The objective of the WMO reform is to increase the Organization’s effectiveness and efficiency, and to better engage Members and experts. The new governance structure is aligned to the new WMO Strategic Plan and it is set to achieve its overarching vision:
“By 2030, a world where all nations, especially the most vulnerable, are more resilient to the socioeconomic impact of extreme weather, water, climate and other environmental events; and empowered to boost their sustainable development through the best possible services, whether over land, at sea or in the air.”
The reform envisages a biennial cycle of sessions for Technical Commissions and Congress. Ordinary sessions of Congress will be complemented by extra-ordinary sessions in the median dedicated to special themes. This change will make it easier for Members to be engaged in WMO matters. The whole WMO community would meet every two years, and thus decisions could be made faster and implemented earlier.
The improvement of partnerships and cooperation are at the core of the WMO reform. The holistic Earth system approach will permit leading experts and researchers, as well as the private sector and academia, to contribute to WMO activities.
This approach is expected to also break the silos in the WMO Secretariat and close the capacity gaps between Members. National Meteorological and Hydrological Services can look forward to a strengthening of their role in protecting life and property, and in building weather and climate resilience.
