WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION
FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
GENEVA, 5–24 MAY 2003
PROCEEDINGS
WMO-No. 972
Secretariat of the World Meteorological Organization - Geneva - Switzerland
REPORTS OF RECENT WMO SESSIONS
Congress and Executive Council 903 — Executive Council, fifty-first session, Geneva, 27–29 May 1999 915 — Executive Council, fifty-second session, Geneva, 16–26 May 2000 929 — Executive Council, fifty-third session, Geneva, 5–15 June 2001 932 — Thirteenth World Meteorological Congress, Proceedings, Geneva, 4–26 May 1999 945 — Executive Council, fifty-fourth session, Geneva, 11–21 June 2002 960 — Fourteenth World Meteorological Congress, Geneva, 5–24 May 2003 961 — Executive Council, fifty-fifth session, Geneva, 26–28 May 2003
Regional associations 924 — Regional Association II (Asia), twelfth session, Seoul, 19–27 September 2000 927 — Regional Association IV (North and Central America), thirteenth session, Maracay, 28 March–6 April 2001 934 — Regional Association III (South America), thirteenth session, Quito, 19–26 September 2001 942 — Regional Association VI (Europe), thirteenth session, Geneva, 2–10 May 2002 944 — Regional Association V (South–West Pacific), thirteenth session, Manila, 21–28 May 2002 954 — Regional Association I (Africa), thirteenth session, Mbabane, 20–28 November 2002
Technical commissions 921 — Commission for Hydrology, eleventh session, Abuja, 6–16 November 2000 923 — Commission for Basic Systems, twelfth session, Geneva, 29 November–8 December 2000 931 — Joint WMO/IOC Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology, first session, Akureyri, 19–29 June 2001 938 — Commission for Climatology, thirteenth session, Geneva, 21–30 November 2001 941 — Commission for Atmospheric Sciences, thirteenth session, Oslo, 12–20 February 2002 947 — Commission for Instruments and Methods of Observation, thirteenth session, Bratislava, 25 September– 3 October 2002 951 — Commission for Agricultural Meteorology, thirteenth session, Ljubljana, 10–18 October 2002 953 — Commission for Aeronautical Meteorology, twelfth session, Montreal, 16–20 September 2002 955 — Commission for Basic Systems, extraordinary session, Cairns, 4–12 December 2002
In accordance with the decision of Congress, the reports are published in the following languages:
Congress — Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish Executive Council — Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish Regional Association I — Arabic, English, French Regional Association II — Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian Regional Association III — English, Spanish Regional Association IV — English, Spanish Regional Association V — English, French Regional Association VI — Arabic, English, French, Russian Technical Commissions — Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish
WMO issues authoritative publications on scientific and technical aspects of meteorology, hydrology and related subjects. These include manuals, guides, training materials, public information and the WMO Bulletin.
WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION
FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
GENEVA, 5-24 MAY 2003
PROCEEDINGS
WMO-No. 972
Secretariat of the World Meteorological Organization - Geneva - Switzerland 2004 © 2004, World Meteorological Organization
ISBN 92-63-10972-9
NOTE
The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the World Meteorological Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.
C O N T E N T S
Page
List of persons attending Fourteenth Congress...... V
Attendance at plenary meetings ...... XIII
Agenda...... XXI
Minutes: First plenary meeting, 5 May 2003...... 1 Second plenary meeting, 5 May 2003 ...... 8 Third plenary meeting, 6 May 2003 ...... 20 Fourth plenary meeting, 6 May 2003 ...... 31 Fifth plenary meeting, 7 May 2003...... 35 Sixth plenary meeting, 9 May 2003...... 36 Seventh plenary meeting, 12 May 2003 ...... 38 Eighth plenary meeting, 14 May 2003 ...... 39 Ninth plenary meeting, 15 May 2003 ...... 49 Tenth plenary meeting, 19 May 2003 ...... 57 Eleventh plenary meeting, 21 May 2003...... 59 Twelfth plenary meeting, 22 May 2003 ...... 61 Thirteenth plenary meeting, 23 May 2003 ...... 62 Fourteenth plenary meeting, 23 May 2003 ...... 63
List of abbreviations ...... 75
LIST OF PERSONS ATTENDING FOURTEENTH CONGRESS
A. Representatives of WMO Members Member Name Capacity
Member Name Capacity Azerbaijan M. Najafov Principal delegate E. Hasanov Delegate Afghanistan, A.Q. Qadeer Principal delegate Islamic G.H. Nawabi Delegate Bahamas A.W. Rolle Principal delegate State of M.M. Ahmadi Delegate Bahrain A.M.H. Isa Principal delegate Albania V. Thanati Principal delegate H.A. Al-Aali Alternate P. Goxhi (Ms) Alternate Bangladesh T. Ali Principal delegate M. Sanxhaku Delegate A. Mara Delegate Md. A. Hossain Alternate F. Rabab (Ms) Delegate Algeria M.A-S. Dembri Principal delegate Barbados C. Layne Principal delegate A. Kirouane (5-16.5) Principal delegate M. Kadi (17-24.5) Alternate Belarus Y.M. Pokumeiko Principal delegate B. Zeddigha Delegate I. Egorova (Ms) Delegate A. Lagha Delegate Belgium H. Malcorps Principal delegate M. Haouach Delegate M. Adam Delegate C. Smaïl Delegate J. Zikmundova (Ms) Delegate A. Benzeguir Delegate A. Quinet Delegate L. Ben Brahim Delegate G. Demarée Delegate D. Soltani (Ms) Delegate E. Honnay (Ms) Delegate M. Abbani Delegate Belize C. Fuller Principal delegate Angola G.H. Joao Delegate Benin S. Amehou Principal delegate E.N. Sangueve Delegate F.A. Lawson Delegate S.P.S. Da Silva (Ms) Delegate E. Laourou Delegate C.P. Baptista Delegate B.E. Accrombessi Delegate L.D. Constantino Delegate A. Mengawako Delegate Bhutan Bap Kesang Principal delegate L.T. Nanizeyi (Ms) Delegate C. Tenzin Delegate S. Tenzin Delegate Antigua and P. Jeremiah Principal delegate Barbuda Bosnia and M. Vukašinovic Principal delegate Herzegovina E. Sarac Delegate Argentina M.A. Rabiolo Principal degate D. Tekulja Delegate N. Nascimbene Alternate M. Muminovic Delegate de Dumont (Ms) D. Kremenovic- Delegate F.P. Requena Alternate Kusmuk C.A. Damboriana Delegate A. Repetti (Ms) Delegate Botswana C. Ntwaagae Principal delegate G.K. Ramothwa (Ms) Principal delegate Australia J.W. Zillman Principal delegate P. Phage Alternate K. O’Loughlin (5-14.5) Alternate G. Pitso Alternate R.R. Brook (15-24.5) Alternate K. Kalaote Delegate V.K. Tsui Delegate Brazil A.C. Vaz de Athayde Principal delegate K.J. Wilson Delegate M.A. Vasconcelos Delegate A. Watson Delegate de Freitas C. Muller (Ms) Delegate O. Vieira Delegate M.J. Manton Delegate P. Schwerdtfeger Delegate British T. Sutherland Principal delegate A. Forbes Delegate Caribbean F. Sambula Alternate N. Lawson Delegate Territories M. Smith Delegate L. Brodrick Delegate Brunei M.H. Aji Principal delegate Darussalam R. Kamaludin (Ms) Delegate H.Z. Pungut Delegate Austria P. Steinhauser Principal delegate F. Neuwirth Alternate Bulgaria K. Tzankov Principal delegate G. Zapletal Alternate L. Bojkova (Ms) Delegate P. Storer Delegate R. Mitreva (Ms) Delegate VI PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
Member Name Capacity Member Name Capacity
Burkina Faso F.N. Ouattara Principal delegate Cuba C. Hurtado Labrador Delegate (Cont.) O. León Gonzalez Delegate Burundi J. Bihotori (Ms) Principal delegate Cyprus F-G. Lanitou Alternate Cameroon J.S. Ndjemba Principal delegate Williams (Ms) Endezoumou H. Mina (Ms) Alternate F. Ngantcha Delegate B. Bidima Delegate Czech I. Obrusník Principal delegate Republic A. Slabý Alternate Canada M.D Everell (12-21.5) Principal delegate R. Tolasz Alternate D. Grimes (5-14.5) Alternate J. Kubát Delegate B. Angle (15-24.5) Alternate J. Novák Delegate M. Béland (15-23.5) Delegate Democratic Ri Tcheul Principal delegate N. Cutler (Ms) (12-18.5) Delegate People’s So Se Pyong Delegate A. Tellier (part-time) Delegate (5-24.5) Republic of Ri Kwang II Delegate T. Yuzyk (6-14.5) Delegate Korea Kim Yong Ho Delegate A. Simard (Ms) Delegate Democratic A.M. Kesia-Mbe Principal delegate (5-12.5) Republic of S. Mutomb Mujing Delegate B. O'Donnell Delegate the Congo F. Sambassi Khakessa Delegate (18-24.5) P. Morrissette Delegate Denmark L.P. Prahm Principal delegate (14-15.5) L. Wester- Alternate Andersen (Ms) Cape Verde A.P. Alves Lopes Principal delegate Djibouti O.S. Said Principal delegate Chad T. Moussa Principal delegate Dominica C. Depradine Principal delegate T. Sutherland Alternate Chile H. Oliva Principal delegate R. Espinosa Alternate Dominican R.D. Núñez Principal delegate E. Valenzuela Delegate Republic J.M. Duquela Delegate M. Bellode Kemper (Ms) Delegate China Qin Dahe Principal delegate Zheng Guoguang Alternate Ecuador G. García Principal delegate Yu Jixin Delegate M. Muñoz (Ms) Alternate Zheng Yunjie Delegate Egypt M.M. Arafa Principal delegate Chen Zhenlin Delegate M.H. Doos Delegate Han Li Delegate M. Elewa Delegate Pang Hong Kui Delegate El Salvador M. Castro Grande Principal delegate Ruan Shui-gen Delegate R. Recinos Trejo Delegate Shi Yuguang Delegate M.A. Alcaine Delegate Yu Xinwen Delegate Zhang Guocai Delegate Eritrea G.B. Kelati Principal delegate Zhao Datong Delegate W. Bereket Alternate Colombia C. Reyes-Rodriguez Principal delegate Estonia J. Saar Principal delegate M. Henriquez Alternate R. Kärner Delegate V. Gonzalez- Delegate E. Peenar (Ms) Delegate Ariza (Ms) A. Kallis Delegate R. Schank Delegate Congo R.J. Menga Principal delegate Ethiopia F. Yimer Principal delegate P. Ondongo Delegate B. Kassahun Delegate J.M. Megot Delegate A. Shiketa Delegate S. Boret Bokwango Delegate Fiji R. Prasad Principal delegate Cook Islands P. Wichman Principal delegate Finland P. Taalas Principal delegate A. Ngari Delegate P. Huhtaniemi Alternate Costa Rica E. Zárate Principal delegate M. Hurtola (Ms) Alternate K. Soini (Ms) Delegate Côte d'Ivoire C. Béké Principal delegate M. Heikinheimo Delegate A. Kignaman-Soro Principal delegate Y. Viisanen Delegate Croatia B. Gelo Principal delegate P. Plathan Delegate K. Pandžic Alternate M. Wiljander Delegate D. Trninic Delegate P. Saarikivi Delegate D. Glasnovic Delegate P. Seuna Delegate M. Adamic (Ms) Delegate J. Karanko Delegate I. Cacic Delegate France D. Bussereau Principal delegate Cuba T. Gutierrez Principal delegate B. Kessedjian Alternate J.I. Mora Godoy Delegate J.-P Beysson Alternate LIST OF PERSONS ATTENDING FOURTEENTH CONGRESS VII
Member Name Capacity Member Name Capacity
France P. Courtier Delegate Iceland S.H. Jóhannesson Principal delegate (Cont.) M. Giacomini Delegate M. Jónsson Principal delegate P. Givone Delegate I. Davidsdottir (Ms) Delegate O. Moch Delegate A. Snorrason Delegate F. Duvernet Delegate India S.K. Srivastav Principal delegate D. Lambergeon Delegate T. Berthelot Delegate T. A. Khan Delegate J-P Dufour Delegate S. Mahto Delegate F. Maniaci Delegate A. Pande Delegate S. Connois (Ms) Delegate S. Singh Delegate G. Srinivasan Delegate French L. Finaud Principal delegate Indonesia I. Gunawan Principal delegate Polynesia M. Lecorcher (Ms) Alternate D. Kasri Delegate Gabon Y. Biké (Ms) Principal delegate H. Harjanto Delegate A. Abena (Ms) Delegate T. Sunoko Delegate A.R. Mackosso (Ms) Delegate A.P. Sarwono Delegate Iran, Islamic A-M. Noorian Principal delegate Gambia S.Waffa-Ogoo (Ms) Principal delegate Republic of M.R. Alborzi Alternate B.P. Jallow Delegate G.A. Kamali Delegate Georgia N. Beradze Principal delegate B. Sanaee Delegate M. Amirshaghaghi Delegate Germany U. Gärtner Principal delegate A-H. Delju Delegate S. Mildner Alternate A. Sardari Delegate G. Steinhorst Delegate D. Parhizkar Delegate G-R. Hoffmann Delegate M. Jabbari (Ms) Delegate V. Vent-Schmidt Delegate L. Salimabadi (Ms) Delegate D. Frömming Delegate E. Farman (Ms) Delegate S. Demuth Delegate F. Rahimzadeh (Ms) Delegate K. Hofius Delegate L. Yekanizadeh (Ms) Delegate H. Hüster Delegate M. Mirsadeghi Delegate P. Päffgen Delegate M Esferi Delegate M. Wesseler (Ms) Delegate A. Heyrani Nobari Delegate D. Schulze Adviser Ireland D. Murphy Principal delegate Ghana F.P. Mote Principal delegate E. Murphy Delegate F. Poku Alternate B. Cahalane Delegate K. Wurodu Delegate J. Wellens-Mensah Delegate Israel Y. Levy Principal delegate J. Zarka Alternate Greece A. Papaioannou Principal delegate E. Fauvel (Ms) Delegate (5-16.5) S. Herlin (Ms) Delegate G. Sakellaridis Principal delegate Italy R. Sorani Principal delegate (17-24.5) M-F. Katsimardou- Delegate M. Capaldo Alternate Refene (Ms) P. Pagano Delegate I. Bassiakos (17-24.5) Delegate S. Pasquini Delegate N. Vassalli Delegate F. Ferrini Delegate Guatemala R.H.E. Alvarado Principal delegate L.M. Michaud Delegate Ortigoza G. Monacelli (Ms) Delegate C. Arroyave Delegate F. Prodi Delegate Guinea M.L. Bah Principal delegate Jamaica R. Smith Principal delegate B.M. Camara Delegate S. McGill (Ms) Principal delegate Guyana S. Kahuha Principal delegate P. Davies (Ms) Delegate S. Betton (Ms) Delegate Honduras J.B. Zapata Principal delegate H. Flores Calix Principal delegate Japan T. Kitade Principal delegate G. Bu (Ms) Delegate K. Nagasaka Alternate M. Pérez Delegate A. Beppu Delegate S. Nakagawa Delegate Hong Kong, Lam Chiu-ying Principal delegate I. Takahashi Delegate China K. Kuroiwa Delegate Hungary I. Mersich Principal delegate Jordan H.N. Sha'er Principal delegate Z. Dunkel Alternate A. Isa Saleh Alternate S. Nagy Delegate J.K. Al-Rabadi Alternate K.C. Szalóki (Ms) Delegate A.H. Abu Hazim Delegate VIII PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
