Robert Floyd (diplomat)

Floyd in 2021

Robert Floyd (born 1957) is an Australian scientist, diplomat, and the current Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization.

Early life and education

Floyd was born in Australia and holds a B.Sc from the University of New England, 1980 and a Ph.D from Griffith University in biology. ^{[1] [2]}

Career

Floyd headed the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet’s science and technology unit for counter-terrorism until 2010, and was in charge of all security-related research at Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Floyd also served as the Director General of the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO) until 2021. ^[3]

In 2021, Floyd was elected the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization succeeding the incumbent Lassina Zerbo, who was seeking an unprecedented third term, in a contested vote. ^{[4] [5]}

During his term, Floyd engaged in high level discussions with the eight countries that would need to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. ^[6] He has acknowledged that bringing the treaty into force is a gradual process, and has focused on promoting the test ban as an international norm. ^[7] Floyd has also continued the organization’s work in bringing a global ban on nuclear tests in to force through a regional approach, opening discussions with regional bodies. ^[8] In particular, his term has seen the ratification of the CTBT by all Latin American and Caribbean countries, which Floyd celebrated as "demonstrating the region's exemplary leadership in nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament." ^[9]

In 2023, Russia announced it would deratify the CTBT, a move Floyd called “very disappointing and deeply regrettable.” ^{[10] [11]}

References

1. "Dr Robert Floyd Biography" (PDF). Australian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
2. "Curriculum Vitae: Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary" (PDF). CTBTO. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
3. "'Never in my wildest dreams': The Australian set to head UN body policing nuclear weapons has grand plans". Sydney Morning Herald. 30 May 2021.
4. "States Finally Settle on Next Leader for CTBTO". Arms Control Today. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
5. "New UN test ban chief says goal is to bring pact into force". Associated Press. 14 September 2021. Retrieved 11 April 2025.
6. "World 'better place' 25 years after nuclear test-ban treaty". Agence France Press. 24 September 2021. Retrieved 11 April 2025.
7. "New UN test ban chief says goal is to bring pact into force". Associated Press. 14 September 2021. Retrieved 11 April 2025.
8. Murphy, Francois (18 August 2021). "Nuclear-test-ban body chief seeks to untangle challenge of ratification". Reuters. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
9. "Latin America and the Caribbean ratify nuclear non-proliferation". Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA). Retrieved 11 April 2025.
10. "Russia Withdraws Ratification of Nuclear Test Ban Treaty". Arms Control Today. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
11. "Head Of Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization Says Russia's Move To De-Ratify Treaty 'Regrettable'". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Radio Free Europe. 18 October 2023. Retrieved 11 April 2025.