Belmopan, November 13, 2019
Belize and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have ratified the 2019-2023 Country Programme Framework (CPF), which outlines the strategic structure for cooperation between IAEA and Belize over the next four years. The CPF prioritizes radiation safety, food and agriculture, human health, water and environment, and energy.
Previous Successes
The newly signed CPF replaces the 2010-2015 version, which led to various successful collaboration projects in Belize, including:
- The development of a phytosanitary infrastructure to establish and maintain a fruit fly area in collaboration with the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA).
- The establishment of a Chemical Residue Testing laboratory.
- The development of a National Chemical Contaminant Residue Monitoring program by the Central Investigation Laboratory (CIL) of BAHA, which provides testing support for Belize’s Food Safety Inspection and export certification programs.
Technical cooperation and collaboration programs will be designed and executed in line with national development frameworks, such as Horizon 2030 and the Belize Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy, as well as international development agendas, including the Sustainable Development Goals and the Small Island Developing States Accelerated Modalities of Action priorities.
Collaborative Leadership
The CPF initiative is led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with significant support from key national stakeholders including the Department of the Environment and the Ministry of Health.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Wilfred Elrington signed the 2019-2023 CPF on behalf of the Government of Belize, accompanied by Director of International Affairs (Cooperation) Mrs. Orla Kantun-Coleman. The signing for IAEA was conducted by Deputy Director General H.E. Dazhu Yang, with Ms. Magali Zapata Cazier, IAEA Program Management Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean, delivering the document to Belize on behalf of H.E. Yang.