Slovakia’s Peter Burian Elected President of IAEA 69th General Conference

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has elected Peter Burian, the Resident Representative of the Republic of Slovakia, as the President of its 69th General Conference. The election took place at the opening session following consultations among Member States.

The presidency of the General Conference is a rotating position, held for the duration of the annual session. Last year, the role was held by Sang Wook Ham of the Republic of Korea.

A Seasoned Slovak Diplomat

Burian brings decades of diplomatic and international service experience to the position. In 2023, he was appointed as Slovakia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and other international organizations in Vienna.

Currently, Burian is also serving as President of the 12th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC). His election to lead the IAEA General Conference underscores his standing as a respected figure in multilateral diplomacy.

Distinguished Career in Diplomacy

Over the course of his career, Burian has held numerous senior roles in Slovakia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and abroad, including:

• Ambassador-at-Large for Human Rights (2021–2023).

• EU Special Representative for Central Asia (2015–2021), where he helped shape the EU’s engagement with the region.

• State Secretary and First Deputy Minister of Foreign and European Affairs (2012–2015), responsible for security policy, economic diplomacy, development cooperation, and relations with Eastern Partnership countries.

• Ambassador to the United States (2008–2012).

• Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the UN in New York (2004–2008), including service on the UN Security Council (2006–2007).

• Ambassador to NATO and the Western European Union (1999–2003).

His long record of service also includes leadership in international security, human rights, and economic cooperation, areas central to the IAEA’s mission of promoting peaceful nuclear technology and global non-proliferation.

Recognition and Education

Burian has received several awards and medals of honour for his role in advancing international cooperation and strengthening Slovakia’s diplomatic presence on the world stage.

He is a graduate of St. Petersburg University’s School of Oriental Studies and holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Comenius University in Slovakia.

Guiding the 69th IAEA General Conference

The IAEA General Conference is the highest policymaking body of the Agency, where all Member States come together annually to set priorities, review activities, and decide on budget and policy matters. As President, Burian will chair sessions, facilitate consensus, and represent the Conference in official functions throughout its duration.

His leadership comes at a time of growing interest in nuclear energy as a clean, secure, and sustainable source of power, alongside heightened global discussions on nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation.