said.

Outgoing RCA Chair Ms. Lili Xiao of China highlighted the program’s achievements in boosting agriculture, healthcare, and environmental management through nuclear applications. She noted success stories such as developing high-yield crop varieties and improving medical diagnostics.

Incoming RCA Chairman Dr. Shalendra Prasad identified three key goals for his term:

1. Promoting inclusivity and broader engagement among member states
2. Enhancing visibility and aligning projects with the UN Sustainable Development Goals
3. Strengthening partnerships with the IAEA and other institutions to maximize benefits

The RCA is composed of 22 IAEA member states from the Asia-Pacific region, including countries such as Australia, China, India, Japan, and Vietnam.