On April 10, 2025, Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), visited the School of International Studies (SIS) at Peking University. Professor Tang Shiqi, Dean of the School, met with the distinguished guests. The delegation included IAEA Deputy Director General Liu Hua, Chief of the Director General’s Office Jacek Andrzej Byllica, Special Assistant to the Director General for Human Resources Mariela Adriana Forgante, Director of the Technical Cooperation Department Deng Ge, and Director of the Nuclear Energy Department Huang Wei. Also present were Huang Ping, Secretary-General of China’s National Atomic Energy Agency, Division Director Gu Shaogang, and Zhang Haibin, Vice Dean of the School of International Studies.

Meeting Scene

Dean Tang Shiqi first welcomed Director General Grossi and his delegation. He introduced the history and educational characteristics of the School of International Studies, particularly the teaching and research progress of the Department of International Organizations and International Public Policy, and expressed hope for cooperation in student internships at the IAEA.

Director General Grossi thanked Dean Tang for the reception and explained the purpose of his visit to China. He noted China’s growing influence in international organizations, including the IAEA, and commended the School’s efforts in cultivating talents for international organizations. The two sides engaged in in-depth discussions on internships at international organizations.

Group Photo

After the meeting, Director General Grossi delivered a lecture titled “The Role of the IAEA in Global Governance and Development Cooperation in the Nuclear Field” in Classroom C307. Vice Dean Zhang Haibin presided over the lecture. Tenured Associate Professors Chen Shaofeng and Luo Hang, along with over a hundred Chinese and international students from more than ten schools and departments of Peking University, attended the event.

Professor Zhang HaiBin Presiding

In his lecture, Director General Grossi systematically introduced the IAEA’s development history, decision-making mechanisms, and important role. He pointed out that the IAEA has the critical mission of maintaining fundamental norms of international relations, promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and preventing nuclear proliferation, describing it as an international organization “with teeth.” Nuclear energy, with its “dual nature,” is both a key pillar of global energy transition and an important issue in international security. Director General Grossi specifically mentioned China’s leading role in global nuclear energy development. Regarding nuclear safety, he reaffirmed the IAEA’s neutrality and impartiality, emphasizing that the Agency will promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy through strict verification and monitoring mechanisms while supporting equitable access to nuclear technology for all countries.

Director General Grossi’s Lecture

Subsequently, faculty members and students actively interacted with Director General Grossi on topics including the nuclear non-proliferation regime, development prospects of nuclear fusion, the impact of technological innovation on nuclear energy development and regulation, and the role and challenges of the IAEA. The atmosphere was lively and engaging. Finally, Director General Grossi took group photos with some faculty and students, concluding the lecture to warm applause.

Q&A Session

Lecture Venue

Group Photo with Faculty and Students