The Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) has reappointed Robert Floyd as Executive Secretary, extending his leadership through 2029. This decision was confirmed in a statement by Gunnar Vrang, CTBTO’s Chief of Public Information, following the conclusion of the 63rd Preparatory Commission session held in Vienna.
In his statement, Floyd expressed gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the CTBTO’s mission to achieve a nuclear-test-free world, highlighting the treaty’s goal of banning nuclear explosions globally. With 187 signatories and 178 ratifying states, the treaty has widespread support; however, it requires ratification from nine more Annex 2 countries to enter into force.
Floyd outlined priorities for his second term, focusing on the completion and certification of the remaining International Monitoring System (IMS) facilities. He emphasized the significance of the IMS, a network of 306 operational stations using seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide technologies to detect nuclear explosions. Beyond nuclear monitoring, IMS data supports disaster response, climate change research, and environmental tracking.
A key goal for Floyd’s next term includes overseeing an On-Site Inspection Integrated Field Exercise (IFE) in Sri Lanka, aimed at refining verification techniques. Additionally, Floyd is committed to promoting diversity, focusing on geographic, gender, and generational representation across CTBTO.
Before joining CTBTO in 2021, Floyd led Australia’s Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO), overseeing treaties related to weapons of mass destruction.