Member Name Capacity Member Name Capacity
Kazakhstan N. Danenov Principal delegate Mexico M.Rosengaus Delegate T. Kudekov Alternate Moshinsky M. Tashibayev Delegate E. Pizano Cejka (Ms) Delegate O. Abramenko (Ms) Delegate Monaco B. Fautrier Principal delegate Kenya A. Ligale Principal delegate C. Lanteri (Ms) Delegate A. Mohamed (Ms) Principal delegate W. Deri Delegate J.R. Mukabana Delegate A. Jahlan Delegate M. Musoma (Ms) Delegate S. Aura (Ms) Delegate Mongolia K. Bekhbat Principal delegate S.R. Masika Delegate S. Enkhtuvshin Principal delegate W. Nyakwada Delegate D. Dagvadorj Delegate S.W. Kahuha Delegate V. Enkhbold Delegate S.M. Waweru Delegate S. Ayub Delegate Morocco Mr A. Zahoud Principal delegate R. Ogola (Ms) Delegate A. Diouri Principal delegate M.L. Emurugat Delegate A. Belhouji Alternate M. Oyugi Delegate A. Mokssit Delegate O. Ouzzine (Ms) Delegate Kiribati T. Teitiba Principal delegate A. El Kadiri Delegate
Kuwait K. Shuaibi Principal delegate Mozambique F.D. Freires Lúcio Principal delegate A. Altaho Delegate Myanmar San Hla Thaw Principal delegate Kyrgyz M. Bakanov Principal delegate Republic Namibia F. Uirab Principal delegate Lao People’s N. Somsanith Principal delegate E.N.Z. Kambueza Alternate Democratic Nepal M.L. Shrestha Principal delegate Republic Netherlands J. de Jong Principal delegate Latvia A. Leitass Principal delegate A. Kattenberg Alternate J. Karklins Alternate M. van der Valk Delegate E. Kalninš Delegate M. Noteboom (Ms) Delegate Lebanon A. Bejjani Principal delegate Netherlands A.J. Dania Principal delegate R. Noureddine (Ms) Delegate Antilles and Lesotho M. Moleleki Principal delegate Aruba B.T. Sekoli Alternate New P. Maresca Principal delegate K. Tau Delegate Caledonia A. de Billy (Ms) Alternate J. Setipa Delegate New Zealand J.R. Lumsden Principal delegate Libyan Arab A.R. El Haj Principal delegate N. Gordon Delegate Jamahiriya A.M. Al-Balazi Delegate J. Schuyt Delegate W.S. Al Hares Delegate Lithuania P. Korkutis Principal delegate Niger K. Souleymanem Principal delegate M. Labo Delegate Luxembourg A. Berns Principal delegate M. Godefroid Delegate Nigeria L.E. Akeh Principal delegate T. Obidike Alternate Madagascar N. Raelinera Principal delegate I.D. Nnodu Delegate Malawi J.A. Chikwenga Principal delegate O. Odumosu Delegate O.A.C. Orji (Ms) Delegate D.R. Kamdonyo Alternate J. Chabo Delegate J. Chirwa Delegate Niue R. Raj Principal delegate Malaysia Chow Kok Kee Principal delegate Tan Huvi Vein Delegate Norway A. Eliassen Principal delegate Maldives A. Majeed Principal delegate L. Svendsen (Ms) Alternate K. Bjørheim Delegate Mali M. Konaté Principal delegate K. Repp Delegate Malta M. Bartolo Principal delegate J. Sunde Delegate A. Mifsud (Ms) Alternate P.I. Lied Delegate Mauritania M.S.O.M. Lemine Principal delegate Oman Y.M. Al-Saifi Principal delegate M.O.M.L Béchir Principal delegate A.H.M. Al-Harthi Delegate H.O. Hemet Delegate A. Al-Qassimi Delegate Mauritius S.N. Sok Appadu Principal delegate Pakistan Q.Z. Chaudhry Principal delegate B.K. Rudhee Delegate S.S. Hasan Delegate V. Mungur Delegate F.I. Khan Delegate LIST OF PERSONS ATTENDING FOURTEENTH CONGRESS IX
Member Name Capacity Member Name Capacity
Panama A. Beliz Principal delegate Saudi Arabia A. Al-Sheikh Delegate (Cont.) M. Bin Shafi Delegate Papua Tau Ray Gabi Principal delegate New Guinea Senegal O. Camara Principal delegate A. Ndiaye Alternate Paraguay H. Valiente Ramírez Principal delegate D.M. Sene Delegate F. Barreiro Delegate F.A. Lô (Ms) Delegate Peru W. Gamarra Principal Delegate Serbia and M. Šcepanovic Principal delegate J. Yerren Delegate Montenegro D. Kardum Principal delegate C. Alarcón Delegate D. Divjak-Tomic (Ms) Alternate D. Beleván Delegate G. Jovanovic (Ms) Delegate Philippines V.V. Asiddao (Ms) Principal delegate D. Pavicevic Delegate I. Milovanovic (Ms) Delegate Poland J. Zielinski Principal delegate J. Sadon Alternate Seychelles W. Agricole (14-23.5) Principal delegate R. Klejnowski Alternate S. Masika Delegate A. Dubicki Delegate Sierra Leone D.S. Lansana Principal delegate Portugal J.C.D. Costa Pereira Principal delegate Singapore Woon Shih Lai Principal delegate A.D. Baptista (6-15.5) Principal delegate Lim Tian Kuay Delegate O. Rasquinho (5-13.5) Alternate A.M. Saraiva (12-22.5) Delegate Slovakia Š. Škulec Principal delegate R.A.D. Carvalho Delegate V. Pastircák Alternate (6-11.5) M. Kmošena Delegate A. Fernandes (Ms) Delegate K. Martinka Delegate P. Alves Adviser P. Petrovic Delegate Qatar A.A.M. Al-Nuami Principal delegate P. Roncak Delegate A.H. Al-Mulla Alternate Slovenia J. Roškar (5-11.5) Principal delegate Republic of Ahn Myung-hwan Principal delegate A. Markov (Ms) Alternate Korea Shin Kyung-sup Alternate South Africa R. Mabudafhasi (Ms) Principal delegate Park Kwang-joon Delegate J. Lengoasa Alternate Chung Yun-ang Delegate E. Poolman Delegate Park Jeong-gyoo Delegate M.L. Kamoetie Delegate Lee Dong-il Delegate Choi Kyong-lim Delegate Spain M. Couchoud Principal delegate Lee Mi-yon (Ms) Delegate Gregori (Ms) R. Diaz-Pabon (Ms) Delegate Republic of V. Cazac Principal delegate J. García-Legaz Delegate Moldova J. Segovia Delegate Republic of F. Bin Ghanem Principal delegate A. Rodriguez-Fontal Delegate Yemen M. Al-Zandani Delegate C. Abad Delegate A. Yeves Delegate Romania M. Ioana Principal delegate J. Tamayo Delegate G. Constantinescu (Ms) Delegate E. Cormenzana Delegate C. Martinez-Lopez (Ms) Delegate Russian A.I. Bedritsky Principal delegate Federation O.S. Pushkareva (Ms) Delegate Sri Lanka N.A. Amaradasa Principal delegate A.A. Pankin Delegate S. Gunaratna Delegate P.G. Chernikov Delegate N.N. Sikachev Delegate Sudan F.K. El Sayem Principal delegate A.I. Gusev Delegate I.A. Leimoon Alternate V. Bakumov Delegate C. Jada Delegate I.A. Shiklomanov Delegate M.H. El Rayah Delegate N.N. Pomoshchnikov Delegate Sweden H. Sandebring Principal delegate Rwanda D. Musoni Principal delegate E. Liljas Alternate G. Wennerberg (Ms) Alternate Samoa F. Malele Principal delegate T. Kvick Delegate Sao Tome A. Santana Principal delegate Switzerland D. Keuerleber-Burk Principal delegate and Principe J.M. Boulgaris Alternate G. Nützi (Ms) Delegate Saudi Arabia A.A. Attar Principal delegate E. Balzli Delegate T.N. Abdulaziz Principal delegate J. Romero Delegate A.A.K. Althwaini Alternate M. Spreafico Delegate S.M.S. Mohalfi Alternate G. Müller Delegate S.M. Al-Shehri Delegate P. Morscher Delegate S.A.I. Bukhari Delegate X PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
Member Name Capacity Member Name Capacity
Switzerland P. Rauh Alternate United A. Eccleston Delegate (Cont.) C. Stocker (Ms) Delegate Kingdom of C. Johnson (Ms) Delegate A. Rubli Delegate Great Britain A. Calver (Ms) Delegate Syrian Arab N. Al-Shalabi Principal delegate and Northern S. Goodchild (Ms) Delegate Republic I. A-D. Al-Beik Delegate Ireland A. Broad Delegate K. Moalla Delegate (Cont.) J. Harmer Delegate Tajikistan B. Makhmadaliev Principal delegate United M.J. Mwandosya Principal delegate Republic of M.S. Mhita Principal delegate Thailand P. Buranaprapa Principal delegate Tanzania C. Mutalemwa Alternate S. Huntrakul (Ms) Alternate P.F. Tibaijuka Delegate C. Suvanpimol Delegate K.A. Suleiman Delegate N. Balankura Delegate D.G. Rutashobya Delegate The former S. Alcinova Principal delegate M.R. Matitu Delegate Yugoslav Monevska (Ms) I. Kasyanju (Ms) Delegate Republic of D. Zafirovska (Ms) Delegate P. Kato Delegate Macedonia L. Panov Delegate N. Dzaferi Delegate United States J.J. Kelly, Jr. (5-18.5) Principal delegate of America J.E. Jones, Jr. (19-24.5) Principal delegate Tonga U.L. Ata Principal delegate D.R. Rogers Alternate A. Faletau Principal delegate C.C. Barrett Delegate O. Fa’anunu Delegate W.C. Bolhofer Delegate Trinidad and W. Mills Principal delegate J.M. Cowley (Ms) Delegate Tobago C. Lautenbacher Adviser H.L. April Adviser Tunisia H. Mansour Principal delegate R.O. Masters Adviser A. Ben Jemaa Delegate R. McPherson Adviser M.S. Koubaa Delegate V.R. Schneider Adviser S.I. Ammar (Ms) Delegate G.W. Withee Adviser Turkey A. Ünal Principal delegate E. Wuchte (Ms) Adviser H. Kivanç Alternate M.C. Yerg, Jr. Adviser M. Adigüzel Delegate B. Brennan Adviser H. Ergani Delegate R. Hopkins Adviser D.W. Koran Adviser Turkmenistan S. Bayramov Principal delegate D. Larson (Ms) Adviser Uganda N. Irumba Principal delegate J. Lewis (Ms) Adviser S.A.K. Magezi Alternate L. Poulton- Adviser A. Gakwandi Delegate Kamakura (Ms) J.F.W. Purdom Adviser Ukraine V. Lipinsky Principal delegate D. Stone (Ms) Adviser S. Homanovska (Ms) Delegate C. Stonecipher Adviser United Arab N.S. Al-Aboodi Principal delegate T. Talley Adviser Emirates M.A.H. Al-Mualla (Ms) Principal delegate Uruguay R. Michelini Principal delegate (15-24.5) R. Franco (Ms) Delegate A.A. Algifri (5-16.5) Alternate A.D. Karaeen (13-24.5) Delegate Vanuatu W. Posen Principal delegate F.H.S. Al-Mehairi Delegate J. Napat Alternate (5-16.5) A.H. Mangoosh Delegate Venezuela B. Portocarrero (Ms) Principal delegate A.A. Almandoos Delegate F. Camargo Duque Principal delegate M.M. Alawar (Ms) Delegate T. Carballo Alternate (5-7.5) M. Hernandez (Ms) Delegate R.A. Bin Fahad Delegate (5-7.5) Viet Nam Nguyen Cong Thanh Principal delegate E.M. Abdellatif Delegate Q.X. Ngo Alternate (5-7.5) D.K. Nguyen Delegate D.H. Tran Delegate United S.W. Fuller Principal delegate V.H. Tran Delegate Kingdom of P. Ewins Alternate H.T. Vu Delegate Great Britain G. Ryall (Ms) Alternate Zambia L. Mtesa Principal delegate and Northern P. Tarif (Ms) Delegate Ireland G. Pankiewicz Delegate M. Muchinda Principal delegate C. Smith (Ms) Delegate A. Zulu Delegate S. Palmer Delegate Zimbabwe C.M. Katsande Principal delegate P. Mason Delegate C. Chipaziwa Alternate J. Mitchell Delegate A. Makarau Alternate S. Noyes Delegate S.T. Mukanduri Delegate J. Hearth Delegate C. Zvirawa Delegate LIST OF PERSONS ATTENDING FOURTEENTH CONGRESS XI
B. Representatives of non-Member Organization Name countries of WMO Holy See F. Nwachukwu United Nations International J. Harding Strategy for Disaster Reduction T. Jeggle (ISDR) C. Observer International Civil Aviation O. Turpeinen Palestine Y.O.A. El-Qawasma Organization (ICAO) World Health Organization (WHO) C. Corvalan
D. Presidents of technical commissions World Intellectual Property J. Neale Organization (WIPO) Commission Name Agency for Air Safety in Africa and A. Fadiga Madagascar (ASECNA) F.L Finke Acting president CBS A. Gusev J.-P. Makosso Co-presidents JCOMM J. Guddal A. Salihi S. Narayanan (Ms) M. Sissako President CAeM N. Gordon International Atomic Energy J. Rissanen (Ms) Agency (IAEA) President CAS A. Eliassen European Centre for Medium-range D. Burridge President CCl Y. Boodhoo Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) President CHy D.G. Rutashobya European Space Agency (ESA) E. Oriol- President CIMO S.K. Srivastav Pibernat (Ms) Vice-president CAgM L.E. Akeh European Organization for the P. Counet Exploitation of Meteorological T. Mohr Satellites (EUMETSAT) D. Williams E. Invited experts International Association of G. Fleming D. Berthomier Broadcast Meteorology (IABM) W.G. Giles M.-C. Dumesnil (Ms) I. Niedek (Ms) J. Teather P. Mason R. Pachauri International Commission on A. Musy Irrigation and Drainage (ICID)
F. IMO lecturers Intergovernmental Oceanographic P. Bernal Commission (IOC) B. Lee (Ms) M. Abu-Zeid C. Summerhayes I.A. Shiklomanov African Centre of Meteorological M.S. Boulahya Applications for Development A.J. Micko (Ms) G. Scientific lecturers (ACMAD) A. Thorpe Caribbean Meteorological C. Depradine Organization (CMO) T. Sutherland Qin Dahe H.M. Wood (Ms) International Astronautical L. Adame Federation (IAF)
H. Representatives of international organizations Permanent Inter-State Committee A.A. Diallo on Drought Control in the Sahel M.S. Mbenga Organization Name (CILSS) Arab Organization for Agricultural S. Al-Lozi United Nations Environment J. Carstensen Development (AOAD) Programme (UNEP) Association of Hydrometeorological B. Dieterink United Nations Framework A. Keil Equipment Industry (HMEI) C. Lee Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) European Commission (EC) M. Moren United Nations Convention to A. Cissoko Institute for Polar and Marine P. Lemke Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Research (AWI) United Nations Development E. Bonev International Committee for Weights R. Wielgosz Programme (UNDP) and Measures (BIPM) United Nations Educational, A. Szollosi-Nagy International Ocean Institute (IOI) I. Oliounine Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) International Research Institute for R. Basher Climate Prediction (IRI) S.E. Zebiak XII PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
