INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY

(IAEA) autonomous intergovernmental organization dedicated to increasing the contribution of atomic energy to the world's peace and well-being and ensuring that agency assistance is not used for military purposes. The agency was established on Oct. 23, 1956, with the approval of a statute that came into force on July 29, 1957. Its activities include research on the applications of atomic energy to medicine, agriculture, water location, and industry; the operation of conferences, training programs, fellowships, and publications to promote the exchange of technical information and skills; provision of technical assistance, especially to less developed countries; and the establishment and administration of radiation safeguards. The General Conference, consisting of all members, meets annually to approve the budget and programs; the Board of Governors, with 34 members, carries out the agency's statutory functions; the Secretariat, consisting of professional and general staff, executes the agency's programs. Headquarters are in Vienna.