Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF)

Weather and climate data for resilience 

The Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) is a UN Fund co-created by WMO, UNDP and UNEP to close the climate and weather observations data gap in countries with the most severe shortfalls in observations, prioritizing Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States.  

SOFF provides long-term financial and technical assistance to support the generation and international sharing of basic weather and climate observations, according to the internationally agreed Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) regulations. 

SOFF is a foundational element and delivery mechanism of the UN Secretary General’s Early Warnings for All Initiative. Improving the availability of weather and climate observations from the most data-sparse areas is essential for weather forecasts, early warning systems and climate information services that save lives and livelihoods as well as protect property across the whole globe. The lack of such observations limits countries' capacity to adapt to climate change and build resilience.

SOFF seeks to: 

• enhance the sustainability and resilience of national and regional observing networks, 

• promote the use of advanced technologies, 

• increase the sharing of data and information, and 

• support capacity building and training programs for operators, technicians, and scientists involved in the operation and maintenance of observing facilities. 

SOFF contributes to the improvement of weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and early warning systems for natural hazards to support decision-making in various sectors, such as agriculture, water management, energy, transport, and health.