Organization Name Organization Name
International Union of Geodesy and R. List Permanent Delegation of the S.A. Kalinde (Ms) Geophysics (IUGG) African Union I.O. Mensa-Bonsu A. Musa League of Arab States (LAS) S. El Farargi M. El Sayed Preparatory Commission for the R.M. Kebeasy A.N.E. Shalaby Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)
ATTENDANCE AT PLENARY MEETINGS
Name Meetings
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Member States Afghanistan, Islamic State of ...... x x x x x x – – – – – – – – Albania ...... x x – – – – – x x x – – – – Algeria ...... – x x x x x x x x x x x x x Angola ...... x x – – x x x x x x x x x – Antigua and Barbuda ...... – – – – – x x – – x – – – – Argentina ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Armenia ...... – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Australia ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Austria ...... x x x x x x – x x x x x x x Azerbaijan ...... – – – – – – – x x x – – – – Bahamas ...... – – – – – – – x x x – – – – Bahrain ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Bangladesh ...... x x x x x x – x x x x x – x Barbados ...... – – – – – – x x x x x x x x Belarus ...... x – x x x x x x x x x x x – Belgium ...... – x x x x x x x x x – x x x Belize ...... x x x x x x x x x – – – – – Benin ...... x x x – x x x x x x x x x – Bhutan ...... – – – – – – – x x – – – – – Bolivia ...... x – – – – – – – – – – – – – Bosnia and Herzegovina ...... x x x x – x x x x x – – – – Botswana ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Brazil ...... x x x x x – x x x x x x x – British Caribbean Territories ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Brunei Darussalam ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x – Bulgaria ...... x – x – – x – x x x x – x x Burkina Faso ...... – – – x x x x x x x x x x x Burundi ...... – – – – – – – x – – – – – – Cambodia ...... – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Cameroon ...... – – – – – – – x – – – – – x Canada ...... x x x x x x x x – x – x x x Cape Verde ...... – – – – – – – x – – – – – – XIV PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
Name Meetings
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Central African Republic ...... – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Chad ...... – – – – – – – x x x – x x x Chile ...... x x x x x – x x x x – x x x China ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Colombia ...... – – – – – x – x x x – – – – Comoros ...... – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Congo ...... – – – – – – – x x x – x x – Cook Islands...... – – – – – – – x – x – – x x Costa Rica ...... x x x x x x x x x x – x x x Côte d’Ivoire ...... x x x – x – x x – – – x – – Croatia ...... x x x x x x x x x x – – – x Cuba ...... – – – – – – – x x x – – x – Cyprus ...... – – – – – – – x x x x – – – Czech Republic ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x – Democratic People’s Republic of ... Korea ...... x – – x – – – x x – – – – – Democratic Republic of the ...... Congo...... – – – x – – – x – – – – – – Denmark ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Djibouti ...... x x – – – x – x – x x – – – Dominica ...... – – – – – – – x x x – – – – Dominican Republic ...... x x – – – – – x x x – – – – Ecuador ...... – – – – – – x x x x – – – – Egypt ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x El Salvador ...... – – – – – – – – x x – – – – Eritrea ...... – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Estonia ...... x x x x x – x x x x x x x x Ethiopia ...... x – – x – – x x – x x x x x Fiji ...... – – – – – x x x x x – – – – Finland ...... – x x x x x x x x x x x x – France ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x French Polynesia ...... x x x x x x x x x x – – x x Gabon ...... x x x – – – x x x x – – – – Gambia ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x – x Georgia ...... x x x x – – x x x x – – – – Germany ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Ghana ...... x x x x – – x x x x x x x x Greece ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x ATTENDANCE AT PLENARY MEETINGS XV
Name Meetings
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Guatemala ...... x – – x – – – – – – – – – – Guinea ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x – x Guinea-Bissau ...... – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Guyana ...... – – – – – – – x – – – – – – Haiti ...... – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Honduras ...... x x – x – – x x x x – – x – Hong Kong, China...... x x x x x x x x – – x x x x Hungary ...... – x x x x x x x x x x x – – Iceland ...... x x – x – x – x x x – – – – India ...... x x x x x x x – x x – – – – Indonesia ...... x x x x – – – x x x – – – – Iran, Islamic Republic of ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x – Iraq ...... x – – – – – – – – – – – – – Ireland ...... x x – x x – x x x x x x x x Israel ...... x – – – – – – – – x – – – – Italy ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Jamaica ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Japan ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Jordan ...... x x – x x x x x x x x x x x Kazakhstan ...... x x x – – – x x x x – – – – Kenya ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Kiribati ...... – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Kuwait ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x – x Kyrgyz Republic ...... x – – – – – – x x – – – – – Lao People’s Democratic Republic ...... – – – – x x x x x x x x x x Latvia ...... – – – – – – – x x x – – – – Lebanon ...... x x x x – – x x x x x x – – Lesotho ...... – x – – – – x x x x x x x x Liberia ...... – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Libyan Arab Jamahiriya ...... – x x x x x x x x x x x x x Lithuania ...... x – x x x x – x x x x x x x Luxembourg ...... – – – – – – – x – – – – – – Macao, China ...... – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Madagascar ...... – – – – – – x x – – – – – – Malawi ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Malaysia ...... x x x x – x x x x x x x x x XVI PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
Name Meetings
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Maldives ...... x – x x x x x – x x x x – x Mali ...... x x x x x x – x x x x x x x Malta ...... x – – – – – – x x x x – – – Mauritania ...... x x x x x – x x x x x – x x Mauritius ...... x x x x x x x x – x – x x – Mexico ...... x x x x x x – x x x x x x x Micronesia, Federated States of .... – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Monaco...... – x – x – – – x x x – – – – Mongolia ...... x – x x x x – x x x – x x x Morocco ...... x x x – x x x x x x x x x – Mozambique ...... – – x x x x x x x x – – – – Myanmar ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Namibia ...... x x x x x x x x – x – – – – Nepal ...... x x x x x x x x x x – – x x Netherlands ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Netherlands Antilles and Aruba ..... x x x – x x – x x x – – – – New Caledonia ...... – x x x x x x x x x x x x x New Zealand ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Nicaragua ...... – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Niger ...... x x x x x x x x x x – x x – Nigeria ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Niue ...... – – – – – – x x x x – – – – Norway ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Oman ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Pakistan ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x – x Panama ...... – x – – – x – – x – – – – – Papua New Guinea ...... – – x x x x x x – x – x x – Paraguay ...... – x x x x x – x x x x x x x Peru ...... – – – – – – – x x x – x x x Philippines ...... – – – – – – – x x x – – – – Poland ...... x – x x x x x x x x x x x x Portugal ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Qatar ...... x x x – x – – x x x x – – x Republic of Korea ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Republic of Moldova ...... – – – – – – – – – x x x x – Republic of Yemen ...... x x – x x – – x x x – – – x Romania ...... x x x x – x x x x x x x x – ATTENDANCE AT PLENARY MEETINGS XVII
Name Meetings
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Russian Federation ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Rwanda ...... – – – – – – – x x x x x – x Saint Lucia ...... – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Samoa ...... – – – – – – x x x x – – – – Sao Tome and Principe ...... – x x x x – x – – – – – – – Saudi Arabia ...... – x x – – – x x – x – – – – Senegal ...... x x x – x x x x x x x x x x Serbia and Montenegro...... – – – – – x x x x x x x x – Seychelles ...... – – – – – – – x x x x x – – Sierra Leone ...... – – – x – x x x – x – – x x Singapore ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Slovakia...... x – – x x x x x – x x x x x Slovenia ...... x x x – x – – x x x – – – – Solomon Islands ...... – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Somalia ...... – – – – – – – – – – – – – – South Africa ...... x x x x – x x x x x x x x x Spain ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Sri Lanka ...... – x x x x x – x x x – – x x Sudan ...... – x – x – – x x x x x x – – Suriname ...... – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Swaziland ...... – – – – – – – x – – – – – – Sweden ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Switzerland ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Syrian Arab Republic ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x – – Tajikistan ...... – – – – – – – x x – – – – – Thailand ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x The former Yugoslav Republic of... Macedonia ...... – – x – – – x x x x – – – – Togo ...... – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Tonga ...... – x x x x x x x – x – – – – Trinidad and Tobago ...... – – – – x x x x x x x x x x Tunisia ...... x – x – – x x x x – – – – – Turkey ...... x x x x – – x x x x – – – x Turkmenistan ...... – – – – – – x x x – – – – – Uganda ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Ukraine ...... – – – – – – – x x x – – – – United Arab Emirates ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x – XVIII PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
Name Meetings
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x United Republic of Tanzania ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x United States of America ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Uruguay ...... x x x x x x x x x x – – – x Uzbekistan ...... – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Vanuatu ...... x x x x – – x x – x – – – – Venezuela ...... x – – – – – – x x x – x x x Viet Nam ...... x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Zambia ...... x x x x – x x – – x x – – – Zimbabwe ...... – x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Observer Palestine ...... – x x x x x x x – x – – – –
International Organizations United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) ...... x – – – – – – – – – – – – – International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)...... – x x – x – x x – – – – – – Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)...... – – – – – – – x – – – – – – Secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) ...... x x x x x x x x x – – – – – African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development (ACMAD) ...... – – – – – – x x x x – – – – Agency for Air Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA) ...... x – x x x x – x x x x x – x Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOCD)...... – – x – – – – – – – – – – – Association of Hydrometeorological Equipment Industry (HMEI)...... x x – – – x – – – – – – – – Caribbean Meteorological Organization (CMO) ...... x x x x x x x – – – x x x x European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF)...... – – – – – – – x x – – – – – European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) ...... x x – x x x – – – – – – – – European Space Agency (ESA)..... – – – – – – x – – – – – – – ATTENDANCE AT PLENARY MEETINGS XIX
Name Meetings
