Officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that despite the global financial crisis, the demand for new nuclear power plants is expected to continue to grow in the long term. Representatives from various countries and organizations are meeting in Beijing to discuss the future of atomic power in light of concerns such as climate change, energy security, and tensions surrounding nuclear programs in North Korea and Iran. While the financial crisis may pose challenges in funding new nuclear power plants in the short term, the need for energy and concerns about global warming are likely to mitigate the impact of the crisis on the nuclear energy sector. Dong Batong, from China's atomic energy industry association, stated that China is dedicated to significantly increasing nuclear power, despite a slowdown in growth. He mentioned that nuclear power is being used as a way to boost domestic demand, with many new nuclear units being constructed or planned throughout the country. According to the IAEA in Vienna, nuclear power currently supplies 14% of global electricity, and this percentage is expected to rise as countries aim to reduce fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The majority of this growth is anticipated to occur in Asia, with China leading the way in terms of nuclear power plant construction, followed by India and South Korea, according to the International Energy Agency data as of August 2008. The ambitious plans for nuclear power expansion in developing countries could potentially strain safety standards and safeguards against weapons proliferation. According to Yuri Sokolov, deputy director-general of the IAEA, governments seeking to increase nuclear energy must ensure that regulators are supported by effective laws and well-trained personnel. Despite North Korea's recent controversial actions, Sokolov believes that every country has the right to pursue civilian nuclear programs, including North Korea. He described North Korea as a challenging situation but suggested that if the country is willing to cooperate with the international community, support for the development of civil nuclear power in North Korea could be provided. North Korea withdrew from the IAEA several years ago and recently kicked out IAEA officials who were invited to monitor a closed nuclear facility that North Korea plans to reopen. Mohamed ElBaradei, the director-general of the IAEA, will deliver the opening speech at the nuclear energy meeting on Monday.