Korea signs the new GIF Framework Agreement

On 11 September 2025 Korea signed the new Generation IV International Forum (GIF) Framework Agreement and deposited its instrument of ratification during a ceremony at the OECD headquarters in Paris, France. This signature paves the way for Korea’s continued participation in GIF activities and its collaborative efforts to advance next-generation nuclear energy systems.

The ceremony was attended by NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV, and Young-bae Choi, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Permanent Delegation of Korea to the OECD. In his remarks, the NEA Director-General underlined the importance of Korea’s renewed commitment:

As a leader in nuclear innovation, Korea has been an instrumental member of GIF since its inception. The signing of the new Framework Agreement today assures that Korea’s advanced research and innovations will be reflected in the work of the GIF as the world moves closer to the implementation of these game-changing technologies.

Korea joins Canada (pending ratification), France, Japan, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States as signatories to the new Framework Agreement, which entered into force on 1 March 2025. Together, these countries represent a significant share of global nuclear capacity and expertise. Their engagement in GIF is a collective commitment to innovation and sustainability. 

The new Framework Agreement provides the legal foundation for GIF’s mission to accelerate the development and deployment of Generation IV systems. It reflects the Forum’s evolution from government-led R&D to broader engagement with industry and stakeholders, supporting the transition from research to demonstration and deployment.