The Nuclear Threat Initiative, generally referred to as NTI, is a non-profit organization located in Washington, D.C. The American foreign policythink tank was founded in 2001 by former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn and philanthropist Ted Turner and describes itself as a "a nonprofit, nonpartisan global security organization focused on reducing nuclear, biological, and emerging technology threats imperiling humanity."[1]
NTI has four policy programs: the Global Nuclear Policy Program, Nuclear Materials Security, Scientific and Technical Affairs, and Global Biological Policy and Programs (stylized as NTI | bio).[2]
Mission
The Nuclear Threat Initiative is a nonprofit, nonpartisan global security organization focused on reducing nuclear, biological, and emerging technology threats imperiling humanity.[1]
History
NTI was founded in 2001 by former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn and philanthropist Ted Turner.[3] The launch event was held at the National Press Club on January 8, 2001.[4] An event celebrating NTI's 20th anniversary was held on April 12, 2022, with a one-year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[5]
Work
Low-enriched uranium bank
NTI supported the development of an international low-enriched uranium bank to help prevent the proliferation of nuclear technology.[6] NTI advisor Warren Buffett provided $50 million to jump-start the reserve, which is owned and managed by the International Atomic Energy Agency and located in Kazakhstan.[6] The bank became fully operational in October 2019 after receiving its first shipment of uranium.[7]
NTI provided technical and financial support to help convert 2,900 kilograms of highly enriched uranium to low-enriched uranium in Kazakhstan in 2005.[9] The organization committed $1.3 million for reactor safety systems.[8]
Nuclear Security Index
NTI has produced a biennial "Nuclear Security Index" in partnership with Economist Impact since 2012.[10] The "NTI Index" benchmarks nuclear security conditions across 176 countries.[11]
As part of the Index, NTI also develops and releases a Radioactive Source Security Assessment that includes recommendations on securing and eliminating radiological sources used and stored at thousands of sites across more than 100 countries.[11]
Global Health Security Index
The Global Health Security Index, produced by NTI, the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, and Economist Impact, is a biennial index that assesses countries' preparedness to respond to pandemics and epidemics.[12] The GHS Index assesses 195 countries' abilities to prevent, detect, and respond to health emergencies based on publicly available information.[13]
World Health Organization–Nuclear Threat Initiative Emergency Outbreak Response Fund
In 2002, NTI partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to create a $500,000 rapid response fund for infectious disease outbreaks.[14]
Global dialogue on nuclear security priorities
NTI regularly convenes meetings among global nuclear security experts and government officials to discuss issues related to nuclear security.[15] Global Dialogue summits have taken place in France, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan.[16]
Establishment of new organizations
In 2003, NTI created the Middle East Consortium for Infectious Disease Surveillance (MECIDS) with participation from Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority.[17] MECIDS shares official health data and conducts infectious disease prevention training.
Ernest J. Moniz has served as chief executive officer since June 2017, and Joan Rohlfing serves as president and chief operating officer.[23] Co-chaired by Moniz, Nunn, and Ted Turner, NTI is governed by a board of directors with both current and emeritus members from around the globe.
Board of directors
Ernest J. Moniz, co-chairman and chief executive Officer, NTI
Sam Nunn, co-chair, co-founder and strategic advisor, NTI
Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi, permanent representative of the United Arab Emirates to the International Atomic Energy Agency and special representative for International Nuclear Cooperation
NTI receives funding from a number of sources, including foundations, individuals, non-U.S. governments, and corporations.[24] Funders and financial information are listed in NTI’s annual report, which is published online each year. The organization does not accept U.S. government funding.[25]