Opening remarks - 58th session of the ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee

Dr Nathaniel Servando, Chairperson of the Typhoon Committee,

Dr IN Heejin, Vice-chairperson,

Prof. DUAN Yihong, Secretary of the Typhoon Committee,

Dr Miseon LEE, Administrator of Korea Meteorological Administration,

Distinguished delegates, 

Colleagues and friends, 

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 58th session of the ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee. My sincere appreciation goes to the Government of Republic of Korea, to Dr Nathaniel Servando, Administrator of PAGASA and Chair of the Typhoon Committee, to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and to the Typhoon Committee Secretariat for organising this important annual event.

We all know that tropical cyclones are the world’s most dangerous natural hazards. They can destroy generations of work in a matter of minutes. This region unfortunately witnesses this every single year.

The last typhoon season was very active, with 27 named tropical cyclones. Collectively, these events caused more than 700 fatalities and nearly US$10 billion in damages.  

Typhoon Ragasa was the most intense storm and had widespread impacts across the Philippines, China, and Viet Nam.  

We are seeing more rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones, more dangerous rainfall and coastal flooding threatening megacities.  

Tropical cyclones respect no national boundaries and have no national passport. They have cascading impacts across our economies and communities.

That’s why we need regional collaboration and data sharing.  

And since 1968, the Typhoon Committee has been a role model. Your collective commitment and your technical excellence save countless lives and livelihoods.

We cannot achieve the ambitious goal of Early Warnings For All without you. I welcome the progress that has been made: countries are increasingly taking ownership, and two Committee Members – Cambodia and Lao PDR - have approved Early Warnings For All roadmaps.  

However, we must go further. We must go faster. And we must go together.  

We must accelerate our efforts to ensure reliable and actionable early warnings for all hazards – single and compound, especially in the most vulnerable communities.

To support Members in this effort, the Extraordinary Session of the World Meteorological Congress last year adopted amendments to the WMO Technical Regulations. These clarify Members’ responsibilities in providing early warning services and aim to strengthen coordination and capacity development.  

WMO will support its Members in implementing the amendments which will come into effect in January 2027. An implementation guide is being developed by our Technical Commission for Services to help ensure that no one is left behind.

At the Extraordinary World Meteorological Congress last October, I issued a Call to Action to act with urgency and unity at the speed and scale required.

I reiterate that call today.

We face many challenges – but also many opportunities. Innovative AI technologies in tropical cyclone forecasting are a potential game-changer.  

WMO is promoting responsible use of AI, data access, and public–private collaboration.  

Your region is one of the global leaders in operational AI applications, as demonstrated by the theme of the last Typhoon Committee Integrated Workshop in December 2025.

Last year, WMO Regional Associations II and V endorsed their regional operating plans to strengthen multi-hazard early warning systems. Strengthened collaboration will be key to translate this strategy into concrete action.

As the Typhoon Committee develops its Strategy for 2028 to 2031, WMO stands ready to work closely with ESCAP and all Committee Members to ensure that the new strategic plan reflects both regional priorities and global frameworks.

I extend my thanks to all Members of the Typhoon Committee and gratitude to the Tokyo Typhoon Center, the WMO Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre, for your dedication, partnership, and continued commitment to regional cooperation.

I wish you a successful meeting and fruitful deliberations. 

Thank you.