Cg-Ext (2025) Panel - AI for weather forecasting: closing the digital divide with AI?

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has been remarkable, with research and innovation primarily driven by developed countries and major Giant Tech companies. However, it is essential to ensure that the emergence of AI does not widen the technological gap among WMO Members of varying development levels.

This panel will showcase examples of collaborative AI technology development projects that WMO is advancing with peer NMHSs, highlighting efforts to promote inclusivity and capacity building.

Furthermore, AI innovation is increasingly being propelled by the private sector and academic institutions, both within and beyond the meteorological community. Recognizing the importance of advancing AI across the entire industry, WMO convened the WMO AI Conference (9-11 Sep 2025; Abu Dhabi, UAE) and the Meteorological Forum at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (26-27 July 2025; Shanghai, China), which brought together diverse stakeholders to discuss the future of AI in Earth system sciences. The outcomes from these events will be introduced.

Building on these presentations, the panel aims to discuss both the opportunities and concerns associated with AI technologies, and to explore the strategic direction for WMO in this rapidly evolving field.