Rafael Grossi

Rafael Grossi
source
Name	Rafael Grossi
Office	Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency
Term start	3 December 2019
Predecessor	Yukiya Amano
Birth date	23 March 1961
Birth place	Buenos Aires, Argentina
Nationality	Argentine
Alma mater	Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina, University of Geneva
Profession	Diplomat

Rafael Grossi is an Argentine diplomat who has served as the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) since December 2019. A seasoned career diplomat with extensive experience in nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, he succeeded Yukiya Amano to lead the United Nations nuclear watchdog during a period of significant international tension. His tenure has been defined by high-stakes diplomatic engagements in regions including Ukraine, Iran, and the Korean Peninsula.

Early life and education

Born in Buenos Aires, he pursued higher education at the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina, where he studied political science. He furthered his academic training in international relations at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland. His early professional development was shaped by Argentina's active role in global non-proliferation efforts following the establishment of the Brazilian-Argentine Agency for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials.

Diplomatic career

He joined the Argentine Foreign Service and held various postings, including a significant role as Chief of Staff to the President of the 2005 NPT Review Conference. He served as Argentina's Ambassador to Austria and as its Resident Representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency and the United Nations Office at Vienna. Prior to his election as Director General, he held the position of Assistant Director General for Policy at the IAEA, where he headed the Department of Technical Cooperation.

Director General of the IAEA

Elected by the IAEA Board of Governors in October 2019 and confirmed by the IAEA General Conference, he began his term focusing on modernizing the agency's technical capabilities and reinforcing its role in nuclear verification and safety. His leadership was immediately tested by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which required adapting the agency's operations and support to member states. A central and ongoing aspect of his tenure has involved direct missions to nuclear facilities in Ukraine, including Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, following its seizure by Russian Armed Forces during the Russo-Ukrainian War.

Key initiatives and stances

He has been a vocal advocate for the protection of civilian nuclear facilities during armed conflict, repeatedly calling for the establishment of a safety and security protection zone around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, he has overseen the IAEA's monitoring and verification activities in Iran, reporting on the country's nuclear program to the United Nations Security Council. He has also emphasized the importance of nuclear technology for sustainable development, supporting projects in areas like cancer treatment, food security, and climate change mitigation under the Atoms for Peace and Development program.

Awards and recognition

His diplomatic service has been recognized with several national honors, including the Order of the Liberator General San Martín from the Government of Argentina. He has received awards for his contributions to international security and non-proliferation from various institutions. His ongoing work in Ukraine earned him a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize by a group of European parliamentarians in recognition of his efforts to prevent a nuclear catastrophe.

Category:1961 births Category:Living people Category:Argentine diplomats Category:Directors General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Category:Alumni of the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina Category:Ambassadors of Argentina to Austria