IAEA Board of Governors
Agenda item 8: Restoration of Sovereign Equality of IAEA Member States
5 March 2026
Statement delivered by Australia on behalf of the members of the Southeast Asia and the Pacific (SEAP) Group
Chair
The following statement is made on behalf of the members of the Southeast Asia and the Pacific (SEAP) group.
SEAP is committed to established practice in the matter of Board composition. However, we are not opposed to thoughtful and constructive reform and we believe it is essential that any future changes clearly demonstrate improved outcomes for all Member States.
Chair
SEAP encourages further discussions in an inclusive manner, to find a sustainable, long-term, and consensus-based solution to address the situation of arealess states. SEAP has always been open to considering well-founded applications for Group membership and well-developed proposals for Board expansion that respect the principle of geographic diversity. In 2024, SEAP admitted Brunei Darussalam as a member of the group – a consensual decision made by all group members.
Through joint efforts, including by the Group of Friends of Arealess States, the number of arealess states has been reduced from 17 to 12. SEAP views this progress as a significant achievement that provides positive momentum towards the allocation of remaining arealess states.
Please be assured of the support and good will of all of our delegations.
Thank you, Chair.