1. The international atomic energy agency deals with global nuclear technology-related issues in accordance with the provisions of its statute.In carrying out this mandate, the agency has sought to provide independent and objective advice on the use of nuclear technology for development and in the promotion of nuclear safety and security and in activities related to nuclear verification.In 2009, the iaea placed particular emphasis on assisting member states to meet their energy needs through nuclear technology, to respond to climate change concerns, to help ensure food security and access to clean water, and to strengthen health care.The following is an overview of nuclear-related developments worldwide in 2009 and how they affect the work of the iaea.  Nuclear technology Nuclear power, nuclear fuel cycle and sustainable developmentCurrent situation and trend of nuclear powerDemand for global energy and interest in nuclear power continued to rise in 2009.Construction began on 11 new nuclear-powered reactors, the most since 1987.Forecasts for future nuclear power growth have been revised up again.For example, China, India and the Russian federation have all significantly increased their development goals.But during the year, only two new reactors were brought online, compared with three decommissioned, and the world's total nuclear capacity fell slightly for the second year in a row.With the closure of the ignalina-2 unit in Lithuania, the number of countries with operating nuclear power plants fell to 29.3. As of 1 January 2010, a total of 437 nuclear-powered reactors were in operation, with a total capacity of 370 gigawatts(electric).Fifty-five reactors are under construction, the largest number since 1992.The current expansion and near-term and long-term growth prospects remain centered in Asia, not least because of the region's strong economic growth.Ten of the 11 reactors under construction are in Asia, compared with 36 of 55 under constructionAnd 30 of the 41 new reactors recently brought online are also in Asia. The global financial crisis that began in the second half of 2008 was cited as a factor in delaying the start of nuclear projects in some parts of the world.But the agency raised its low and high forecasts for global nuclear power growth by 8 per cent, partly because of increasingly firm commitments by governments, power companies and suppliers to build new reactors.The financial crisis has not materially changed the factors driving rising expectations for nuclear power.In particular, the key drivers remain the strong track record and safety of nuclear power, as well as continuing concerns about climate change, security of energy supplies, high and volatile fossil fuel prices and growth in energy demand.In April, the iaea organized the international ministerial conference on nuclear energy for the 21st century in Beijing, China.The meeting, hosted by the Chinese government, assessed the status and prospects of nuclear power, including progress in technological development, and discussed the actions needed to further expand nuclear power.The end of the meeting, said in a statement: "most of the attendees respect for countries to meet their international obligations ways to make the rights of the national energy policy at the same time, nuclear power as a proven, clean, safe, competitive technology, will for mankind in the 21st century and later period of the growing contribution to sustainable development."Commencement of nuclear programme6. With many countries, particularly developing countries, expressing interest in incorporating nuclear power into their energy mix, current national policies point to a substantial expansion of the use of nuclear power.In addition, many countries that already have nuclear power plants in operation are planning to expand power generation.7. More than 60 countries, mostly in the developing world, have notified iaea of their possible interest in initiating nuclear power programmes.Fifty-eight member states are participating in regional or national technical cooperation projects related to the introduction of nuclear power.Seventeen of those countries are working on national nuclear power plans, with one choosing a nuclear power plant to build at the end of the year and one building its first.Increased interest among member states has led to a threefold increase in the number of technical cooperation projects related to nuclear power in the iaea technical cooperation cycle 2009-2011 (figure 1).Iaea has launched a new integrated nuclear infrastructure assessment service to match the milestones developed by the agency to provide guidance to member states when they initiate nuclear power projects.Review of national infrastructure needs.The first three integrated nuclear infrastructure review teams visited Indonesia, Jordan and Vietnam.Opportunities for international cooperation between new entrants and suppliers were identified at an iaea workshop in November, and new publications were issued on the financing of nuclear power plants and on the responsibilities and capabilities of owners and operators implementing new nuclear power plans.