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 International Association of Broadcast Meteorology (IABM) ...... x x x x x x – x x – – – – – International Astronautical Federation (IAF) ...... – – – – – – – – – – x x x x International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) ...... – – – – x x – – – – – – – – International Ocean Institute (IOI) .... – x – – – – – – – – – – – – International Research Institute for Climate Prediction (IRI)...... – x x x x – – x – – – – – – International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) ...... x x x – x – – – – – – – – – International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG)...... – – – – x – – x – – – – – – League of Arab States (LAS) ...... – x – x – – – x – – – – – – Permanent Inter-State Committee on Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) ...... x x x x – x – – – – – – – – South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commision (SOPAC) . – x – – x – – – – – – – – –
AGENDA
1. ORGANIZATION OF THE SESSION (Cg-XIV/PINK 1) 1.1 Opening of the session 1.2 Establishment of a Credentials Committee (Cg-XIV/PINK 1.2(1)) 1.3 Approval of the agenda (Cg-XIV/Docs. 1.3(1); (2)) 1.4 Establishment of Committees 1.5 Report of the Credentials Committee (Cg-XIV/PINKS 1.5(1); (2); (3)) 1.6 Approval of the minutes
2. REPORTS 2.1 Report by the President of the Organization (Cg-XIV/Doc. 2.1; PINK 2.1) 2.2 Report by the Secretary-General (Cg-XIV/PINK 2.2) 2.3 Report by the chairperson of the Financial Advisory Committee (Cg-XIV/Doc. 2.3(1), CORR. 1; PINK 2.3) 2.4 Consolidated report on amendments to the Technical Regulations (Cg-XIV/Doc. 2.4; PINK 2.4)
3. SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL PROGRAMMES 3.1 World Weather Watch Programme 3.1.0 WWW basic systems and support functions; the report of the president of CBS (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.1.0; PINK 3.1.0) 3.1.1 Global Observing System (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.1.1; PINK 3.1.1) 3.1.2 WWW information system and services, including the Global Telecommunication System and data management (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.1.2; 3.1.2, ADD.1; PINK 3.1.2) 3.1.3 Global Data-processing System; including emergency response activities (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.1.3; PINK 3.1.3) 3.1.4 WWW System Support Activities, including the Operational Information Service (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.1.4; PINK 3.1.4) 3.1.5 Instruments and Methods of Observation Programme; the report of the president of CIMO (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.1.5; PINK 3.1.5) 3.1.6 WMO Satellite Activities (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.1.6; PINK 3.1.6) 3.1.7 Tropical Cyclone Programme (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.1.7; PINK 3.1.7) 3.1.8 WMO Antarctic activities (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.1.8; PINK 3.1.8) 3.2 World Climate Programme 3.2.0 World Climate Programme; the report of the president of CCl (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.2.0(1); PINK 3.2.0(1)) 3.2.1 Coordination activities within the Climate Agenda (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.2.1; 3.2.1, ADD.1; PINK 3.2.1) 3.2.2 Support to climate change-related activities, including IPCC and the Conventions on Climate Change, on Biodiversity, and on Desertification (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.2.2; 3.2.2, ADD.1; PINK 3.2.2) 3.2.3 Global Climate Observing System (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.2.3; 3.2.3, ADD.1; PINK 3.2.3) 3.2.4 World Climate Data and Monitoring Programme (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.2.4; PINK 3.2.4) 3.2.5 World Climate Applications and Services Programme, including CLIPS (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.2.5; PINK 3.2.5) 3.2.6 World Climate Impact Assessment and Response Strategies Programme (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.2.6, REV.1; PINK 3.2.6) 3.2.7 World Climate Research Programme (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.2.7; PINK 3.2.7) 3.3 Atmospheric Research and Environment Programme 3.3.0 Atmospheric Research and Environment Programme; the report of the president of CAS (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.3(1); PINK 3.3(1)) 3.3.1 Support to ozone and other environment-oriented conventions (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.3(2), CORR.1; PINK 3.3(2)) 3.3.2 Global Atmosphere Watch (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.3(2), CORR.1; PINK 3.3(2)) 3.3.3 World Weather Research Programme (Cg-XIV/Docs. 3.3(2), CORR.1; 3.3(3); PINKS 3.3(2); 3.3(3)) 3.3.4 Tropical Meteorology Research Programme (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.3(2), CORR.1; PINK 3.3(2)) 3.3.5 Programme on Physics and Chemistry of Clouds and Weather Modification Research (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.3(2), CORR.1; PINK 3.3(2)) 3.4 Applications of Meteorology Programme 3.4.1 Public Weather Services Programme (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.4.1; PINK 3.4.1) 3.4.2 Agricultural Meteorology Programme; the report of the president of CAgM (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.4.2; PINK 3.4.2) XXII PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
3.4.3 Aeronautical Meteorology Programme; the report of the president of CAeM (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.4.3(1); PINK 3.4.3) 3.4.4 Marine Meteorology and Associated Oceanographic Activities Programme; the report of the co-president of JCOMM (Cg-XIV/Docs. 3.4.4(1); (2); PINKS 3.4.1(1); (2)) 3.5 Hydrology and Water Resources Programme (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.5; PINK 3.5) 3.5.0 Hydrology and Water Resources Programme; report of the president of CHy 3.5.1 Programme on Basic Systems in Hydrology 3.5.2 Programme on Forecasting and Applications in Hydrology 3.5.3 Programme on Sustainable Development of Water Resources 3.5.4 Programme on Capacity Building in Hydrology and Water Resources 3.5.5 Programme on Water-related Issues 3.6 Education and Training Programme (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.6(1); PINK 3.6) 3.6.1 Human resources development 3.6.2 Training activities 3.6.3 Education and training fellowships 3.6.4 Support to training events under other WMO major Programmes 3.7 Technical Cooperation Programme 3.7.1 General review of the Technical Cooperation Programme (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.7(1); 3.7(2); PINK 3.7) 3.7.2 Organization and funding of the Technical Cooperation Programme (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.7(1); PINK 3.7) 3.8 Regional Programme 3.8.1 Reports of the presidents of regional associations (Cg-XIV/ Docs. 3.8.1(1); (2); (3); (3), ADD.1; (4); (5); (6); PINK 3.8) 3.8.2 Regional activities (Cg-XIV/Docs. 3.8.2; (2)))
4. PROGRAMME SUPPORT SERVICES AND PUBLICATIONS 4.1 Conferences (Cg-XIV/Doc. 4.1, CORR. 1; PINK 4.1) 4.2 Languages (Cg-XIV/Doc. 4.2; PINK 4.2) 4.3 Publications (Cg-XIV/Doc. 4.3; PINK 4.3) 4.4 Office automation and information technology support (Cg-XIV/Doc. 4.4; PINK 4.4)
5. INFORMATION AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAMME (Cg-XIV/Docs. 5; (2); PINK 5)
6. LONG-TERM PLANNING 6.1 Report on the monitoring of the implementation of the Fifth WMO Long-term Plan (Cg-XIV/Docs. 6.1; 6.1, ADD. 1; PINK 6.1) 6.2 Sixth WMO Long-term Plan (Cg-XIV/Docs. 6.2; 6.2, ADD. 1; ADD. 2; PINK 6.2) 6.3 Preparation of the Seventh WMO Long-term Plan (Cg-XIV/Doc. 6.3; PINK 6.3) 6.4 WMO structure (Cg-XIV/Doc. 6.4; PINK 6.4, REV. 1)
7. SPECIFIC CHALLENGES FACING WMO 7.1 International exchange of data and products (Cg-XIV/Doc. 7.1; PINK 7.1) 7.2 Role and operation of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (Cg-XIV/Docs. 7.2; (2); (3) PINKS 7.2(1); (2)) 7.3 Cooperation with other disciplines and programmes (Cg-XIV/Doc. 7.3; PINK 7.3) 7.4 Disaster reduction activities (Cg-XIV/Docs. 7.4; 7.4, ADD. 1; PINK 7.4)
8. CONSOLIDATED PROGRAMME AND BUDGET — 2004-2007 (Cg-XIV/Docs. 8(1); (1), ADD. 1; ADD. 2; (2); (3); PINK 8)
9. COOPERATION WITH THE UNITED NATIONS AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS 9.1 Cooperation with the United Nations and other organizations (Cg-XIV/Docs. 9.1; (2); (2), ADD. 1; (3); (4); PINKS 9.1(1); (2); (3); (4), REV. 1) 9.2 World Summit on Sustainable Development (Cg-XIV/Doc. 9.2; PINK 9.2)
10. ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL QUESTIONS 10.1 Financial matters (Cg-XIV/Docs. 10.1(1); (2); PINKS 10.1(1); (2)) 10.2 Proportional contributions of Members (Cg-XIV/Doc. 10.2(1); PINK 10.2(1)) 10.3 Staff matters (Cg-XIV/Docs. 10.3(1); (2); (2), ADD. 1; PINKS 10.3(1); (2)) 10.4 Secretary-General’s contract (Cg-XIV/PINK 10.4)
11. GENERAL AND LEGAL QUESTIONS 11.1 IMO and WMO Prizes (Cg-XIV/PINK 11.1) 11.2 Questions concerning the Convention (Cg-XIV/Docs. 11.2(1), REV. 1; (2); (3); PINKS 11.2(1); (2); (3)) AGENDA XXIII
11.3 Revision of the General Regulations (Cg-XIV/Docs. 11.3(1); (2); (3); (4); (5); (6); PINKS 11.3(1); (2); (3); (4); (5); (6)) 11.4 Review of previous resolutions of Congress (Cg-XIV/Doc. 11.4; PINK 11.4) 11.5 Requests for membership of the Organization (Cg-XIV/PINK 11.5)
12. ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS 12.1 Election of the President and Vice-Presidents of the Organization (Cg-XIV/PINKS 12.1(1); (2), REV. 1; (3), REV. 1) 12.2 Election of members of the Executive Council (Cg-XIV/PINKS 12.2(1); (1), ADD. 1; (2)) 12.3 Appointment of the Secretary-General (Cg-XIV/Doc. 12.3; PINK 12.3; (2); (3))
13. SCIENTIFIC LECTURES AND DISCUSSIONS (Cg-XIV/Doc. 13; PINK 13)
14. DATE AND PLACE OF FIFTEENTH CONGRESS (Cg-XIV/PINK 14)
15. CLOSURE OF THE SESSION (Cg-XIV/PINK 15)
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE SESSION
Final Session No. No. 1 2.4/1 Technical Regulations of the World Meteorological Organization 2 3.1.0/1 World Weather Watch Programme for 2004–2007 3 3.1.2/1 Radio frequencies for meteorological and related environmental activities 4 3.1.5/1 Instruments and Methods of Observation Programme 5 3.1.6/1 WMO Space Programme 6 3.1.6/2 WMO Consultative Meetings on High-level Policy on Satellite Matters 7 3.1.7/1 Tropical Cyclone Programme 8 3.2.2/1 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 9 3.2.3/1 GCOS Climate Monitoring Principles 10 3.2.3/2 Global Climate Observing System 11 3.2.5/1 Services of the World Climate Programme (covering the World Climate Data and Monitoring Programme and the World Climate Applications and Services Programme) 12 3.3/1 THORPEX: A Global Atmospheric Research Programme 13 3.4.1/1 Public Weather Services Programme 14 3.4.2/1 Agricultural Meteorology Programme 15 3.4.3/1 Aeronautical Meteorology Programme 16 3.4.4/1 Marine Meteorology and Oceanography Activities Programme 17 3.5/1 Hydrology and Water Resources Programme 18 3.5/2 Panel of Experts on Fresh Water 19 3.6/1 Education and Training Programme 20 3.7/1 The WMO Voluntary Cooperation Programme 21 3.7/2 WMO Programme for the Least Developed Countries 22 4.3/1 Publications Programme for the fourteenth financial period 23 5/1 Information and Public Affairs Programme 24 5/2 A subtitle for WMO 25 6.2/1 Sixth WMO Long-term Plan 26 6.3/1 Preparation of the Seventh WMO Long-term Plan 27 7.2/2 Quality management 28 7.2/1 Role and operation of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services XXIV PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
29 7.4/1 Natural Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Programme 30 8/1 Maximum expenditures for the fourteenth financial period 31 8/2 Results-based budgeting 32 9.1/1 Agreement between the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear- Test-Ban Treaty Organization and the World Meteorological Organization 33 9.1/2 Equal opportunities for the participation of women in meteorology and hydrology 34 9.1/3 Holding of a third International Polar Year in 2007–2008 35 10.1/1 Establishment of the Financial Regulations of the World Meteorological Organization 36 10.2/1 Assessment of proportional contributions of Members for the fourteenth financial period 37 10.2/2 Review of the Working Capital Fund 38 10.4/1 Secretary-General’s contract 39 11.2/1 Amendments to Article 13(c) of the Convention 40 11.2/2 Questions concerning the WMO Convention 41 11.2/3 Amendments to the Convention — Translation of the term “Regional Association” 42 11.3/1 Amendments to Annex II of the WMO General Regulations 43 11.3/2 Amendment to General Regulation 85(a) 44 11.3/4 Application of General Regulations 177 and 194 45 11.3/5 Amendment to the General Regulations — Translation of the term “Regional Association” 46 11.3/6 Use of Portuguese 47 11.4/1 Review of previous Congress resolutions 48 12.3/1 Tribute to the Secretary-General
WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION FOURTEENTH CONGRESS
Geneva, 5-24 May 2003
MINUTES OF THE FIRST PLENARY MEETING 5 May 2003 at 10 a.m.
