The Congress resolution states that the fundamental working principle of the two new commissions and Reseach Board - which replace eight technical commission - should be the inclusiveness of the weather, climate, water and other relevant environmental areas covered by the WMO. It notes that, due to the multidisciplinary nature and increased work volume, the composition and working arrangements of the new commissions should be elaborated to ensure balanced representation of relevant disciplines, active and balanced regional engagement and gender considerations. The new bodies are to commence their work as early as possible in accordance with the Transition Plan (Resolution 36 (EC-70)).
Congress established a Transition Team composed of the presidents and vice-presidents of existing and new technical commissions, the chairs and vice-chairs of the Research Board and the Hydrological Assembly and the presidents of regional associations, chaired by the presidents of the new commissions and the chair of the Research Board. The Transition Team will, by the first joint session of the new technical commissions and the Research Board in April 2020:
(a) ensure the orderly transition of normative functions of the technical commissions active during the seventeenth financial period and effective incorporation of their work and deliverables, that are relevant to the priorities identified in the Strategic Plan, into the new structures
(b) assess and manage risks associated with such a transition
(c) guide preparations for the first joint session of new technical commissions and the Research Board in April 2020 and develop recommendations for the establishment of their subsidiary bodies
The transition process is outlined here.
