On September 17, 2024, during the 68th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Isabelle Rosabrunetto, Director General of Monaco’s Department of External Relations and Cooperation, signed a Financing Agreement with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. The agreement, supporting the ‘Rays of Hope’ initiative for 2024-2025, reaffirms Monaco’s commitment to combating cancer, one of the world’s leading non-communicable diseases.
Monaco has supported the IAEA’s efforts to fight cancer since 2007, particularly through the Rays of Hope initiative since its launch in 2022. This initiative focuses on establishing radiotherapy units in countries without such facilities and strengthening existing infrastructure to enhance cancer prevention and treatment. Initially piloted in seven African countries, it has since expanded to regions in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
The Principality’s ongoing contribution aligns with the IAEA’s mission to promote the peaceful use of nuclear technology for human and economic development. It also supports Sustainable Development Goal 3 on “health and well-being for all,” particularly target 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by one third by 2030.
With an estimated 24 million new cancer cases annually by 2030, and 70 percent of cancer-related deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries, Monaco’s financial support plays a crucial role in addressing this global public health challenge.
