Member states of the governing body of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) have reappointed Robert Floyd as executive secretary.
The appointment affirms his leadership for a second term.
This extension will see Floyd continue in his role through 2029.
“I am truly honoured, and I look forward to continuing our important work together with member states, advancing our shared mission of a nuclear-test-free world, and a world of peace and security now and for generations to come,” he said.
Addressing the 63rd Preparatory Commission session on Monday at CTBTO headquarters in Vienna, Floyd shared his vision for the organisation’s future.
“I will remain focused on working with all of you to secure the entry into force of this critical treaty. In times of global uncertainty, it is essential that we protect and strengthen what we have built together: this organisation, our work, the International Monitoring System (IMS) and the invaluable skills within our team,” he declared.
The CTBTO head outlined several key priorities for his second term, including the establishment and certification of the remaining IMS facilities.
He emphasised the importance of sustaining the unique global monitoring network, and expanding capacity-building opportunities for states that have signed the CTBT.
He highlighted the upcoming on-site inspection Integrated Field Exercise (IFE) in Sri Lanka, designed to rigorously test the application of OSI techniques, mechanisms, systems and procedures as a critical step in further developing verification capabilities.
He reiterated his commitment to promoting diversity, known as “the three Gs”, ensuring geographic, gender and generational representation across the organisation.
Floyd, an Australian national, has led the CTBTO since August 2021.
Before joining the organisation, he served as director general of the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO), Australia’s authority on treaties that control weapons of mass destruction, including managing 23 IMS facilities to monitor and detect nuclear explosions.
A dedicated advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment, he is an International Gender Champion, and has been active in the IGC network since 2021.
The CTBT bans all nuclear explosions everywhere, by everyone, and for all time.
Adherence to the treaty is nearly universal, with 187 signatories and 178 ratifying states.
To enter into force, the treaty must be ratified by all 44 states listed in Annex 2, for which nine ratifications are still required.
The CTBTO has established an IMS to ensure no nuclear test explosion goes undetected.
Currently, 306 certified facilities – of a total of 337 when complete – are operating around the world, using four main technologies: seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasound and radionuclide.
The data collected by the IMS has also been used for disaster mitigation, such as earthquake monitoring and tsunami warning, as well as research into fields as diverse as whale migration, climate change and the prediction of monsoon rains.