World Meteorological Organization (WMO): Establishment, Mandate, Governance, Vision & Mission

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World Meteorological Organization (WMO): Establishment, Mandate, Governance, Vision & Mission

World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

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World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations whose mandate covers weather, climate and water resources.
It provides leadership and international cooperation in meteorology, climatology, operational hydrology, and Earth system sciences.
WMO is the United Nations system’s authoritative voice on the state and behaviour of the Earth’s atmosphere, its interaction with the land and oceans, the weather and climate it produces and the resulting distribution of water resources.
Its main goal is to facilitate international cooperation in the development of meteorology and the exchange of information and technology related to weather, climate, hydrology and related environmental fields.
The Organization plays a leading role in international efforts to monitor and protect the climate and the environment. In collaboration with other UN agencies and NMHSs, WMO supports the implementation of UNFCCC and a number of environmental conventions and is instrumental in providing advice and assessments to governments on related matters.
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland

Establishment

Origin: Evolved from the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), a nongovernmental organization set up in 1873 as a forum for exchanging weather data and research
- Proposals to reform the status and structure of the IMO culminated in the World Meteorological Convention of 1947, which formally established the World Meteorological Organization
Established in 1950 when the World Meteorological Convention entered into force and became a UN specialized agency in 1951.
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

Mandate

WMO’s mandate relates to the areas of meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences.

WMO advances meteorological science for a better future for all.
Provides the framework for international cooperation in meteorology, climatology, hydrology, and related environmental sciences.
Advocates for an Earth system approach that integrates weather, climate, and water-related cycles across national boundaries.

WMO Vision

By 2030, WMO envisions a world where:
- All nations, especially the most vulnerable, are more resilient to the socio-economic consequences of extreme weather, climate, water, and other environmental events.
- Sustainable development is underpinned through the best possible meteorological, climate, hydrological, and environmental services, whether on land, at sea, or in the air.

WMO Mission

Facilitate worldwide cooperation in designing and delivering meteorological services.
Foster the rapid exchange of meteorological information and promote standardization of meteorological data.
Build cooperation between meteorological and hydrological services across nations.
Encourage research and training in meteorology.
Expand the use of meteorology to benefit other sectors such as aviation, shipping, agriculture, and water management.

Membership

193 Member States and Territories
India is a member.

Governance

WMO comprises the World Meteorological Congress, the Executive Council, regional associations, technical commissions and the Secretariat. Additional bodies are established by Congress.
The World Meteorological Congress is the WMO’s highest decision-making body.
The Executive Council implements decisions adopted by the Congress.

The World Meteorological Congress

It is the general assembly and supreme body of the Organization. It brings together delegates from Members, comprising Members States and Member Territories, once every four years to:
- determine general policies for the functioning of the Organization,
- evaluate membership applications,
- formulate the general, technical, financial and staff regulations,
- establish and coordinate the activities of constituent bodies of WMO,
- approve long-term plans and budget for the following financial period,
- elect the President and Vice-Presidents of the Organization and members of the Executive Council, and
- appoint the Secretary-General.

The Executive Council

It is the executive body of WMO and implements decisions of the Congress.
It coordinates programmes, manages the budget, considers, and acts on resolutions and recommendations from the regional associations and technical commissions, and studies and makes recommendations on matters affecting international meteorology and related activities.

Secretariat:

It is headed by a secretary-generalThe Secretary-General is appointed by the Congress for a four-year term, with a maximum tenure of 8 years.
It serves as the administrative centre of the organization
The WMO Secretary-General is responsible for the overall technical and administrative work of the Secretariat.

FAQs

Q1. What is the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)?

A specialized UN agency that coordinates international efforts in weather, climate, hydrology, and related environmental sciences.

Q2. When was WMO established?

Formally established in 1950, it became a UN specialized agency in 1951.

Q3. Where is the headquarters of WMO?

In Geneva, Switzerland.

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