Diplomatic SOCIETY spoke with H.E. Azzeddine Farhane, Morocco’s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to International Organisations in Vienna, and newly elected Vice Chair of the Board of Governors of the IAEA, about his career, his goals as Vice-Chair and Morocco’s role within the IAEA.
Could you tell us about your professional journey? When and how did you decide to pursue a career in diplomacy?
My professional career spans more than three decades of dedicated multilateral diplomacy. After completing my studies in journalism, political science and international law, I joined the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and steadily specialized in multilateral diplomacy and global issues. Early in my career, I represented Morocco in several bilateral and multilateral posts, building expertise in international negotiations, disarmament, and human rights.
Over the years, I have been entrusted with key leadership positions within international fora. In Vienna, I had the honour of serving, during one year, as Chair of the Group of 77 and China (G77 Vienna Chapter), which brings together more than 130 developing countries working on issues related to the UN system in Vienna, including nuclear energy, industrial development, and outer space. In that capacity, I coordinated the positions of a very diverse membership, built consensus on sensitive issues, and advocated the collective interests of developing nations at the IAEA, UNIDO, UNODC, and other Vienna-based organizations. This was a unique opportunity to make the voice of the Global South heard in critical policy discussions.
I also served as Sherpa of the Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) process, representing Morocco in high-level preparatory meetings for shaping the global nuclear security agenda. This role which requires not only diplomatic skills as well as technical understanding of nuclear security and safety issues, offered me the opportunity to underscore Morocco’s proactive commitment to strengthening the global nuclear security architecture. In addition, I held the position of Director General within the UN Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where I contributed for the coordination of Morocco’s policy on UN-related issues, including peace and security, disarmament, development, and human rights. This multilateral background allows me to work closely with UN agencies and Member States to advance Morocco’s priorities within the UN multilateral system in Vienna.
A milestone of my career was my election, on September 21st, 2020, by acclamation, as President of the 64th Session of the IAEA General Conference, which I guided with a focus on consensus and inclusiveness at a time of significant global challenges. Indeed, beyond my official duties, I have also published extensively on topics related to international relations, nuclear security, and multilateral diplomacy. My publications and articles in research policy papers and conference proceedings reflect my belief that diplomacy must be underpinned by solid research and intellectual exchange. These publications have addressed issues, such as the role of developing countries in shaping global governance, the peaceful uses of nuclear technology for development, and the strengthening of nuclear security through international cooperation, as well as Morocco’s contribution to strengthening international safety and security regime.
What are your main objectives as Vice Chair of the Board of the Governors of the IAEA? And what will be your main tasks?
In my capacity as Vice Chair of the IAEA board of Governors, I have 5 objectives to achieve:
Building consensus on diversity:
As Vice Chair of the IAEA Board of Governors, my foremost objective is to reinforce the spirit of dialogue, trust, and consensus that has long underpinned the Agency’s work. The Board is a microcosm of the international community: it brings together countries with different energy profiles, technological capacities, and political perspectives. In such a diverse setting, it is essential to ensure that all Member States feel that their voices are heard, their concerns are respected, and their contributions are valued. Consensus is not just a procedural goal, but it is indeed the foundation of the IAEA’s credibility and impartiality.
Sharing my experience in consensus-building:
Through my own experience as Chair of the Group of 77 and China in Vienna, I learned how to harmonize diverse positions, forge common understandings, and represent collective interests in negotiations with partners. This experience taught me that inclusiveness, transparency, and patient diplomacy are indispensable for achieving durable outcomes. I will bring the same approach to the Board of Governors to ensure that decisions are made in a spirit of fairness, inclusiveness, and equity.
Balancing the three pillars:
Another key objective of my vice-chairmanship is to ensure that the Agency’s three pillars (security, safety and safeguards,) as well as technical cooperation are treated with equal importance. Safeguards and non-proliferation are at the core of the IAEA’s mandate, but the Agency’s credibility also depends on its ability to deliver tangible benefits to Member States, particularly developing countries. By supporting a balanced approach, I hope to help the Board make decisions that reinforce both the non-proliferation regime and the Agency’s technical cooperation and development mission.
Making Africa’s voice heard:
Finally, as a representative of Morocco, I attach special importance to amplifying the voice of Africa within the Board. African countries are increasingly interested in using nuclear science and technology for health, agriculture, water management, and potentially power generation. Yet, their needs and priorities are often not reflected in global discussions. My goal is to ensure that Africa’s aspirations are promoted in the Board’s deliberations and that the Agency’s programs provide meaningful support to African Member States. By doing so, we can make the IAEA not just a regulatory body, but also a strong partner for development.