The meeting was called to order at NMHSs of the developing countries, despite the 10.20 a.m. acknowledged achievements of the WMO Voluntary 1. Opening of the session (agenda item 1.1) Cooperation Programme (VCP) and the substantial contribution of individual countries through bilateral The PRESIDENT, Mr J.W. Zillman, declared assistance with equipment and staff training. open the Fourteenth Congress of the World The President was convinced that public Meteorological Organization (WMO). He focused his meteorological services represented one of the best remarks on the broad picture of the past, present examples of an economic public good, and that the and future of international cooperation in theory of public goods provided a powerful meteorology and its sister sciences and their framework within which to build, or rebuild, the contribution to the safety and welfare of people provision of meteorological services at the national throughout the world. The scientific and institutional level. In the case of meteorology, a public goods linkages between meteorology, hydrology and perspective made it clear that the responsibility for oceanography, he believed, were now very strong. providing most of the essential infrastructure needed The President expressed special empathy to meet community expectations and ensure the with the hydrology community which had brought socially optimal level of public services must great strength to meteorology through its acceptance ultimately reside with governments. The recent of WMO as the appropriate United Nations system developments in the theory of global public goods framework for international cooperation and suggested that the entire international framework of coordination on operational hydrology. Regarding cooperation and free exchange under the auspices oceanography, he felt that it should be a matter of of WMO and the provision of a wide range of great satisfaction in the international meteorological services for the safety of life and property and for and oceanographic communities that, over the past reducing the impact of natural disasters fell squarely four years, a genuine partnership had been forged in the realm of global public goods. between WMO and the Intergovernmental On the issue of climate change, the WMO Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the United community had foreseen its emergence as a major Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural issue for the future of humanity and had put in place Organization (UNESCO) through the Joint WMO/IOC the international monitoring and research Technical Commission for Oceanography and programmes needed to ensure that it could, and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM). The partnerships would, be addressed and managed on a sound established with UNESCO and the International scientific basis. The design and implementation of Council for Science (ICSU) in working towards a the World Climate Programme (WCP), followed later unified framework for monitoring, modelling and by its refocusing through the Climate Agenda, had predicting the behaviour of the total earth system served the world extremely well as governments provided a sound foundation for exploring and began to face the far-reaching implications of exploiting future opportunities. greenhouse warming and the prospect of long-term The President believed that the greatest climate change. He believed that a new global challenges facing WMO were to find more effective climate agenda and a new framework of cooperation ways of moving scientific and technological progress were needed within which the WMO community in the developed countries into operations and could play its part. He had been greatly heartened by service improvement in the National Meteorological the recent initiatives in the United States and some and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) of the other countries to take a fresh look at the structure developing world. The main problem remained that and functioning of the national climate enterprise. He of resources. It was fair to observe that the hoped that that new approach would extend to the developed world had collectively failed to do as global level and that Fourteenth Congress would much as it might have, through technology transfer, take the steps needed to achieve international to underpin the capacity-building efforts of the consensus on the essential elements of a new global 2 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
framework for cooperation in climate monitoring, Major Programmes and deciding how to achieve research and service provision. them with the best combination of resources; The President believed strongly in the need electing a new President, Vice-Presidents and to commit to implementation of an integrated global Executive Council; appointing a new Secretary- observing system. For 150 years, the global General; and recommitting the Organization to the meteorological community had shown remarkable unity of meteorology and its sister sciences in foresight in laying the foundation, often decades or pursuit of the noble aspirations of the WMO more ahead of the wider perception of the need, for Convention and the continued effectiveness of reliable internationally-comparable records of past WMO as the model of international cooperation environmental conditions. It now faced a new within the United Nations system. challenge planning for the integrated earth observing 1.1 Statement by Professor G.O.P. Obasi, system that was clearly emerging as an essential Secretary-General of the World foundation for addressing a wide range of global Meteorological Organization environmental issues over the decades ahead. Regarding the current state of National The SECRETARY-GENERAL extended a warm Meteorological Services (NMSs) around the world welcome to all delegates, representatives of and their place in the total international international organizations, His Royal Highness the meteorological and scientific system, the President Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, ministers believed that the established concept of the primarily and other high-level government officials. He drew government-funded NMS would remain fundamental attention, in particular, to the two countries that had to the effectiveness of essential public most recently acceded to the WMO Convention — meteorological services through the twenty-first Bhutan and Kiribati — and welcomed their century. He regarded the development of a rigorous delegations. and robust economic and public policy framework for The Secretary-General recalled that the year meteorological service provision as an essential step 2003 marked the one hundred and fiftieth toward that end and considered it entirely anniversary of the First International Meteorological appropriate that WMO should take a lead. He felt Conference, which formally underlined the also that education and training of NMHS staff were importance of meteorology and stressed that the key to the future, and that a renewed international cooperation in the science was a sine commitment to attracting the best young scientists qua non condition to progress. That spirit of and technicians into the field was of the utmost cooperation led to the establishment of the importance. International Meteorological Organization in 1873 The President emphasized the need to and subsequently in 1950 to the World preserve the integrity of the atmospheric sciences and Meteorological Organization, a specialized Agency of to ensure their wise and responsible use in advising the United Nations. individual governments and the global community on Congress, noted the Secretary-General, such fundamentally important issues as protection of remained the WMO’s highest policy-making organ. the ozone layer and mitigation of anthropogenic climate As such, it offered to each of its 187 Members the change. He noted with particular satisfaction the forum to contribute to the formulation of WMO’s establishment of the joint WMO/UNEP policies and programmes and to the implementation Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) strategies that should guide the Organization into the and its subsequent role in pioneering the use of science future. He emphasized that Congress decisions had to inform policy makers in that important area. The strong implications on the effectiveness of WMO and WMO framework of Guides and Manuals and provided the framework for contributions of NMHS in occasional firm statements on issues such as weather addressing many of the long-term concerns of modification and the scientific basis and limitations of humankind at the national, regional and global weather and climate forecasting would continue to be levels. critically important to the integrity of the science and the Fourteenth Congress would consider, and services based on it. provide guidance on, a number of major issues The President expressed his satisfaction relevant to the sustainable development of nations, with the operation of the Executive Council since including: Thirteenth Congress, in spite of the considerable (a) Mitigation of natural disasters that had in recent turnover in its membership. He highlighted some years caused over 60 000 deaths, affected of the major decisions facing Fourteenth more than 200 million people, and led to Congress, including: determining the role that economic losses of up to US$ 100 billion WMO should play in a world that was annually. It was recalled that the 1997/1998 simultaneously more comprehensively integrated El Niño event alone caused damage estimated and more sharply divided than at any previous at US$ 96 billion. time; reaching consensus on a new vision for the (b) The challenge of water resources management, future of WMO and a realistic strategy for as over 1 billion people presently had no access achieving it; agreeing on the objectives of all to drinking water and 31 developing countries PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 3
representing 2.8 billion people already faced year globally, a sum 135 times the cost of running chronic water problems; WMO. The Secretary-General invited Congress to (c) Issues related to climate change that might take measures that would ensure the enhancement intensify the degradation of the environment of the comparative advantage of WMO. Thus, in view and cause sea-level rise with adverse of the advent of globalization and unprecedented consequences for small island developing advances in science and technology, the States (SIDS) and coastal zones; Organization should be strategically placed so that (d) The depletion of the ozone layer, an issue that every nation benefited in an equitable manner from endangered life on planet Earth; the evolving global socio-economic environment and (e) Support to food security, as 800 million people from the Programmes of the Organization. WMO faced chronic food shortages and malnutrition; also needed to continue to develop innovative ways (f) Support to other vital sectors of the economy, of delivering services, of ensuring free and including transport, health and tourism; unrestricted exchange of data and products, of (g) Assistance to Members to meet their enhancing partnership with relevant parties, and of international obligations related to the continuing to improve its basic system. Conventions on Climate Change, on The Secretary-General observed that as Desertification and on Ozone as well as those Congress looked to the future, it must keep in view arising from global conferences such as the the need to maintain the delicate balance between United Nations Millennium Summit and the continuity and change. He expressed his confidence 2002 World Summit on Sustainable that the collective wisdom of Congress would prevail Development (WSSD). in forging a consensus towards enhanced progress The Secretary-General noted that to a large and strengthened contribution of the science of extent the contributions of WMO in those areas, meteorology and hydrology to society through unity including the timely warnings on many of today’s and in harmony. Thus, challenges must be turned environmental concerns, had been possible due to into opportunities, and stumbling blocks into stepping painstaking efforts in providing accurate and stones. He concluded by noting that a journey of a continuous data and projections of the state of the thousand miles began with a single step, and that global atmosphere, water resources and the oceans even now that single step could be taken to ensure through WMO’s unique programmes and networks of that WMO continued to serve the cause of humanity observing stations and Centres. Many of the and the enhancement of international cooperation. contributions of WMO in those areas were detailed in 1.2 Statement by H.E. Mr J.-M. BouIgaris, the publication A Decade of Progress – The World Ambassador and Permanent Meteorological Organization in the 1990s and the Representative of Switzerland with the New Century. United Nations and other International The Secretary-General noted that WMO’s Organizations in Geneva leadership role in applying scientific and technological innovation, in supporting capacity- H.E. MR J.-M. BOULGARIS welcomed all the building and human resources development, and in participants to Fourteenth Congress. He noted that it ensuring that the benefits accruing from advances in was only several weeks ago that Geneva celebrated the sciences of meteorology and hydrology were the victory of the Alinghi team that won the America sustained and available to all countries had been the Cup. That success would not have been possible hallmark of WMO. He noted that an innovative without the contribution of sponsors, including support programme for the least developed countries meteorologists who were given the task of (LDCs) would be proposed to Congress. anticipating any changes in wind direction. He The Secretary-General noted that in view of referred to the great achievement of the Alinghi its leadership role in its own field of competence, team, so as to underline the fact that the team was WMO was recognized universally as the United made up of many nationalities; this was a true spirit Nations system’s authoritative voice on the state and of international cooperation that had for a long time behaviour of the Earth’s atmosphere, its interactions been the strength for meteorology. WMO was with the oceans, the climate it generated and the founded in 1950, and celebrated its fiftieth birthday resulting distribution of water resources on Earth. three years ago. The challenge to Congress was to ensure H.E. Mr J.-M. Boulgaris highlighted the many that the significant benefits that the world community accomplishments of Professor Obasi, who had been derived from the WMO system were maintained, serving as Secretary-General of WMO for 20 years. even enhanced, recognizing that WMO was one of Those included the current Headquarters of the the foremost organizations in the service of Organization. He noted that the futuristic humankind. At the national level, the cost-benefit construction of the building symbolized both the role ratio of meteorological services was estimated to be fulfilled by WMO and its Members, and also the of the order of 1:10. Internationally, the Organization close relationship that existed between the helped to ensure the availability of products and Organization and Switzerland. Under Professor services worth more than US$ 6 billion dollars per Obasi, a number of new programmes had been 4 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
