 The IEA's International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power in the 21st century kicks off on October 30th in Abu Dhabi. The conference is going to provide a platform for decision makers and policy makers to come together and discuss some of the challenges that might be holding the greater implementation of nuclear power back in the world. Thirty countries operate about 450 nuclear power reactors worldwide. Another 57 reactors are under construction and are expected to begin operations in the coming years. Many countries expect nuclear power to play an increasingly important role in improving nuclear energy security and mitigating climate change. The IEA is starting a new project with Cuba to combat the Zika virus using a nuclear technique. This is the first time the island will test the sterile insect technique to reduce the number of mosquitoes capable of carrying the virus. We have chosen this technique because compared to conventional techniques, we see certain advantages. For example, it doesn't leave a residue like fumigation. It is a method that serves to control and doesn't completely eliminate the plague. That is, it maintains a certain balance. It is not a mid-environment. The sterile insect technique is a type of insect bird control which uses radiation to sterilize male mosquitoes and reduce the insect's numbers. We consider this as one additional new tool that could be used to integrate with the conventional methods in order to try to reduce these mosquito populations and in such a way try to reduce the transmission of Zika. Cuba plans to start trial releases in Havana at the beginning of 2018. This week, Austria celebrates its national day. Did you know that Austria provided the IEA with its current headquarters in Vienna? For the peace in the world and for the future, for the safe future of your youth. In this spirit I hand over to the international organizations of this big house.