How would you describe the role of Morocco within the IAEA? What is Morocco’s stance on nuclear power?
Morocco’s contribution has always been mainly structured around 5 axes:
Morocco as a bridge-builder:
Morocco has long played the role of a bridge between North and South within the IAEA. We are a country that both – it benefits from the Agency’s programs and actively contributes to them. This dual role allows us to understand the perspectives of both developed and developing countries and to advocate for policies that serve the collective interests.”
Organizing and hosting regional capacities:
Our National Centre for Nuclear Energy, Sciences and Techniques (CNESTEN) and regulatory body (AMSSNUR) are dedicated to implement this commitment. They serve not only as Morocco’s national nuclear research and regulatory body but also as a regional hub and a platform for training and capacity-building. Through CNESTEN and AMSSNUR, we host many IAEA courses, workshops, and fellowships that train African professionals in radiological protection, nuclear safety, and peaceful applications of nuclear technology.
Leadership role for promoting Africa’s interests:
Morocco has used its leadership positions within the IAEA to amplify the voice of Africa and the Global South. When I chaired the 64th General Conference of the IAEA, my focus was on maintaining consensus in a polarized international environment while ensuring that developing countries’ priorities remained at the center of the agenda. We organized, for the first time, a high-level side event on “the role of nuclear technologies to fight cervical cancer in Africa”. It is worth mentioning that the outcome of this event was reflected in the report of the General Conference.
Commitment to technical cooperation:
Our advocacy for improving and strengthening technical cooperation is not rhetorical. Morocco has consistently supported the Agency’s Technical Cooperation Fund and pushed for more balanced resource allocation to these programs. We firmly believe that technical cooperation (medicine, agriculture, water management, and environmental protection) is what makes the IAEA relevant to the daily lives of people in developing countries. This is also how we strengthen the legitimacy of the non-proliferation regime, by ensuring that rights and obligations go hand in hand.”
A continental vision:
Ultimately, Morocco sees its role in the IAEA as part of a larger African vision. Under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Africa is at the heart of our foreign policy. In the Agency, this translates into concrete partnerships, training initiatives, and advocacy to ensure that African Member States are not only recipients of assistance but also active participants in shaping the Agency’s policies and standards. By doing so, Morocco contributes for building an Africa which is more self-reliant and more influential in global nuclear governance.
What is Morocco’s Position on the Development and Use of Nuclear Energy?
Let me summarize the position of Morocco on the Development and Use of Nuclear Energy by the 5 following pillars:
A position of principle:
Morocco’s position on nuclear energy is guided by three principles: responsibility, inclusiveness, and development. We support the peaceful, safe, and secure use of nuclear technology under the highest international standards. This principled stance is reflected in our regulatory frameworks, our adherence to international conventions, and our investment in human capital and infrastructure.
Preparing for the future:
Although Morocco does not yet operate nuclear power plants, we have laid the groundwork for their potential introduction. This includes establishing an independent regulatory authority, developing the necessary legal and institutional frameworks, and training engineers, scientists, and regulators. By taking these preparatory steps, we are ensuring that any future nuclear power program will be implemented responsibly and sustainably.
Harnessing nuclear technology for development:
Morocco has shown how nuclear technology can transform lives even without power plants. We use radiotherapy and nuclear medicine to treat thousands of cancer patients each year. We also employ isotopic techniques to manage scarce groundwater resources and to improve agricultural productivity. These applications are directly linked to the Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrate the practical benefits of nuclear science for citizens.
A catalyst for Africa:
Our vision extends beyond Morocco’s borders. We see ourselves as a catalyst for Africa’s integration into the global nuclear knowledge economy. As a partner with IAEA, we are committed to continue promoting training, for African countries, upon their request, to build regulatory capacity, and support the development of regional centers of excellence. By doing so, we support African countries move from being passive recipients of technology to active contributors and decision-makers in global nuclear governance.
Empowering Africa’s voice:
In every forum whether as Vice Chair of the Board of Governors, as Chair of the G77 Vienna Chapter, or as President of the IAEA’s General Conference, Morocco advocates for Africa’s stronger participation in shaping international standards, programs, and priorities. I believe that Africa’s growing interest in nuclear science and technology must be matched by a stronger African voice at the table. This is not only fair; it is essential for the legitimacy and sustainability of the global nuclear order.