World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

Introduction

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, dedicated to international cooperation in atmospheric science, climatology, hydrology, and geophysics. It plays a pivotal role in monitoring the Earth’s atmosphere, facilitating data exchange, and supporting global efforts to address climate change and natural disasters.

Historical Background

• The WMO originated from the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), established in 1873 as a forum for exchanging weather data and research.
• The World Meteorological Convention of 1947 formalized the creation of the WMO, which came into force on 3 March 190.
• It became a specialized agency of the United Nations in 191, under the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

Structure and Governance

Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

Membership: 193 Member States and 6 Member Territories.

Governance Structure:

• World Meteorological Congress: The supreme policy-making body, meets every four years, sets policies, and elects the President, Vice-Presidents, and Executive Council members.
• Executive Council: Implements Congress decisions, meets annually, and oversees the organization’s functioning.
• Secretariat: Administrative arm led by the Secretary-General, responsible for daily operations and coordination.
• Regional Associations: Six associations coordinate activities in different global regions (Africa, Asia, Europe, North and Central America & the Caribbean, South America, South-West Pacific).
• Technical Commissions and Research Board: Develop standards, coordinate research, and manage global observing systems.

Current Leadership:

• President: Abdulla Al Mandous (UAE)
• Secretary-General: Celeste Saulo (Argentina, since 04)

Objectives and Functions

• International Coordination: Facilitates cooperation among national meteorological and hydrological services, ensuring the global exchange of weather and climate data.
• Standardization: Sets standards for data collection, forecasting, and communication, ensuring consistency and reliability worldwide.
• Global Observing Systems: Oversees systems like the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) and World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) for monitoring weather and climate.
• Early Warning Systems: Enhances weather forecasting and provides early warnings for extreme events (cyclones, floods, droughts).
• Climate Monitoring: Tracks climate variability and change, offering scientific input for global climate policies.
• Research and Capacity Building: Promotes research, innovation, and training in meteorology and related fields.
• Disaster Risk Reduction: Supports countries in preparing for and responding to weather and climate-related disasters.
• Environmental Protection: Monitors atmospheric composition and supports environmental policymaking.
• Aviation and Shipping Safety: Provides critical weather information for safe operations in aviation and maritime sectors.
• Water Resource Management: Assists in sustainable water management through hydrological data and services.
• Climate Services: Delivers tailored climate information for sectors like agriculture, health, and water management.
• International Policy Support: Engages in global climate negotiations, supporting frameworks like the UNFCCC.

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