Vienna: The governing body of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) has reappointed Mr. Robert Floyd as its Executive-Secretary. The organisation disclosed this in an official statement.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the statement indicated that Floyd’s reappointment reaffirms his leadership for a second term, ensuring his role continues through 2029. Commenting on the outcome of the 63rd Preparatory Commission session in Vienna, the organisation reiterated its commitment to banning all nuclear explosions globally, noting that adherence to the treaty is nearly universal with 187 signatories and 178 ratifying states. To enter into force, the treaty requires ratification by all 44 countries listed in its Annex 2, with nine more ratifications needed.
The statement quoted Floyd as expressing his honor and anticipation for continuing the vital work with member states, promoting a nuclear-test-free world, and ensuring peace and security for future gen
erations. He emphasized his focus on securing the treaty’s entry into force and highlighted the importance of sustaining the International Monitoring System (IMS) and expanding capacity-building opportunities for signatory states.
Floyd also outlined key priorities for his second term, including the establishment and certification of the remaining IMS facilities and the upcoming On-Site Inspection Integrated Field Exercise in Sri Lanka. He reiterated his commitment to promoting diversity within the organisation, known as ‘the three Gs’: geographic, gender, and generational representation.
Since August 2021, Floyd has led the CTBTO and previously served as Director-General of the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office. The CTBTO’s International Monitoring System currently operates 306 certified facilities worldwide, using technologies such as seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide to monitor and detect nuclear explosions. The IMS data also supports disaster mitigation and research i
n various fields.