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CTBTO Executive Secretary Urges World Leaders to Ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) aims to ban all nuclear explosions worldwide, and its implementation has significant implications for global non-proliferation efforts and international peace and security. The CTBT Organization's International Monitoring System (IMS) is capable of detecting any nuclear test explosion and has successfully detected all six declared nuclear tests conducted this century. Despite ongoing concerns, world leaders are urged to work together towards the ratification of the CTBT and the shared goal of a world free from nuclear weapons testing.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) bans all nuclear explosions everywhere, by everyone, and for all time, with adherence almost universal among 187 signatories and 178 ratifying States.
  • The CTBTO's International Monitoring System (IMS) consists of 307 certified facilities (out of a total of 337 when complete) utilizing four main technologies: seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide.
  • The IMS has successfully detected all six declared nuclear tests conducted this century and stands ready to detect any such test and provide data to CTBT States Signatories.
  • By detecting seismic, acoustic, and infrasound signals, the IMS has facilitated disaster mitigation, including earthquake monitoring and tsunami warning systems.
  • The data collected by the IMS has also been used for diverse research purposes such as whale migration, climate change, and monsoon rain prediction.
  • Nine ratifications are still required for the CTBT to enter into force, with all 44 States listed in its Annex 2 needing to ratify the treaty.
  • The CTBTO Executive Secretary, Robert Floyd, has emphasized the importance of world leaders working together on an equal basis to achieve the ratification of the CTBT and the goal of a world free from nuclear explosion testing.

Statistics:

  • 187 Signatories of the CTBT
  • 178 Ratifying States of the CTBT
  • 307 Certified facilities operating worldwide (out of 337 when complete) as part of the IMS
  • 4 Main technologies used in the IMS: seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide
  • 6 Declared nuclear tests successfully detected by the IMS this century
  • 9 Remaining ratifications required for the CTBT to enter into force

Sources:

  • "I am aware of recent public remarks that draw attention to ongoing concerns about nuclear weapons testing." -- Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)
  • "Any explosive nuclear weapon test by any State would be harmful and destabilising for global non-proliferation efforts and for international peace and security." -- Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)
  • Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) Statement by Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the CTBTO -- Vienna, 30 October 2025

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