26 August 2026, Vienna – Erlan Batyrbekov, Director General of the National Nuclear Center of Kazakhstan, chaired his final session as Chair of Working Group B of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).

Mr. Batyrbekov has served as Chair of Working Group B since April 2021. His decision to conclude his term ahead of schedule is related to his transition to new political responsibilities in the Republic of Kazakhstan, including his work in the leadership of the Adilet party and his subsequent activities in the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

During the meeting of Working Group B, taking place in Vienna from 25 August to 4 September 2026, delegations of CTBTO Member States highly commended Mr. Batyrbekov’s contribution to the work of the Organization, noting his effective leadership of the Working Group and his contribution to further developing verification mechanisms for the future regime to monitor compliance with the Treaty. Speakers noted that his chairmanship coincided with a challenging period for the Organization, including the COVID-19 pandemic, budgetary and financial constraints, and heightened geopolitical tensions.

CTBTO Executive Secretary Dr. Robert Floyd highlighted Mr. Batyrbekov’s ability to facilitate consensus on complex issues while preserving the technical and professional nature of the Working Group’s work. On behalf of the Secretariat and in his personal capacity, he expressed his appreciation to Mr. Batyrbekov for his contribution to the work of the Organization and wished him every success in his future endeavours.

For his part, Mr. Batyrbekov thanked the delegations of CTBTO Member States and the Secretariat for their constructive engagement and support, which enabled the Working Group to achieve practical results. He underscored the importance of maintaining the professional and technical nature of its work and preventing the politicization of issues falling within the Working Group’s mandate.

Mr. Batyrbekov also expressed his appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan for its confidence and for the opportunity to contribute to strengthening the international nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime and international security.

The more than five-year chairmanship of Kazakhstan’s representative of CTBTO Working Group B has constituted a contribution by the Republic of Kazakhstan to the work of the Organization and to the further development of its international verification regime.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-vienna/press/news/details/1281494?lang=ru