launched or strengthened — the World Climate Tonga, being a small State with a fragile Research Programme (WCRP) and the World economy and limited resources, was especially Weather Watch (WWW) Programme, to name but vulnerable to extreme events such as tropical two. cyclones, rainfalls and droughts. A growing demand Regarding the new challenges facing the for improved hydrometeorological services had led to world, he noted that each year more than 200 million the Government’s commitment to the establishment human beings were victims of natural disasters and of an autonomous forecasting capability, the further many of them lost their lives. For Switzerland, whose development of which would depend on adequate alpine territory made it particularly exposed, it was human resources, capacity-building and essential to reduce that vulnerability in the face of infrastructure. Prince Ùlukalala Lavaka Ata extreme meteorology, hydrology and climatic expressed Tonga’s appreciation to WMO, its situations. He underscored the importance of Members and the Secretary-General for their support regional cooperation to assist the two billion in the form of technical cooperation and the inhabitants on Earth who did not have access to development of strategies to strengthen Tonga’s drinking water, and the need to address the growing meteorological capabilities, and reaffirmed Tonga’s scarcity of freshwater. He mentioned that full commitment to the Organization and its Switzerland participated in a project which supported Convention. the Hydrometeorology Services of Central Asia. He 1.4 Message from H.E. Mr M. Kasyanov, noted the progress that WMO continued to make Chairperson of the Government of the regarding its structures, to ensure efficiency, Russian Federation transparency and flexibility, in order to respond better to the needs of the future, and requested the MR A.I. BEDRITSKY, Permanent current Congress to make a step in proposing to Representative of the Russian Federation with modify the Convention on the introduction of WMO, conveyed a message from H.E. Mr M. protocols. Kasyanov. WMO was a specialized agency of the H.E. Mr J.-M. Boulgaris noted that since the United Nations family where many countries worked foundation of WMO enormous progress had been in partnership toward improving forecasts at all made with regard to atmospheric science. The scales, from the regional to the global scale, which excellent quality of climatic models and the ultimately helped the social and economic progress technological development in the world of satellites of mankind. The Russian Federation had always were as a result of international cooperation. been very active at various stages of activities of Sometimes, it was more efficient to invest in Member WMO. The Russian Federation had made a countries which were less privileged, than to obtain a considerable contribution to many WMO sophisticated computer. WMO played a decisive role Programmes. Given how topical climate change had in the area of transferring knowledge. The strength evolved, it was hoped that WMO and the Member and the success of the Organization could be States would take an active part in the World Climate measured against the development offered to less Change Conference organized on the initiative of the favoured Member countries. President of the Russian Federation. That Conference would take place in the autumn. 1.3 Statement by H.R.H. Prince Ùlukalala Lavaka Ata, Prime Minister of the 1.5 Statement by H.R.H. Prince Turki Bin Kingdom of Tonga Nassir Bin Abdulaziz, Minister for Meteorology and Environment of the PRINCE ÙLUKALALA LAVAKA ATA expressed Kingdom of Saudi Arabia pleasure at the opportunity to address Congress, noting that that was the first occasion on which the H.R.H. PRINCE TURKI BIN NASSIR BIN head of Government from Tonga had done so. He ABDULAZIZ extended his appreciation for the noted the importance of the Sixth WMO Long-term possibility to address Fourteenth Congress and Plan (6LTP) that would be adopted by Congress and noted that for many years, and since the start of expressed Tonga’s support for the regional international scientific collaboration in the domain of cooperative programmes therein as the framework meteorology, Saudi Arabia had always been a for sustainable development in the South-West partner in the international community. He informed Pacific region. Tonga believed that such Congress that Saudi Arabia continued to assume its cooperative programmes were the most cost- role at the regional level, given its geographical effective means for sharing limited resources and for situation, its conviction that meteorological services mitigating the negative effects of isolation, while depended principally on observation, collection and emphasizing that national interests should not be analysis of information given, on climatic changes, eclipsed by such approaches. Tonga looked and on the full cooperation with the international forward to hosting the tenth meeting of the community in matters related to the exchange of Regional Meteorological Directors later during the information, knowledge and scientific work. Like year and endorsed the strategic action plan for long- many other countries and regions, Saudi Arabia had term development of meteorology in the Pacific to face a number of problems such as drought and region. desertification. PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 5
He noted the challenges and problems the substance of its economic objectives. For that linked to meteorological and hydrological services in reason, the Government had committed substantial all the regions of WMO and reaffirmed the strong resources to improve the quality of the services of determination to work closely with the parties Ghana’s NMHS. In that regard, it was transforming concerned to realize the objectives of the the Meteorological Services Department from a civil Organization and those of the international service institution to an autonomous institution that community. In that regard, the Presidency of freed it from the main civil service bureaucracy. Meteorology and the Environment had put in place Appropriate infrastructure reforms, marked by the recently a centre for the monitoring of drought and necessary regulatory framework, would only benefit desertification. It had also launched the second the Ghana Meteorological Service Department by phase of a cloud-seeding project, in collaboration generating income to support some of the with WMO, and had provided, in collaboration with operations, improve efficiency and minimize external the Saudi airline company, two planes or more at the support in the long term. In the short term, Ghana disposal of the Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay would require support to enable it to acquire basic (AMDAR) Programme. Furthermore, specialist equipment and train personnel to facilitate a studies fellowships had been offered to Members of successful transformation. WMO and, in particular, to the neighbouring States 1.7 Statement by H.E. Honourable at the meteorology faculty of the University of King M. Moleleki, Minister of Natural Fahd Abdul Aziz and the plan was to reinforce Resources of the Kingdom of Lesotho actions in that area. Saudi Arabia also contributed to the efforts of the international community in the area H.E. HONOURABLE M. MOLELEKI expressed of climatic changes and provided assistance to his pleasure to be able to address Congress and studies relevant to climatic changes. conveyed special greetings from His Majesty King H.R.H. Prince Turki Bin Nassir Bin Abdulaziz Letsie III and His Excellency the Right Honourable informed Congress that the candidature of Mr Pakalitha Mosisili. He noted the global nature of Mr Nizar Ibrahim Tawfiq for the position of Secretary- the science of meteorology and climate and the need General of WMO had been withdrawn as a result of for collaboration in systematic observation and ill health. sharing of data, which had resulted in improved forecasts for all users. In Lesotho, the role of 1.6 Message from H.E. Mr A.K. Dapaah MP, meteorology in enhancing and sustaining economic Minister of Communications and productivity and social development was increasingly Technology of the Republic of Ghana being recognized. The science of meteorology had a H.E. MR M.F. POKU, Ambassador of the bearing in one way or another on many of the Permanent Mission of Ghana with the United Nations challenges facing the developing world, such as and other International Organizations in Geneva, poverty, food security, natural disasters, diseases conveyed a message from H.E. Mr A.K. Dapaah. and economic recession, and it was therefore Ghana had fully participated in the activities of WMO imperative for Congress to formulate the WMO policy because of the importance it attached to the framework so as to be able to address those objectives of the Organization and of the benefit that challenges. had accrued to it as a Member through voluntary H.E. Honourable M. Moleleki noted the cooperation programmes in the area of human increasing importance of information as a resource, resources development and the acquisition of especially the weather and climate information equipment. He thanked WMO and its Members for provided by NMHSs, and the need for Congress to their work in the field of meteorology and operational establish guiding principles on how improved hydrology as well as for the continued attention meteorology could contribute to socio-economic focused on NMHSs and staff and on resources to endeavours, especially in developing countries. He carry out its work. Ghana was particularly pleased to commended the WMO Technical Cooperation observe that WMO was actively committed to the Programme (TCOP) in assisting developing further development of information systems and countries to establish their meteorological services, including the development of information infrastructure, as well as WMO support for training, and communication technology (ICT) aimed at while noting the need for increased efforts to support improving quality and at enhancing effective many NMSs as they converted into cost-recovery dissemination of weather and climate information for institutions. the benefit of society. Ghana had adopted a The New Partnership for Africa’s development policy which relied on exploiting to the Development (NEPAD) should pave the way to the maximum the potential of ICT in achieving continent’s socio-economic improvement, and it was sustainable development which would address the expected that Congress resolutions would be issues of depravation and poverty in the country. The consistent with that initiative. The Southern Africa Government was aware of the vital role which Development Community (SADC) had ratified the reliable weather and climate information played in Protocol on Transport, Communications and ensuring food security, in availability and Meteorology in which meteorology was a driving management of water resources, and in enhancing force for development. 6 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
Lesotho was particularly influenced by, and Mr Zillman and Professor Obasi for the competence vulnerable to, extreme weather and climate and the devotion with which they directed the conditions, as well as climate change. It had Organization. therefore ratified the United Nations Framework He noted that the scientific progress and the Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1996 technological advances realized had largely and had submitted its initial national communication contributed to the development of science, and had to the Conference of the Parties. The Government shown the potential benefits that could be derived by recognized the importance of meteorological a country, where the knowledge of atmospheric services to socio-economic development and had phenomenon constituted a major stake for the elevated the Lesotho Meteorological Service to a full economy and the security of the population. If the Department in 2000. An expansion of the development of meteorology was inseparable from infrastructure had been possible thanks to the its ability to insert itself in the global national assistance of a number of partners, including China, economy, it was equally strongly linked to its Egypt, Finland, Kenya, Switzerland, the United capacity to acquire, adapt and produce new Kingdom and the United States. technologies and new services. The general 1.8 Statement by H.E. Honourable objective of the development of meteorology was J.A. Chikwenga, Deputy Minister of sustained by the constant ambition to become in the Transport and Public Works of the mind of the public and of the economic operators, Republic of Malawi the daily reference for matters regarding the weather and climate. For that, we should provide information H.E. HONOURABLE J. CHIKWENGA extended and advice to users which were useful and adapted warm greetings to the participants of Fourteenth to their needs. Congress. He noted that in Malawi meteorology was H.E. Mr A. Zahoud informed that the seen as a lifeline for development, survival and National Meteorological Service of Morocco, poverty reduction. He noted that most natural strengthened by political support, had concentrated disasters in the world were weather- and climate- its efforts for the last 12 years, first on the related and that Malawi had had its share of such elaboration of a promising strategy, then on the disasters, including landslides, drought and floods in implementation of restructuring, and finally on the recent years. Such disasters had made Malawi’s choice of a meteorology of a new dimension, that primary development goal of poverty reduction much harmonized with the economic and social fabric of a more difficult. country. The phase of modernization and its Malawi had high expectations that implementation consisted of acquiring modern Fourteenth Congress would lead to resolutions that services, launching research and development would help improve the seasonal climate forecasts programmes in numerical weather prediction (NWP), on which Malawi’s agriculture-based economy climate prediction and weather modification. Many depended. The Government of Malawi was African and Arab authorities had had the opportunity committed to improving meteorology and to that end to benefit from the Moroccan modernization had developed a strategic plan for the National experience. Morocco placed at the disposal of Meteorological Service. The Meteorological Service countries in North and West Africa the products of had also conducted a user-needs assessment and numerical prediction developed in cooperation with an infrastructure assessment. the African Centre of Meteorological Applications for H.E. Honourable J. Chikwenga highlighted Development (ACMAD) and the Atmospheric Laser meteorological training as a crucial need for Malawi Doppler Instrument (ALADIN) consortium. and urged participants of Fourteenth Congress to He highlighted the difficulties of developing consider training for the LDCs so that they could countries, in particular those in the African region, in keep abreast of rapid meteorological advancements. maintaining their infrastructure and the risk posed to He also took the opportunity to thank those who had WWW in the middle and long term. In that regard, it assisted Malawi in the field of meteorology, including was necessary and urgent to put in place a priority Australia, Egypt, France, Germany, Japan, the programme to improve the basic system of the United Kingdom and the United States. Finally, he WWW in Africa in the coming years. thanked those who assisted in implementing such 1.10 Statement by H.E. Ms K. Chikwe, Minister regional projects as the Southern Africa Regional of Aviation of the Federal Republic of Climate Outlook Forum and the Southern Africa Nigeria Development Community Drought Monitoring Centre in Harare. H.E. MS K. CHIKWE expressed warm 1.9 Statement by H.E. Mr A. Zahoud, congratulations to delegates to Fourteenth Congress Secretary in Charge of Water of the on behalf of President Olusegun Obasanjo and of Kingdom of Morocco the people of Nigeria. She noted that the current WMO Secretary-General, Professor Obasi, an H.E. MR A. ZAHOUD thanked WMO and its eminent son of Nigeria, would be retiring after 20 Members for the efforts deployed to the service of years of meritorious service. She expressed the the international community. He in particular thanked appreciation of her Government to all the Member PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 7
