Minister Multala to attend IAEA General Conference in Vienna

Minister Multala to attend IAEA General Conference in Vienna

Minister of the Environment and Climate Sari Multala will take part in the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna on 15-16 September 2025. On Monday, she will deliver Finland's national statement to the plenary.

Minister Multala's speech will focus on the future potential of nuclear energy, international developments in the sector, and the global need to ensure nuclear safety. Finland makes extensive use of nuclear power, is actively developing conditions for new projects, and leads the way in implementing concrete solutions for nuclear waste management.

"Nuclear power plays a key role in our clean energy production. As demand for electricity increases, Finland will need more nuclear power. Nuclear energy offers solutions to meet out climate goals, while securing energy availability for major growth investments in Finland. The Finnish nuclear energy sector also brings world-class knowledge to the table, and I'm pleased to promote its excellence at the key international gathering of the year," says Minister of the Environment and Climate Sari Multala.

During the conference, Minister Multala will also meet with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi to discuss current issues on the agency's agenda.

In addition, Minister Multala will hold several other bilateral meetings. Topics of discussion with US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright will include current energy themes between Finland and the United States.

The minister will also meet with Qatar's Minister of Environment and Climate Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Subaie; Estonia's Minister for Energy and Environment Andres Sutt; and Director of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy Benoît Revaz.

On Monday afternoon, Minister Multala will open the Finland Pavilion event hosted by Finnuclear and Finnish companies at the exhibition area. She will also speak at a side event showcasing Finland's expertise in building a spent nuclear fuel repository. The second speaker will be Massimo Aparo, Deputy Director General of the IAEA and Head of the Department of Safeguards. The panel will feature experts from Finnish nuclear energy companies, Municipality of Eurajoki, Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, VTT and Geological Survey of Finland.

According to Minister Multala, recent years have demonstrated that nuclear power is a vital part of producing affordable, clean and secure energy. Building new plants and extending the lifespan of existing ones can help curb climate change, strengthen energy self-sufficiency and lay the foundation for sustainable growth.

Minister Multala highlights the ambitious Government Programme to advance nuclear energy. New projects are welcomed, and legislation is being updated to reflect the evolving role of nuclear power. Various financing models for new initiatives are also under review. Looking ahead, Finland will need small modular reactors (SMRs), and the country aims to serve as a testbed for these technologies.

"Finland is internationally recognised for our solutions in the final disposal of spent nuclear fuel. We have built up considerable expertise in nuclear waste management, and Finnish companies are well-positioned to share this knowledge globally. New projects and international partnerships will open up significant business opportunities," Minister Multala says.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an independent UN agency, which promotes peaceful and safe use of nuclear energy. The General Conference is the agency's highest decision-making body. High-level representatives from 177 Member States and other countries and organisations will convene in Vienna for the Conference.

Inquiries:
Eemil Nuuttila, Special Adviser to the Minister of the Environment and Climate, tel. +358 44 332 8332
Juho Korteniemi, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 567 0715
Elina Johansson, Adviser to the Minister of Climate and the Environment, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 301 4607