Kuwait has been unanimously selected to chair the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors for the term spanning 2026 to 2027. Representing the Middle East and South Asia group, Kuwait’s appointment highlights its growing influence in the realm of nuclear governance.

The country’s foreign ministry, along with Kuwait’s permanent mission to the United Nations in Vienna, expressed appreciation for the trust placed in Kuwait by member states. They noted that the election underscores the nation’s international standing and its ongoing commitment to advancing the peaceful applications of nuclear energy.

Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the IAEA, Fawaz Bouresli, is set to assume the leadership role. Under his guidance, Kuwait has pledged to uphold the board’s responsibilities with impartiality and transparency. The country intends to foster consensus-building and encourage constructive dialogue among member states.

Further commitments include supporting the IAEA’s safeguards and verification mechanisms, which are critical components of the global nuclear nonproliferation framework. Kuwait’s chairmanship arrives at a time when the agency continues to navigate complex issues concerning nuclear safety, security, and the prevention of nuclear weapons proliferation.

The Board of Governors plays a central role in overseeing the agency’s activities, setting policies, and responding to emerging nuclear challenges. Kuwait’s tenure as chair will be closely watched as the IAEA addresses ongoing concerns in various regions and seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear technology worldwide.