Diana Vasconcelos

🇺🇳 and aspiring 👩🏽‍🌾

[Rafael Mariano Grossi @rafaelmgrossi]

Back in Geneva this week, and back in the Council Chamber where I began my career as a young diplomat 40 years ago.

Many of the themes depicted in José María Sert’s murals - war and peace, division and cooperation, destruction and reconstruction - are still very much with us today.

With conflicts and tensions rising in many parts of the world, the aspiration for peace and multilateralism is as strong as ever.

And just like this room, which is currently being restored, institutions and peace itself require constant care and renewal.

The work is never complete.

[Rafael Mariano Grossi @rafaelmgrossi]

Honoured to be included in @TIME’s list of this year’s 100 most influential people in the world.

This recognition reflects the work we do every day at the @IAEAorg on nuclear safety and security, non-proliferation, and the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology to improve lives around the world. We will keep building on this important work and on helping ensure that multilateralism remains fit for purpose in addressing global challenges.

https://t.co/UYmTZ5Fx5w

[Rafael Mariano Grossi @rafaelmgrossi]

At @AgendaCAF’s #ForoEconómicoCAF in Panama, I spoke about why energy security has become central to growth: without reliable energy, there is no economic activity, no digital transformation, no development.

That’s why nuclear energy is back at the centre of the global debate. It already provides around 10% of the world’s electricity and close to a third of all low-carbon power. Its predictability and reliability matter even more as economies digitalize and as AI & data centres demand for electricity that never stops.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, nuclear power is already part of the energy mix in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, and interest is growing across the region. New technologies such as small modular reactors SMRs are opening doors for more countries. Financing is essential, and cooperation with @AgendaCAF, the @worldbankgroup, @the_IDB and other institutions is helping turn interest into concrete plans.

This is precisely what international organizations are there for: to act as enablers, to connect partners and to turn opportunity into reality. The @IAEAorg stands ready to support countries every step of the way to ensure nuclear energy is used safely and securely.

It was a privilege to join leaders today, including 🇵🇦 @presidenciapma’s @JoseRaulMulino, 🇧🇷 @govbr’s @LulaOficial, 🇧🇴 @Ofiprebo’s @Rodrigo_PazP, 🇨🇴 @infopresidencia’s @petrogustavo, 🇪🇨 @Presidencia_Ec’s @DanielNoboaOk, 🇬🇹 @GuatemalaGob’s @BArevalodeLeon, 🇯🇲 @OPMJamaica’s @AndrewHolnessJM, 🇨🇱 @Presidencia_cl’s @joseantoniokast, and @AgendaCAF’s @sergiodigra in this timely regional conversation.

[Rafael Mariano Grossi @rafaelmgrossi]

Two forces are reshaping our world at once: the rise of artificial intelligence and the global transition to clean, reliable energy.

Opened @IAEAorg’s International Symposium on AI and Nuclear Energy today and highlighted how these two forces are converging and redefining the new global economy in what I call a structural alliance, “Atoms for Algorithms,” where nuclear powers AI and AI propels nuclear forward.

AI’s demand for vast, uninterrupted electricity was always going to lead it to nuclear energy. Algorithms need 24/7 power. Data centres consume hundreds of terawatt hours a year, and their growth is accelerating. Nuclear energy, SMRs included, is uniquely placed to provide the reliability, scale and low-carbon performance that an AI-driven world requires.

At the same time, AI is already improving nuclear operations, design, safety and safeguards, from predictive maintenance to satellite-image analysis. It is happening in IAEA labs and in our work with countries everywhere.

Around the world, this convergence is speeding up. Countries in every region are planning new reactors, including SMRs, to meet rising digital demand. Trillions in data centre investments will reshape energy maps from Asia to Africa to Latin America. The IAEA is helping countries prepare, plan and build nuclear programmes safely and securely, while guiding the responsible integration of AI across the sector. Our recent partnerships with the @WorldBank, the @ADB_HQ and others will help turn this momentum into real projects.

