International Atomic Energy Agency

International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA was established in 1957 to promote and safeguard the peaceful use of nuclear energy. 

Among the agency's specific tasks are performing research on the practical application of atomic energy for peaceful uses, collecting and disseminating 
information about nuclear energy, supporting research and assisting countries in upgrading nuclear safety and developing international standards for the security of nuclear plants, for the safe transport and disposal of radioactive waste and the handling and responsibility for nuclear accidents.  

One of  IAEA's most important task is in verifying that states do not develop nuclear weapons - a task made possible through its extensive network of
safeguards agreements. The IAEA currently has in place more than 200 such agreements with about 140 states.  

The annual IAEA General Conference, which is composed of representatives of all member states,
approves the agency's programme and budget. The main policy-making organ is the Board of Governors.
It makes recommendations to the General Conference, approves safeguards agreements and has the responsibility
for the appointment of the Director-General - the head of the IAEA Secretariat in Vienna.