H.E. Azzeddine Farhane, Morocco’s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to International Organisations in Vienna, has recently been elected Vice-Chair of the IAEA Board of Governors, underlining Morocco’s growing leadership role in multilateral nuclear diplomacy.
Graduated in political science, journalism and international law, Ambassador Farhane joined Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs early in his career, developing expertise in disarmament, human rights, and multilateral negotiations. His career includes serving as Chair of the Vienna Chapter of the Group of 77 and China, where he coordinated the positions of over 130 developing nations within UN bodies such as the IAEA, UNIDO, and UNODC. He also represented Morocco in the Nuclear Security Summit process, highlighting the country’s commitment to global nuclear security, and served as Director General for UN Affairs in Morocco’s Foreign Ministry. Elected by acclamation as President of the 64th IAEA General Conference in 2020, he promoted dialogue and inclusiveness amid global challenges.
In his capacity as Vice-Chair of the IAEA Board of Governors, Ambassador Farhane aims to strengthen dialogue, trust, and consensus within the Agency, ensuring that all member states feel represented. Drawing from his experience leading the G77, he intends to foster inclusiveness and transparency in decision-making. His priorities include maintaining balance among the IAEA’s three pillars safety, security, and safeguards, while emphasizing the importance of technical cooperation for development. He also seeks to make Africa’s voice heard in the Board’s deliberations, ensuring that the continent’s growing interest in nuclear applications for health, agriculture, and energy is fully supported by the Agency.
Morocco’s role in the IAEA reflects its position as a bridge-builder between North and South. Through institutions like CNESTEN and AMSSNUR, Morocco not only develops its national nuclear infrastructure but also serves as a regional hub for training and capacity-building in Africa. The country has taken leadership roles in promoting the interests of developing nations and advocating for stronger technical cooperation funding, underlining the social and developmental value of nuclear technology.
Besides, Morocco’s vision within the IAEA aligns with its broader African policy under the leadership of King Mohammed VI to foster self-reliance, cooperation, and influence for Africa in global governance. The country’s approach to nuclear energy rests on five principles: responsibility, inclusiveness, development, preparedness, and partnership.
Nuclear technologies already play a crucial role in Morocco’s national development in healthcare, radiotherapy, cancer treatment, water management, and agriculture. These applications demonstrate how nuclear science contributes directly to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Morocco also seeks to act as a catalyst for Africa’s integration into the global nuclear knowledge economy, supporting capacity-building and regional centers of excellence.
Ambassador Farhane concludes that 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 Morocco‘s 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 will contribute to build an Africa which is more self-reliant and more influential in global nuclear governance.
The interview with H.E. Azzeddine Farhane on his new role as Vice-Chair of the IAEA Board of Governors is available on the following website https://www.society.at/i-attach-special-importance-to-amplifying-the-voice-of-africa-within-the-board/