Interactive Dialogue with the United Nations Secretary-General at the World Meteorological Congress

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In 2022, Mr António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, launched the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative, announcing new action to ensure every person on Earth is protected by early warning systems within five years. The initiative continues to be a key part of the UN Secretary-General's Acceleration Agenda, as an important contribution to delivering climate justice to those at the frontlines of climate change.

The 2025 Extraordinary Session of the World Meteorological Congress, scheduled for 20–23 October 2025, has been convened to accelerate progress on the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative and to address other urgent strategic priorities that cannot be deferred until the next regular Congress in 2027.

This event presented a unique opportunity for Mr António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, to engage with the representatives of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) at the heart of the early warnings value chain. A dialogue between the Secretary-General, the World Meteorological Congress and representatives of the Early Warnings for All pillar lead agencies, enabled all parties to explore how the Early Warnings for All initiative is progressing, and how implementation can be accelerated. 

Agenda

14:00 – 14:16 CEST

• Opening remarks by Dr Abdulla Al Mandous, President of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
• Speech by Mr António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
• Remarks from Prof. Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

14:17 – 14:28 CEST
Reflections from Members of the World Meteorological Congress, represented by the attending Presidents of the WMO Regional Associations

• Mr. Fetene Teshome, President of the WMO Regional Association I - Africa (RA-I) (Statement)
• Dr Ayman Salem Ghulam, President Regional Association II - Asia (RA-II) (Statement)
• Mr. Evan G. Thompson, President Regional Association IV - North America, Central America and the Caribbean (RA-IV) (Statement)
• Ms. Elena Mateescu, President Regional Association VI - Europe (RA-VI) (Statement)

14:29 – 14:34 CEST
Interventions from the Early Warnings for All Pillar Lead Agencies

14:35 – 14:45 CEST
Closing remarks