"A vast majority of participants affirmed that nuclear power can make a major contribution to meeting energy needs and sustaining the world's development in the 21st century," the statement said.

Nuclear power "does not generate air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions," it said, adding that nuclear power generation was a proven technology that can deliver safe and affordable electricity.

A European expert at the conference said on condition of anonymity that only "a handful" of states objected to the view that nuclear energy could play a key role in this century -- among them oil-rich Saudi Arabia.

On Monday, IAEA head Mohamed ElBaradei said atomic power was coming back into vogue.

"All indicators show that an increased level of emphasis on subjects such as fast growing energy demand, security of energy supply and the risk of climate change, are driving a reconsideration in some quarters of the need for greater investment in nuclear power," ElBaradei said.

The closing statement said participants agreed that the "health of the environment ... is a serious concern that must be regarded as a priority by all governments".

It also said states must ensure the highest possible level of nuclear safety to avoid accidents.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

The statement also touched on the risk that terrorists might attack atomic facilities or that nuclear material could be stolen for use in weapons. "States must make the necessary arrangements to ensure the highest level of security of nuclear material and facilities," it said.

It also called on governments to ensure there were "appropriate options for the management and disposition of nuclear fuel" to prevent nuclear waste from becoming a burden for future generations.

ElBaradei said on Monday that despite an improved atomic energy industry: "Nuclear power was dealt a heavy blow by the tragedy of the 1986 Chernobyl accident, a blow from which the reputation of the nuclear industry has never fully recovered."