CgExt 2025 - Closing remarks

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, dear colleagues and friends,

As we come to the close of this extraordinary session of Congress, I want to begin by expressing my gratitude to all of you. It has been a demanding, inspiring, and profoundly meaningful week.

This has been a Congress of celebration — but above all, of dedication, perseverance, and shared purpose.

Over these days, we have engaged in deep and, at times, difficult discussions. We have worked tirelessly — using every tool, every bit of knowledge, every ounce of patience — to find common ground. 

And we succeeded. 

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all Members for your active participation, your openness, and your determination to move this Organization forward. My sincere appreciation also goes to those who served on the Drafting Committees — for your diligence, balance, and dedication to ensure that the resolutions we have adopted truly reflect our collective vision.

Dear colleagues,

There are fundamental reasons for which the World Meteorological Organization was established: to facilitate global cooperation on weather, climate and water through the exchange of data, standardization, services, research, and training. These reasons are as valid today as they were 75 years ago, as they were 152 years ago.

The mandate of WMO is unique. It is not covered by any other organization — it cannot be replaced or redistributed. The programmes that implement this mandate are the result of decades of collective work. Under-resourcing these programmes would affect not only their implementation but the very integrity of the WMO mandate itself. 

WMO’s mission cannot be sustained through ad hoc initiatives and projects. It requires a shared vision to which all Members adhere. It requires stable funding and investments. And it requires a Secretariat of adequate size and stability to carry it forward.

We are living a moment of profound challenge. The financial situation we face is serious — and we must acknowledge it with honesty. It also reflects the contradictions of the world we live in. How can we fight against extreme weather and climate impacts with hydro-meteorological services and a WMO that are underfunded? How can we achieve Early Warnings for All if the responsible institutions lack the resources to deliver?

We must find coherence and consistency between our ambitions and our actions — between what governments commit to and how they support the institutions that protect their citizens. This is a task that requires a shared gesture — a joint responsibility between Members and the Secretariat.

I am deeply grateful to those who have already stepped forward to show solidarity. The adoption of technical regulations on early warning services marks a milestone in WMO contribution to the protection of life and property by the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services. Your strong support for the other initiatives we advanced this week — from the Call to Action, to the Youth Action Plan, to the institutional transformation of WMO — reflects a deep sense of collective ownership. We must protect this spirit of partnership and trust as we navigate the path ahead.

Throughout this week, one thing has been made abundantly clear: the World Needs WMO. The visit of the United Nations Secretary-General, the participation of presidents and ministers and the global attention they attracted is a reminder that what we do matters.

Here, I would like to reiterate the words of Mr Guterres: WMO is a barometer of truth … a credible and clear-eyed source of data and information about the planet we share … and a shining example of science supporting humanity.”

Now we must build on this momentum. This is the moment to turn visibility into impact. To translate recognition into investment. To make sure that our transformation continues — that WMO remains not only relevant, but more essential than ever.

I also want to take a moment to thank my colleagues across the Secretariat. You have carried a heavy burden during this period of change, but you have done so with grace. 

Your work — in every department, division, unit… in every corner of this house — has made this Congress a success. I am proud and humbled to lead such an extraordinary team.

As we conclude, let us remember what unites us: a shared belief in the power of science to serve society; a shared purpose to protect people and the planet; and a shared spirit that has guided WMO for 75 years — a spirit of collaboration.

This week we have shown that transformation is possible — that even in the face of constraints, unity and purpose can move mountains. Let us leave this Congress with renewed determination to act — together, coherently, and with urgency.

I thank you.