Officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that despite the global financial crisis, there is still a growing long-term demand for new nuclear power plants. They are gathering in Beijing to discuss the future of atomic power in the midst of a global slowdown, climate change concerns, and tensions over nuclear programs in countries like North Korea and Iran. While funding for new nuclear power plants may be more challenging in the short term due to the financial crisis, there is confidence that energy security and global warming concerns will ultimately outweigh the impact of the crisis on the nuclear sector. Dong Batong, a representative of China's atomic energy industry association, stated that China is dedicated to significantly increasing nuclear power despite a decrease in growth. He emphasized that nuclear power is being used as a key strategy to boost domestic demand, with numerous new nuclear units either being constructed or planned throughout the country. The International Atomic Energy Agency based in Vienna reports that nuclear power currently supplies 14% of global electricity, a percentage that is expected to rise as countries aim to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The majority of this expansion is projected to occur in Asia, with China leading in the construction of nuclear power plants, followed by India and South Korea. Yuri Sokolov, deputy director-general of the IAEA, emphasized the importance of ensuring safety standards and safeguards against weapons proliferation as developing countries pursue nuclear power expansion. He stated that governments must support regulators with effective legislation and well-trained staff. Despite North Korea's controversial actions, Sokolov acknowledged their right to have nuclear power stations and expressed hope for international cooperation to support their civil nuclear power development. North Korea withdrew from the IAEA some years ago and recently kicked out IAEA officials who had returned to oversee a closed nuclear facility that North Korea plans to reopen. The head of the IAEA, Mohamed ElBaradei, will deliver the opening address at the nuclear energy conference on Monday.