High level government officials, diplomats, private sector, organizations and various leaders in the nuclear field gather in Vienna for  the 69th IAEA General Conference. (Photo credits: IAEA)

Vienna, 19 September 2025 — The Republic of the Philippines was elected by acclamation to the Board of Governors (BOG) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the term 2025 to 2027 during the 69th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference (GC) in Vienna, Austria.

The Philippines emerged as the consensus nominee from the Far East region after an intense election campaign that lasted over several months. The country’s candidature enjoyed overwhelming support especially from developing countries and countries newly embarking in nuclear energy. This marks the Philippines’ return to the Board following its most recent term from 2015 to 2017. As a Board member, the Philippines will actively engage in shaping IAEA policies and priorities across key areas such as nuclear safety and security, safeguards, technical cooperation, and the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology in support of sustainable development.

Department of Science and Technology Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services Maridon O. Sahagun delivered the Philippines’ national statement as Head of the Philippine Delegation and highlighted the country’s advocacy for promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and objectives as a member of the Board of Governors. “The long-standing position of the Philippines is that the peaceful uses of atomic energy are not ancillary to disarmament and non-proliferation—they are foundational pillars of peace, health, and prosperity. We aim to advance these initiatives at this key policy-making body of the IAEA,” she said.

Ambassador Evangelina A. Bernas, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the IAEA, emphasized the significance of the Philippines’ election. “This outcome signifies that Member States like us who are just embarking on our nuclear energy program and rely on a rules-based international order have a chance to advocate for other member states like us on the Board,” she said. She added, “We take this mandate to ensure that nuclear technologies serve the needs of our communities, deliver real benefits, and are governed by rules we all uphold.” The Philippines also advocated for reform at the BOG to reflect current regional and technological realities. 

The Philippines is among 11 countries elected this year to join the 35-member IAEA Board of Governors. Board Members are Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Egypt, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, India, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Morocco, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Niger, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Portugal, Romania, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, Togo, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.  

As the world confronts increasingly complex global challenges, the Philippines stands ready to help strengthen international order and cooperation in the nuclear field. END.