This #NuclearAI Symposium brings together representatives from more than 250 organizations. Over the coming days, we will work to advance clean energy solutions for AI and data centres and to improve nuclear performance worldwide. Let us build this future, not just predict it. Because if we get it right, data centres will run on clean power, AI will expand human creativity, and nuclear will anchor a sustainable digital age for all.

[Rafael Mariano Grossi @rafaelmgrossi]

Honored to meet President @bongbongmarcos and reaffirm @IAEAorg’s full support as the Philippines explores the safe use of nuclear energy for power and for wider peaceful applications. #NUTECPlastics against plastic pollution is a strong example of how nuclear science can contribute to 🇵🇭 priorities.

The IAEA is fully committed to supporting the country’s ambitions and grateful to the Philippines for hosting the NUTEC Plastics Forum.

[Rafael Mariano Grossi @rafaelmgrossi]

A major step for nuclear in Asia and the Pacific: with @ADBPresident Masato Kanda, we signed a new @IAEAorg/@ADB_HQ agreement that will help countries in the region access the financing and expertise they need to meet rising energy demand with nuclear power.

Following the Agency’s landmark partnership with the @WorldBank I signed with President Ajay Banga earlier this year, today’s agreement further strengthens global support for nuclear as countries look for energy access and security.

[Rafael Mariano Grossi @rafaelmgrossi]

Nuclear science is giving countries practical and scalable tools to tackle plastic pollution. Together with President @bongbongmarcos of the Philippines and @ADB_HQ @ADBPresident Masato Kanda, I opened the International High Level Forum on #NUTECPlastics in Manila, where we are looking at how the @IAEAorg is supporting efforts to push back on this issue.

We are helping countries both to track and understand microplastic pollution and to upcycle plastic waste into valuable products. These are not theoretical ideas. They are already being used to create durable construction materials, industrial fuel, wax, high quality fabrics and more.

The challenge is massive. Twenty million tonnes of plastic enter our waters every year, around 2,000 truckloads a day, disrupting ecosystems, food chains and livelihoods. This in turn costs governments billions on cleanup and mitigation every year.

That’s why IAEA’s #NUTECplastics is moving fast. More than 50 countries are advancing radiation assisted upcycling, while our global marine monitoring network now links 114 laboratories in 102 countries, all trained in harmonized sampling and analysis.

The Philippines 🇵🇭 is the right place to host this forum, with its strong scientific base and concrete progress in demonstrating how NUTEC Plastics can deliver real solutions, including through a demonstration plant.

Watch the Forum live: https://t.co/Ig8vuw6zNY

[Rafael Mariano Grossi @rafaelmgrossi]

I had the honour of speaking at the First International Conference of Italophonia in Rome 🇮🇹 today, a gathering that celebrates something far greater than language. Italophonia gives form to a reality already alive across continents: a living community linked by language, history and human connection.

Italy’s global presence has been shaped through art, innovation, science, work and the determination of ordinary people. Italians went out into the world building railways, neighbourhoods, communities and prosperity. This ability to connect and to create is the heart of Italophonia.

As someone who learned Italian as a child in Argentina in a family with Italian roots, I carry this story personally. Millions across the world do. The Italian language has been a bridge of understanding for centuries, from Renaissance diplomacy to modern science. It still carries the voices of Guicciardini, Castiglione and Machiavelli. Fermi, Amaldi and the ragazzi di via Panisperna laid the foundations of nuclear energy and reminded the world that scientific progress must be guided by responsibility. Their legacy remains central to the mission of the @IAEAorg today.

At a time when multilateralism faces serious challenges, Italophonia reminds us that diplomacy begins with people and culture. It shows that cooperation takes many forms, and that shared language can inspire unity even when politics becomes difficult.

My thanks to @ItalyMFA_int’s @Antonio_Tajani for the invitation and for launching this important initiative. I am proud to be part of this community, which carries forward values of dialogue and peace, and continues to enrich the world through its culture and sense of shared humanity that unites us.

