From the Busan University of Foreign Studies in Korea
Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the Busan University of Foreign Studies (BUFS).
In recognition of his decades of distinguished contribution to the field of non-proliferation and disarmament and exemplary leadership in the challenge of the Ukraine Nuclear Crisis, Mr. Grossi was made an ‘Honorary Doctor of Global Studies, the highest honor the university can bestow, at a ceremony in Daejeon, South Korea on Dec.14.
Hon. Ban, Ki-moon, the eighth UN Secretary-General, and Hon. Park, Jin gave congratulatory remarks and representatives from Korean Academia and Nuclear Community together commemorated the occasion.
Mr. Grossi served in various leadership positions in the IAEA as well as OPCW (Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons).
Mr. Grossi was chief of staff for both IAEA and OPCW.
He acted as President Designate of the 2020 Review Conference of the Parties to the NPT, and he also served as president of the Nuclear Supplier Group.
In 2015, Mr. Grossi presided over the Diplomatic Conference of the Convention on Nuclear Safety, securing unanimous approval for the Vienna Declaration on Nuclear Safety – a milestone in international efforts in the wake of the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident, in which I also had privileged to participate as global nuclear safety expert to visit the accident site. Mr. Grossi began the duty of IAEA Director General in December 2019.
Commenting on Mr. Grossi’s recognition by BUFS, the University’s President, Dr. Chang Soon Heung said “Whether the issues and challenges are in Iran, North Korea, or in Ukraine, Mr. Grossi was there to intervene and led the Nuclear Community by action both in the conference room and in the field meeting with all the stakeholders like Mr. Zelensky, Mr. Putin, and Mr. Macron in person, mitigating the situation and willing to build a common solution for humanity with respect.” and “More than ever, we need global leadership which could bring countries together based on trust and practical cooperation. Mr. Grossi has proven records being a Global Peace Architect, Mediator, and Catalytic Leader.”
Reflecting on the ceremony and award, Mr. Grossi said “Growing up in a street in Argentina playing football as a child of an immigrant like Messi, I know the value of good education and opportunities in a sustainable environment and I am grateful for the honor.” and “IAEA has been steadfast in promoting peace and development in the World. I will continue to strive for achieving Sustainable Peace in the Korean Peninsula and the World”