Chairperson, Ministers in the House, Deputy Ministers, hon members, the amendments to articles 6 and 14 of the statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, stands to benefit countries of the South, particularly, Africa. These amendments will increase Africa's participation in the IAEA board of governors; the voice of our continent will be strengthened.
Article 6 in particular seeks to do the following: firstly, to expand the composition of the board of governors from the current composition of 35 to 43 members; secondly, to set out a list of possible criteria to be taken into account when the board designates members; and, thirdly, to provide for each member state to be included in the regional or aerial group determined by the agency.
This will result in the implementation of a carefully crafted, long-sought solution to issues associated with the representation of members of the board of governors, and contribute largely towards enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Furthermore, article 14 seeks to change the programme and budget processes to be biannual rather that annual as is currently the case.
It also seeks to ensure that the IAEA budgeting is in line with the virtually universal practice amongst United Nations organisations. This will ensure that there is only one programme budget document and one appropriate resolution covering the whole two years.
Article 14(a) also seeks to ensure better facilitation of the programme planning and increase flexibility in programme implementation. That will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the programme delivery. As a country, we have been steadfast in supporting proportional representation of member states on the board of governors, and we believe that the expansion of the Board is in the right direction, especially for the African region consolidating its representatives and making sure that the board of governors ensures greater proportional representation of the entire region.
This amendment will also be of benefit to the region, again to make sure that the decision-making body can be enlarged and that we can then benefit. I urge the House to support this amendment based on the recommendation by the meeting of the Portfolio Committee on Energy on 7 September.
Everyone supported this because they were just straightforward. We believe that through what we have discussed earlier on, we will be able to get skills from some of the scientists in respect of the nuclear industry. I hope that the House will ratify these amendments. I thank you. [Applause.]
There was no debate.
Amendments to Articles VI and XIV.A of the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, approved.