[en] An unprecedented international co-operative effort has been launched to improve radiation and waste safety infrastructure in more than fifty IAEA Member States within the framework of the IAEA's Technical Co-operation Model Project on Upgrading Radiation Protection Infrastructure. The objectives of the project are to establish an adequate radiation and waste safety infrastructure, compatible with the International Basic Safety Standards for Protection against Ionizing Radiation and for the Safety of Radiation Sources, in those Member States receiving IAEA assistance, including a system of notification, authorization and control of radiation sources, and an inventory of radiation sources and installations. These objectives are in line with the statutory mandate of the IAEA, which provides that safety standards are also to be applied to its own operations, including all technical co-operation activities. The paper describes the IAEA's proactive approach used to design, implement and assess the project. By the end of September 2001, about 77% of the participating countries had their laws promulgated and regulatory authorities established; more than 42% had their regulations adopted; about 50% had a system for the notification, authorization and control of radiation sources in place and operational; and about 80% had an inventory system of radiation sources and installations in place and operational. (author)