[Rafael Mariano Grossi @rafaelmgrossi]

Oggi ho avuto l'onore di intervenire alla Prima Conferenza Internazionale dell'Italofonia a Roma 🇮🇹, un evento che celebra non solo la lingua italiana ma ciò che essa rappresenta: una comunità vivente legata dalla lingua, dalla storia e dai rapporti umani.

La presenza globale dell'Italia è stata plasmata dall'arte, dall'innovazione, dalla scienza, dal lavoro e dalla determinazione della gente comune. Gli italiani sono andati nel mondo costruendo ferrovie, quartieri, comunità e prosperità. Questa capacità di connettersi e creare è il cuore dell'Italofonia.

Essendo cresciuto in Argentina in una famiglia con radici italiane, ho imparato l'italiano da bambino e porto questa storia nel cuore. Come milioni di persone in tutto il mondo. La lingua italiana è stata per secoli un potente mezzo di comprensione reciproca, dalla diplomazia rinascimentale alla scienza moderna. Porta ancora con sé le voci di Guicciardini, Castiglione e Machiavelli. Fermi, Amaldi e i ragazzi di via Panisperna hanno gettato le basi dell'energia nucleare e hanno ricordato al mondo che il progresso scientifico deve essere guidato dalla responsabilità. La loro eredità rimane centrale nella missione dell'@IAEAorg oggi.

In un momento in cui il multilateralismo affronta importanti sfide, l'#italofonia ci ricorda che la diplomazia inizia con le persone e la cultura. Dimostra che la cooperazione assume molte forme e che una lingua condivisa può ispirare l'unità anche quando la politica diventa difficile.

Ringrazio @Antonio_Tajani di @ItalyMFA per l'invito e per aver lanciato questa importante iniziativa. Sono orgoglioso di far parte di questa comunità, che porta avanti i valori del dialogo e della pace e continua ad arricchire il mondo attraverso la sua cultura e il senso di umanità condivisa che ci unisce.

[Rafael Mariano Grossi @rafaelmgrossi]

Presented @IAEAorg’s 2024 Annual Report to the @UN General Assembly #UNGA in New York.

At a time of conflict and growing inequality, we must choose to face today’s realities with open eyes and act. The IAEA is doing just that: rising to challenges and maximizing the enormous benefits of nuclear science and technology.

Some of our achievements include:

•⁠ ⁠Ensuring nuclear safety and security amid war, including through our permanent presence in Ukraine, where we just helped restore off-site power to ZNPP;
•⁠ ⁠Advancing non-proliferation through active engagement with Iran. I highlighted the support of Egypt for some of our efforts in this regard;
•⁠ ⁠Positive steps in Syria, where we are resuming inspection work to clarify past issues and strengthen cooperation;
•⁠ ⁠Supporting the growing global momentum for nuclear power, with 60 reactors under construction and many more planned;
•⁠ ⁠Expanding access to life-saving cancer care in 40 countries through #RaysOfHope;
•⁠ ⁠Tackling hunger with #Atoms4Food and reducing plastic pollution with #NUTECPlastics;
•⁠ ⁠Raising the share of women in professional and higher categories from 28% to 52%, supported by initiatives that open doors and ensure the Agency reflects the society we serve.

Our work shows that multilateral action can deliver. For peace, for progress, for all.

Thank you, @UN_PGA Annalena Baerbock, for presiding over today’s session and for your leadership and partnership.

IAEA’s 2024 Annual Report is available here: https://t.co/B82q21hD0C

[Rafael Mariano Grossi @rafaelmgrossi]

Marking 70 years of Austria in the @UN. Back in the 1950s, Vienna, scarred by war, had the vision to host several international organizations dedicated to peace.

At today’s event to mark this occasion, with @MFA_Austria’s @BMeinl, @UN_Vienna’s @GhadaFathiWaly and USG Catherine Pollard, we looked back at the original VIC plans and the agreement that made Austria the home of the @IAEAorg.

