Statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the UN Secretary-General at the World Meteorological Congress

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Colleagues, Friends,

Let me begin by expressing our heartfelt thanks to Secretary-General Guterres for his inspiring remarks and for honouring us with his presence today. On behalf of the WMO Community, I wish to express my deep appreciation and gratitude for joining us today and for having you with us today, on your first visit to WMO and to our Congress.

This week, we mark a remarkable milestone: the 75th anniversary of the World Meteorological Organization as a UN Specialized Agency. Seventy-five years of scientific excellence and shared responsibility — to protect our planet and the people who call it home, and 152 years of international cooperation in weather, water, and climate.

Seventy-five years of data sharing and science for action. Seventy-five years of trust.

We have saved millions of lives and prevented many billions of dollars in losses.

We gather at a time when our mission has never been more urgent. The impacts of climate change are accelerating. More extreme weather is destroying lives and livelihoods and eroding hard-won development gains.

Yet, this is not only a moment of challenge — it is also a moment of profound opportunity to harness climate intelligence and technological advances to build a more resilient future for all.

Secretary-General Guterres has been a steadfast champion of WMO science as the foundation for sound policy and decisive action. 

His vision shaped many of the global initiatives we are advancing together — none more urgent or unifying than the Early Warnings for All initiative launched in 2022.

Earlier this week, a high-level event at this Extraordinary Congress endorsed my Call to Action on Early Warnings for All.

I am grateful to the UN Secretary-General for amplifying that Call to Action among us today.  

I would like to emphasize once again the imperative to scale up multi-hazard early warnings and impact-based forecasting; to empower National Meteorological and Hydrological Services; to expand observing networks and data exchange; and broaden the tent – for both partners and beneficiaries. We must leave nobody behind.

Distinguished delegates.

I look forward to hearing your reflections on how we, as the World Meteorological Organization, can go even faster and further — together — to realize the vision of Early Warnings for All.

In closing, I want to echo the words of Secretary-General Guterres 

Let’s continue working as one to use science to deliver the action — and the justice — that people and planet urgently need. 

I thank the Secretary-General for his leadership and vision, and I thank you for your dedication, your expertise, and your partnership. The world is counting on us. Together, we will deliver.

Thank you