United States Special Representative for Nuclear Nonproliferation

The United States Special Representative for Nuclear Nonproliferation represents the State Department and the United States Government on diplomatic activities and issues related to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT). In coordination with the Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs and the Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN), the Special Representative develops and coordinates Executive Branch policy and diplomatic negotiating strategies with respect to the NPT, and is responsible for implementing these policies - including through conducting bilateral and multilateral discussions and negotiations. The Special Representative also serves as Head of Delegation at NPT Preparatory Committee meetings and NPT Review Conferences, unless the Under Secretary or the Assistant Secretary serves in this capacity.

The Special Representative also has responsibility for matters within the Department of State on nuclear-weapon-free zones, including their negotiation, ratification and implementation, develops and coordinates Executive Branch policy and diplomatic negotiating strategies in this regard, and is responsible for implementing those policies. As needed, the Special Representative leads interagency efforts to obtain Senate advice and consent to ratification of the protocols to nuclear-weapon-free zones that the United States has signed.

In coordination with the Bureaus of Legislative Affairs and Public Affairs, the Special Representative also serves as a spokesperson for the Administration and the Department of State before Congress and the public on NPT and nuclear-weapon-free zone matters.

An ISN-chaired NPT interagency working group supports the Special Representative in these various responsibilities. The Special Representative reports to the Assistant Secretary for ISN.

Special Representative for Nuclear Nonproliferation: Christopher A. Ford