By Fortune Abang

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.

The statement indicated that Floyd’s reappointment reaffirmed his leadership for a second term and that the extension will ensure he continued in his role through 2029.

Commenting on outcome of the 63rd Preparatory Commission session on Wednesday in Vienna, the organisation said it had banned all nuclear explosions everywhere, by everyone, and for all times.

It added that adherence to the treaty is nearly universal, with 187 signatories and 178 ratifying States.

To enter into force, the organisation said, the treaty must be ratified by all 44 countries listed in its Annex 2, for which nine ratifications are still required.

The statement quoted Floyd as saying, “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.

“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.”

The CTBTO chief also outlined several key priorities for his second term to include 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 also 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.

Floyd reiterated his commitment to promoting diversity, known as “the three Gs” – ensuring geographic, gender and generational representation across the organisation.

Floyd, an International Gender Champion network 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.

This include managing 23 IMS facilities to monitor and detect nuclear explosions.

The CTBTO has established an International Monitoring System (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, research into fields as diverse as whale migration, climate change and the prediction of monsoon rains. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)