States of WMO for the support and cooperation aviation, equipment such as radio and internet extended to him during his long career. (RANET) for rural communities, etc. H.E. Ms K. Chikwe drew the attention of the Funding, however, had always been a delegates to the work ahead during the next 20 days problem because governments had to contend with of Fourteenth Congress, during which time delegates widespread poverty. In most African countries, over would be taking stock of WMO’s achievements and 70 per cent of the population lived below the poverty charting the course of action for the next four years. line of less than US$ 1 per day. Significantly, most She highlighted the goals of WMO as embodied in factors responsible for that situation were Article 2 of the WMO Convention, in particular noting environmental or weather related. NEPAD identified its objective to “further the application of meteorology agriculture as the sector best able to deliver broadly- to aviation, shipping, water problems, agriculture and based economic advancement in Africa. Other other human activities”. sectors were important (e.g. petroleum development, H.E. Ms K. Chikwe noted the intricate tourism), but the importance of agriculture was interdependence between human activities and determined by the fact that more than 70 per cent of weather and climate and pointed out that man Africa’s poor resided in rural areas. President depended on rainfall, temperature and other climate Obasanjo, in particular, had noted the importance of factors to grow food and to engage in many other improving Nigeria’s agriculture. economic activities. Today, climate change and its H.E. Ms K. Chikwe hoped that delegates would impact on agriculture, biodiversity, ecosystems, share her concern about Africa. The rest of the world water supplies, etc. had become very topical. could not afford to leave Africa behind. She therefore Phenomena such as global warming, ozone appealed to WMO to look into ways of increasing depletion, drought, desertification and flooding were funding to African countries to finance projects that of major concern and were either induced or would make applications of weather information exacerbated by human activities. The loss of human realizable and also to address Africa’s vulnerability to lives, coupled with destruction of farmland and severe meteorological and hydrological phenomena. A ecosystems resulting from extreme meteorological well-defined plan was needed, she stated, so that when and hydrological events, had been great. Climate Congress met again in 2007, Africa would be a success variability was especially high in Africa. story. During her recent address at the second H.E. Ms K. Chikwe expressed appreciation session of the Technical Conference on the to WMO for the immense assistance provided to Participation of Women in Meteorology and Nigeria’s Meteorological and Hydrological Services, Hydrology, she had emphasized that advances in in particular through the VCP. She also noted the meteorology and hydrology should be translated into WMO-sponsored consultancy services provided by accelerated development in African countries. She China and India related to the establishment of an drew particular attention to the challenges that rural instrument calibration and fabrication workshop and African women faced in providing food and water for donations of RANET equipment and other items, as their families. The problems faced by those women well as the assistance provided by the Arab Bank for were usually worsened by weather-related disasters. Economic Development in Africa (ABEDA) for the Even more, the available statistics showed that in the rehabilitation of the observational network. The event of a severe meteorological or hydrological changes in Nigeria were a testimony to what phenomenon, the risk of loss of life or other negative Professor Obasi had achieved generally for other impacts was 2.4 times higher in Africa than in countries during his tenure as Secretary-General. In Europe, and about 1.8 times higher than in the addition to the Regional Training Centre in Lagos, Americas. Nigerian universities trained professionals in In focusing on her part of Africa, H.E. Ms K. meteorology. Nigeria had enough manpower in Chikwe noted that before embarking on most social meteorology to deploy some staff to other countries. and economic activities, the weather was often H.E. Ms K. Chikwe noted that President forecast in a traditional way. Thus, before any Obasanjo was particularly impressed with, and important outdoor activity during the rainy season, a supportive of, the greenhouse farming and RANET rainmaker was consulted to hold back the rain or projects of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency make it fall as necessary. The rural farmer (NIMET). As a mark of Nigeria’s commitment to the determined the farming season through his development of meteorology, it would continue to observation of the weather; however, his observing place at the disposal of WMO the facilities for hosting methods were limited and the needed accuracy was international and regional meetings of WMO and its lacking. Therefore, contemporary technology was constituent bodies. Nigeria had made a formal offer essential to replace those traditional and/or crude to WMO to host the fourteenth session of Regional methods. Africans needed facilities both for effective Association I in 2006. forecasts and for the application of weather H.E. Ms K. Chikwe re-emphasized how information to agriculture, water resources planning grateful and proud Nigeria was of Professor Obasi’s and management, aviation, disaster mitigation, etc. successful 20-year tenure as the second longest They needed state-of-the-art weather radar for serving Secretary-General of WMO. 8 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
1.11 Statement by H.E. Mr A. Al-Noaimi, research. There were currently five meteorological President of the Civil Aviation and stations in Qatar, and those were to be increased to Meteorology Authority of the State of eight automatic weather stations (AWSs). Qatar Furthermore, the plan called for 30 AWSs by 2010, each to be installed according to international H.E. MR AL-NOAIMI welcomed all participants specifications. to Fourteenth Congress. He noted that the NMS of H.E. Mr Al-Noaimi noted that Qatar would be Qatar had been established in the early 1960s and establishing a national climate centre and that it that Qatar joined WMO in 1974. It was now would serve as an archive for climate data. He noted concentrating on climate matters. Qatar had developed a 10-year plan to that training and the development of human improve the Meteorological Service. The goals were resources in Qatar were especially important. He wished Fourteenth Congress every success. to provide better services and to encourage scientific
The meeting rose at 12.40 p.m.
MINUTES OF THE SECOND PLENARY MEETING 5 May 2003 at 2.30 p.m.
The meeting was called to order at 2.47 p.m. had improved, but more needed to be done, Opening of the session (agenda item 1.1) particularly in developing countries. Collaboration, (continued) teamwork and joint projects between national weather Services of rich and poor nations, between The PRESIDENT, stating that four speakers North and South, were no longer optional but critical were scheduled for the continuation of the morning’s for success in meteorology, as weather knew no opening session, invited the first speaker to take the boundaries. floor. Tropical cyclones from the Indian Ocean had brought catastrophic conditions to southern Africa, 1.12 Statement by H.E. The Honourable particularly to Mozambique, in the form of Ms R. Mabudafhasi, M.P., Deputy Minister devastating floods earlier in the year as well as in of Environmental Affairs and Tourism of previous years. WMO should therefore continue to the Republic of South Africa build bridges between NMHSs, narrowing the digital H.E. MS R. MABUDAFHASI expressed honour divide and building capacity worldwide, to improve in addressing Fourteenth Congress on behalf of the and safeguard people’s lives and environment. The Government of South Africa. She paid tribute to the true worth of science and research was to improve WMO leadership and its vision, and hoped the the lives and safeguard the property of ordinary Organization would continue along the established people. The poor were vulnerable to natural weather- path under the leadership. She thanked the related disasters, which further exacerbated poverty. Secretary-General for his role and valuable It was thus a priority to capacitate people with the contribution to meteorology. As a true son of Africa knowledge and skills required to understand such he had championed the cause of meteorology and disasters and to respond adequately so as to meteorological challenges facing the world and minimize their impact. Africa in particular, and she extended her good She concurred with the Minister from Nigeria wishes to him for the future and expressed the hope that the knowledge base needed to be expanded by that he would continue to contribute to the welfare of harmonizing scientific and indigenous knowledge, so people worldwide. that better solutions could be found. She wished to She wished participants fruitful deliberations, convey that message to Congress, and urged WMO which should position WMO to address global and NMHSs worldwide to be even more sensitive to challenges that had an impact on sustainable societal needs, particularly the historically development, particularly in the developing marginalized. countries, whose vulnerability was the greatest. The Government of South Africa had a very Those challenges would include the state of weather high regard for its National Weather Service and and climate observations, for lack of data from such WMO. WMO facilitated cohesion between agencies observations compromised forecast quality, climate- on the African continent and collaboration with other change monitoring and other elements. The global institutions. South Africa was committed to integration of meteorology with other disciplines, working with its sister organizations on the continent including agriculture, oceanography and hydrology, in line with the objectives of NEPAD. Furthermore, it PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 9
was committed to global collaboration under the (e) The Pacific Hydrological Observing System WMO umbrella in areas such as data exchange, (Pacific-HYCOS), and the Pacific Islands research, technology and skills exchange, and Training Programme in Hydrology initiatives, capacity-building in order to assure global which set out priorities for development sustainable development. assistance to hydrology. Africa had engaged on a path of sustainable The last four initiatives were all part of the first, and development through NEPAD. African political all had been endorsed by the governments of the leaders had, together with other players, identified a Southern Pacific Island countries. number of initiatives and programmes intended to He expressed his appreciation to all those provide clear action plans and implementation that had provided the necessary resources for mechanisms for NEPAD. WMO and others engaged supporting the work carried out in connection with in initiatives in meteorological science favourable to the above-mentioned documents, in particular the development on the continent should seek synergy Governments of Australia, United States, New and consolidate their programmes with NEPAD Zealand, France, Fiji, the Pacific Island Countries, initiatives. It would be most beneficial if some of the working through their meteorological services and WMO programmes were to feature on the NEPAD other organizations, SPREP, SOPAC, WMO and the list of programmes. She looked forward to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). practical effects of the deliberations. The Those regional initiatives were intended to recommendations of Congress would certainly complement work at the national level aimed at influence the meteorological agenda throughout the improving basic meteorological services globe. infrastructure and meeting the needs of user communities. 1.13 Statement by H.E. The Honourable Turning to the national level, he said that the Mr W. Posen, Minister for Meteorology of development of meteorology was a high priority for the Republic of Vanuatu the Government of Vanuatu. Thus the Ministerial Budget Committee had endorsed plans for a new Honoured to be addressing Fourteenth building and other facilities for the Vanuatu Congress, H.E. MR. W. POSEN, on behalf of the Meteorological Service, which would be responsible Government of Vanuatu and personally, thanked for coordinating work on climate change. Vanuatu WMO, the Government of Switzerland and the had produced a Meteorological Service Strategic representatives of the city of Geneva for organizing Development Plan (2000–2009) in March 2000, and and hosting the meeting. The focus of his speech he thanked the President, the Secretary-General and would be the development of meteorology at the WMO Members for their continued support and regional and national levels since Thirteenth assistance in helping to make possible the highest Congress. level of meteorological development. At the regional level, WMO Members in the He believed that the challenges and global Pacific Region had developed, in collaboration with developments of the twenty-first century, such as the regional organizations such as the South Pacific Geneva Declaration approved at Thirteenth Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the Congress; globalization; economic crises; natural South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission disasters; rapid advances in science and technology; (SOPAC), the following documents: the United Nations Millennium Summit Declaration; (a) The Pacific Islands Framework for Action on the United Nations Conventions on Climate Change, Climate Change; Climate Variability and Sea- on Desertification and on Biological Diversity; and level Rise; outcomes of the WSSD could be met through (b) The Strategic Action Plan for the Development synergy between WMO programmes and the efforts of Meteorology in the Southern Pacific Region, of WMO Members. which covered the development of meteorology Frameworks for the development of in the Pacific for the next six years; meteorology in the Pacific region were in place to (c) The Needs Analysis for the Strengthening of meet global challenges at regional and national Pacific Islands Meteorological Services: levels. In closing, he called on WMO, donor Meeting the Challenges Report, which agencies, United Nations agencies and other prioritized the needs of users of national and development partners to provide assistance to other meteorological Services, established implement the work covered in the above-mentioned common standards for the region, and provided documents. the basis for regional development assistance programmes; 1.14 Statement by Mr D. Bussereau, Secretary (d) The Pacific Island Global Climate Observing of State for Transportation and Maritime System Action and Implementation Plans, which Affairs of France set out plans and priorities for regional MR D. BUSSEREAU said that the French development assistance required to implement Government considered meteorological and related the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) activities to be of great importance, which his in the Pacific region; attendance at the opening of Fourteenth Congress 10 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
was intended to reflect, as well as that Government’s the modernization of the African Services so that esteem for the role of WMO. they could carry out their responsibilities more Meteorology and hydrology had always held thoroughly and efficiently. great importance for maritime and air transport, and He paid tribute to Professor Obasi’s role in were becoming ever more important in protecting establishing WMO as a renowned and human life and property and for economic activities. respected Organization, providing it with sound Countries should therefore ensure that their national foundations for meeting the challenges of the twenty- hydrometeorological Services had the means to first century. carry out their responsibilities effectively and, in the The French Government particularly face of increasing financial constraints, should appreciated WMO’s role in leading the IPCC. consider the expenditure involved above all as an Following the IPCC’s Third Assessment Report, investment, with benefits outweighing costs. Owing there was no longer any serious disagreement to improved forecasting and protective measures, concerning climate change and projections for future cyclones of equal force to those of 20 or 30 years centuries. The report had affected government policy ago were now claiming fewer lives in French worldwide. departments overseas, for example in New A plenary session of IPCC had been held in Caledonia. In line with the Geneva Declaration of Paris in February of the previous year, and Prime 1999, and through the Executive Council Advisory Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin had commended its Group on Role and Operation of NMHSs, the achievements. The United Nations Environment Organization could help its members to develop Programme (UNEP) and WMO should continue to standards on financing the basic activities of national work in harmony as co-sponsors of IPCC, while the Services. scientific work should be led by experts in WMO ought also to play a stronger part in meteorology and climate working under the aegis of several major fields. Water resources were a WMO. The IPCC Secretariat should therefore remain primary issue, with 25 per cent of the world’s in Geneva, on WMO premises. He also praised the population having no access to clean water, and 50 longstanding cooperation between WMO and the per cent no access to proper sanitation. On the Secretariat of the UNFCCC, and other multilateral initiative of President Jacques Chirac, France had agreements on the environment. contributed to the launch of hydrological cycle France had always been very active in the observing systems as part of the World Hydrological work of WMO, and at the fifty-third session of the Cycle Observing System (WHYCOS). WMO Executive Council in June 2001, confirmed that should also reaffirm its role as a leader on issues of involvement by having put forward its Permanent sustainable development and environmental Representative at WMO, Mr J.