Today Vienna is indeed a different city, but it remains true to that vision of peace and international cooperation. 🇦🇹🇺🇳

[Rafael Mariano Grossi @rafaelmgrossi]

At @FundPulaskiego’s @warsawforum #WSF2025 in Warsaw 🇵🇱, underlined how civil nuclear energy is central to both decarbonization and energy security:

Today, around 100 reactors operate across Europe, already providing a quarter of the continent’s electricity and half of its clean power. Around the world, more and more countries are exploring nuclear to diversify their energy mix and strengthen long-term energy security.

And for the first time, demand is driving nuclear. From AI and data centers to industrial needs, sectors are turning to nuclear for reliable, low-carbon energy, backed by fresh engagement from international financial institutions like the @WorldBank.

The @IAEAorg is here to ensure this expansion happens safely, securely, and with the highest non-proliferation standards.

[Rafael Mariano Grossi @rafaelmgrossi]

Three years after launching @IAEAorg’s #RaysOfHope, I was proud to join African leaders in Addis Ababa 🇪🇹 to take stock and shape the path ahead.
Even as the world faces many crises, Africa’s urgent cancer care needs remain and we are delivering real progress.

[Rafael Mariano Grossi @rafaelmgrossi]

As wars & conflicts rage elsewhere, Africa's needs don't stop. Cancer is a top cause of death here, taking ≈2000 lives/day.
Three years ago, here @_AfricanUnion HQ 🇪🇹, we launched #RaysOfHope. Today, this initiative is real, bringing cancer care to countries that had none. (1/5)

[Rafael Mariano Grossi @rafaelmgrossi]

Engaging with real people, real voices, & local communities is key for honest conversations on nuclear energy. That’s why this week’s @IAEAorg conference on stakeholder engagement is so timely.

Thanks to Robert Stone and @isabelleboemeke for the opening debate. #LetsTalkNuclear:

[Rafael Mariano Grossi @rafaelmgrossi]

For the past 3 years, we’ve been teetering on the brink of a nuclear accident.
I welcome developments on restraint around energy infrastructure. Its implementation will contribute to the safety of ZNPP and pave way to further stabilization.
@IAEAorg remains present.

[Rafael Mariano Grossi @rafaelmgrossi]

Como Director General del @IAEAorg, mi misión es promover el uso seguro y pacífico de la energía nuclear.
En esta entrevista con @LANACION, comparto experiencias y desafíos en este camino. https://t.co/0vVMF4mgA3

[UN Environment Programme @UNEP]

For decades, people have used cosmetics to lighten their skin tone. But many of these products contain toxic ingredients—banned in many places, yet still on the shelves.

Dangerous. Toxic. UnnecessaryFor decades, people have used cosmetics to lighten their skin tone. But many of these products contain toxic ingredients—banned in many places, yet still on the shelves.

Dangerous. Toxic. UnnecessaryFor decades, people have used cosmetics to lighten their skin tone. But many of these products contain toxic ingredients—banned in many places, yet still on the shelves.

Dangerous. Toxic. UnnecessaryFor decades, people have used cosmetics to lighten their skin tone. But many of these products contain toxic ingredients—banned in many places, yet still on the shelves.

Dangerous. Toxic. UnnecessaryFor decades, people have used cosmetics to lighten their skin tone. But many of these products contain toxic ingredients—banned in many places, yet still on the shelves.

Dangerous. Toxic. UnnecessaryFor decades, people have used cosmetics to lighten their skin tone. But many of these products contain toxic ingredients—banned in many places, yet still on the shelves.

Dangerous. Toxic. Unnecessary.

[UN Environment Programme @UNEP]

🔎🪶 The real culprit isn’t just one driver—it’s habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change.

It’s time to clean up the mess before more species are lost. Case closed, reward pending.

#RIPduo

[UN Environment Programme @UNEP]

💨 What percentage of the global population breathes polluted air?