WMO Asia Regional President Emphasizes International Solidarity to Strengthen Meteorological and Climate Systems and Leverage Smart Programs to Enhance Meteorological Services

Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam, CEO of the National Center for Meteorology and President of the Asia Region at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), underscored the importance of international collaboration to enhance meteorological and climate work systems. He highlighted the pivotal role of the Asia region, which includes 34 countries, in supporting the WMO’s strategic directions and developing its programs to serve regional and global interests.

Dr. Ghulam made these remarks representing the Asia region during the 79th session of the WMO currently underway in Geneva, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the organization’s founding. He addressed key common issues under discussion, notably supporting the “Early Warnings for All” initiative across 193 countries, ensuring member states comply with the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) standards, strengthening coherence within the United Nations system amid ongoing reforms, and enabling responsible and inclusive digital transformation.

He explained that the responsibilities of the Asia region presidency include representing and voicing the member countries’ challenges and opportunities, advocating for their interests in program and budget discussions, while considering financial constraints, staffing pressures, and disparities in member capabilities.

The opening day of the session also featured an open advisory forum on artificial intelligence, where key topics related to AI use in meteorology were discussed, including combating misinformation, enabling trustworthy AI, and enhancing public-private partnerships. These priorities align closely with Saudi Arabia’s national focus on digital transformation.

In her address, the WMO Secretary-General, Professor Celeste Saulo, emphasized that the theme of this session, “Science for Service,” embodies the Organization’s vision of translating scientific knowledge into practical action. She noted that resilient development, food security, disaster risk reduction, and effective climate action cannot be achieved without meteorological services, scientific research, and the supporting infrastructure that underpins them.

The week-long session is expected to conclude with critical decisions supporting weather, climate, and water-related activities, contributing to the social and economic development of member states.