-P. Beysson, as a protection. candidate to succeed Professor Obasi. He was a The capacity problems of the Global man of real stature suitable to lead the Organization. Observing System (GOS) for remote sensing from Mr Beysson had held top national and international earth, air and space demonstrated the need for positions in government and in major scientific, solidarity within the world meteorological community. technical and financial organizations for thirty years, All shortcomings of the WWW reduced the relevance and had done dynamic and internationally of the global meteorological and climate system. recognized work at Météo-France. His Bridging the North-South divide was a vital responsibilities within WMO had grown over the challenge. Within WMO, the main tools for tackling preceding nine years, and he had been that divide were the Education and Training elected to the Bureau in 1997 and elected First Vice- Programme (ETRP) and TCOP, and France, who President at the previous Congress. As Chairman of had always been concerned with the critical the Executive Council Advisory Group on the needs of developing countries and countries in Exchange of Meteorological and Related transition, proposed that those programmes should Data and Products, Mr Beysson had promoted the be reviewed and improved for their enhanced free and unrestricted exchange of meteorological support. data, which was beneficial to developing countries in In that regard, France had always been and particular. would continue to be very much involved in the VCP. Mr Beysson would strive to modernize WMO New initiatives, such as NEPAD, could give LDCs an and lead it into the twenty-first century as a opportunity to develop their capacities. France respected, vigorous and effective Organization supported the Preparation for the Use of Meteosat working for both meteorology and sustainable Second Generation in Africa (PUMA) project and the development. That must involve drawing development of RETIM in Africa, which would together all the component parts of the world provide more equal and reliable access to meteorological community and associated meteorological and climate data as a whole and to communities, and special attention must be paid to the European Organization for the Exploitation of the developing, and in particular the least developed, Meteorological Statellites (EUMETSAT) satellite countries, in order to prevent further growth of the products. Access to such data was a necessity for North-South divide. PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 11
1.15 Statement by Mr M.S. Mbenga, Executive human and material capacities. That had included Secretary of the Permanent Inter-State helping to fit out NMHSs in the CILSS member Committee for Drought Control in the states and develop AGRHYMET to contribute Sahel (CILSS) significantly to efforts for food security and rational management of natural resources in the subregion. MR M.S. MBENGA said that he was honoured He was grateful to WMO and other forms of and particularly pleased to have been invited to international cooperation for their sustained solidarity address Fourteenth Congress on behalf of CILSS, in with the CILSS member countries over more than view of the over twenty years of cooperation two decades. The need for WMO to be even more between CILSS and WMO. CILSS had been created in September 1973 following the severe droughts closely involved with CILSS led him to hope that a affecting the countries of the Sahel in the late 1960s. still closer degree of cooperation, in the form of “working arrangements”, could be brought about. WMO had always been in the vanguard of In 2002, Mauritania, Senegal and The project development and implementation, working in Gambia in the Sahel had experienced heavy rainfall conjunction with NMHSs and institutions in the outside the wet season, causing heavy losses of region. The Regional Training Centre for Agrometeorology and Operational Hydrology and human life, livestock and crops. The meteorological their Applications (AGRHYMET), a CILSS disaster had reminded them how meteorology, which was crucial to the development activities of the specialized agency, had been established at Niamey Sahel, needed to be incorporated in programmes to in that context. A centre of excellence in training, foster growth. In that effort, CILSS counted on information management in support of food security, and environmental monitoring, it was the most support from WMO and the international community tangible result of the intensive collaboration between in general. The Sahel was a region where rainfall was CILSS and WMO. Today AGRHYMET was a WMO particularly irregular and capricious, and could well Regional Meteorological Training Centre (RMTC) become more fragile still with the climate changes and, as part of efforts to develop capacities and train that were on the horizon and bringing into play still personnel, WMO granted fellowships to nationals of the CILSS member countries for higher technical and more ominous scenarios. The region’s development engineering training in agrometeorology and was largely tied up with agriculture, itself highly dependent on rainfall. Every year the onset of the hydrology at AGRHYMET and elsewhere. As a result rainy season was looked forward to with eager of support from WMO and other development anticipation. It was a matter of great concern to know partners, the Centre had so far trained 71 engineers far enough in advance the quality of the next rains, and 139 senior technicians in agrometeorology, and 38 engineers and 101 senior technicians on behalf of and that preoccupation was known to be shared by CILSS member states. WMO, with its numerous programmes on the subject. WMO and CILSS had also been very close The peoples of the Sahel had often partners in several major technical assistance experienced large-scale rainfall fluctuations: in the projects to develop integrated monitoring and 1940s they had known patterns that limited the forecasting systems for crop yields, to identify risk zones and develop early warning systems in the growth of grain; in the 1960s there had been some successes in growing such crops further north; in the region. The projects had in particular helped 1970s, however, drought struck. It was the repeated strengthen meteorological networks and establish droughts, moreover, that contributed to the creation successful pilot projects in agrometeorology in Mali, of CILSS. In research, CILSS would be pleased if Burkina Faso and Niger. In water resources, CILSS had been active studies could be conducted in the Sahel to establish in developing hydrological information systems at strategies for dealing with difficulties in raising cereal crops, in case of new fluctuations. national and regional levels. CILSS and the Niger The delay in the onset of the rains in 2002 Basin Authority (NBA) had recently been had resulted in a fall in agricultural output and water collaborating with WMO on the West and Central availability, and an increase in the number of Africa Hydrological Cycle Observing System (AOC- HYCOS) project. The Centre participated in other vulnerable persons, all of which exacerbated the initiatives supported by the World Vision for Water, pressure on the limited resources of CILSS member states. CILSS hoped that WMO, together with the such as the project on Integrated Water Resources NMHSs of the subregion, could help decision makers Management in West Africa. Given the high level of and populations turn their climate into a positive expertise and experience attained at the Centre, factor of production. CILSS was willing to make available to WMO and its members all its facilities and skills for joint CILSS sought to play a more important part programming. in West African affairs, based on drought monitoring through the capacities of AGRHYMET. Since the Since the foundation of CILSS and the establishment of ACMAD, CILSS was leading solid institution of the AGRHYMET programmes, CILSS collaboration, in particular through seasonal and WMO had developed great experience of working together, permitting the strengthening of forecasting and dissemination of information. Among 12 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
other efforts, AGRHYMET had come together with 3. Approval of the agenda (agenda item 1.3) ACMAD and other agencies to create the Platform (Cg-XIV/Docs. 1.3(1); (2)) for Regional Institutions for the Environment and The PRESIDENT submitted the agenda for Meteorology (PIREM), with a view to seeking Fourteenth Congress (Cg-XIV/Docs. 1.3(1); (2)) for synergies in their activities. approval, explaining that, under General Regulation As rainfall deficit and greater climate 138, it could be amended at any time during variability had been experienced since the 1970s, Congress. and because of the resultant threat to development, the CILSS member states had been steadily The agenda was approved. augmenting efforts to increase rainfall through cloud- seeding, in which assistance was needed from WMO 4. Establishment of committees (agenda and other countries, of the type that had been item 1.4) provided by Morocco to Burkina Faso since 1998. In conformity with General Regulation 24, CILSS wanted to hold a conference on provoking the PRESIDENT proposed the establishment of the rainfall, centred on the work of the IPCC. In that following committees: effort, CILSS sought the help of WMO and other interested parties, with a view to obtaining an 4.1 Nomination Committee increase in water supplies to help the Sahel escape In accordance with General Regulation 25, from its infernal cycle of famine and poverty. and on the basis of consultation with the Bureau and Finally, as a regional institution responsible the presidents of the regional associations, the for food security and environmental matters in West PRESIDENT proposed the establishment of a Africa, CILSS would continue to cooperate with other Nomination Committee composed of the presidents regional and international agencies in the socio- of the regional associations and other principal economic development of its member countries by delegates, as follows: playing an active part in such initiatives as the new Regional Association I: Congo, Malawi, Economic Community of West African States United Republic of (ECOWAS) common agricultural policy and NEPAD. Tanzania Regional Association II: Bahrain, Maldives 2. Establishment of a Credentials Regional Association III: Paraguay Committee (agenda item 1.2) Regional Association IV: Belize, Netherlands The PRESIDENT, referring to General Antilles and Aruba Regulation 22, pointed out that a Credentials Regional Association V: Singapore Committee could be established after the completion Regional Association VI: Greece, Jordan, of the opening formalities and for the duration of the Lithuania. session. General Regulation 23 referred to the It was so agreed. participation of individuals whose credentials were found not to be in order. Credentials Committees had The President observed that all principal been established at previous Congresses and if delegates concerned had been consulted and that, in there were no objections, he proposed to follow the accordance with General Regulation 30, he would same procedure and the same regional balance of convene the first meeting for election of the membership. chairperson. In accordance with General Regulation 26, a representative of the Secretary-General, with It was so agreed. consultative status, would be invited to assist the Committee in its work. After having consulted with the presidents of the regional associations, the President proposed 4.2 Drafting Committee membership of the Credentials Committee. He suggested the Committee consist of the principal The PRESIDENT observed that experience delegates of the following Members: had shown that a Drafting Committee was not Regional Association I: Burkina Faso, Libyan necessary and, therefore, proposed that such a Arab Jamahiriya, committee should not be established. Mozambique, Nigeria It was so agreed. Regional Association II: Oman, Republic of Korea, Thailand 4.3 Coordination Committee Regional Association III: Brazil Regional Association IV: Bahamas, Jamaica The PRESIDENT proposed the establishment Regional Association V: Malaysia of a Coordination Committee with the composition Regional Association VI: Denmark, Estonia, prescribed in General Regulation 28, including the Lebanon, Romania. co-chairpersons of the Working Committees, when established. It was so agreed. It was so agreed. PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 13
4.4 Working committees 6. Report by the President of the Organization (agenda item 2.1) The PRESIDENT advised that the Executive (Cg-XIV/Doc. 2.1) Council had planned the work of Congress on the basis of two such committees. The allocation of The PRESIDENT, recalling his opening agenda items between the proposed Committees A statement, said that he would summarize his and B appeared in Document Cg-XIV/INF. 3. If there assessment of the past, present and future of WMO were no objections, he would assume that the and would propose how some of the most important establishment of two working committees, and the issues that Congress should address could be dealt proposed allocation of the agenda items, was with. He pointed out that in the longer version of his approved. opening statement that appeared in the April issue of the WMO Bulletin, he had taken stock of the It was so agreed. successes, failures and lessons learnt over the past The President also proposed that the four years, including the extent to which he felt he Committee of the Whole would deal with a number of had been able to discharge the Regulation 9 major issues on which it would be undesirable to responsibility of the President to guide and have parallel functioning committees. He would invite coordinate the activities of the Organization. In the First Vice-President, Mr J.-P. Beysson, to chair accordance with Regulation 137, he was required to the Committee of the Whole. provide a formal report to Congress, covering all the components of WMO, some formal legal Sitting as Committee A, Congress elected requirements and any other matters affecting the Mr A. Diouri (Morocco) and Mr T.W. Sutherland Organization. Presuming that Members were familiar (British Caribbean Territories) as co-chairpersons by with the range of activities undertaken during that acclamation. [In a subsequent meeting, Committee A period, he would focus only on the highlights and the elected Mr A. Ndiaye (Senegal) as a third important issues that should be debated during co-chairperson.] Congress. Sitting as Committee B, Congress elected The membership of the Organization had Mr A.M. Noorian (Second Vice-President) and recently increased to 187, and he was delighted that Mr A.I. Bedritsky (Russian Federation) as Kiribati and Bhutan were the latest Members to join. co-chairpersons by acclamation. All officers elected by Thirteenth Congress had continued to serve, with the exception of the Third The Plenary meeting was reconvened. Vice-President. That post was still unoccupied, as 4.5 Approval of the minutes elections by correspondence had proven inconclusive. Of the 26 members of the Executive The PRESIDENT proposed that the minutes of Council who had been elected by Thirteenth as many Plenary meetings as possible should be Congress, only 11 remained. There were 10 acting approved during Congress and that the remainder members and 5 seats were vacant. would be approved by correspondence after the All of the major WMO Programmes had closure of the session, in accordance with General progressed fairly well under the circumstances over Regulation 113. the past four years, in line with the plans approved It was so agreed. by Thirteenth Congress, albeit with significant problems resulting from severe limitations in the 4.6 Working hours WMO regular budget, the currently constrained The PRESIDENT proposed that the working technical cooperation funding and the difficult hours should be the same as those for previous funding at the national level in most countries. While Congresses: not assessing the performance of the individual Monday to Friday: 9.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. programmes, he was pleased to note the 2.30 p.m. – 5.30 p.m. achievements of many of the more user-focused Saturday: 9.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m. activities, such as public weather services, disaster The President advised that, on a trial basis, mitigation, agricultural and marine services, and Congress would meet without formal coffee breaks. climate. With regard to the work of the constituent It was so agreed. bodies, the President wished to comment very briefly 5. Review of previous resolutions of on the Executive Council. To carry out the tasks Congress (agenda item 11.4) assigned to it by Thirteenth Congress, the Executive Council had had to rely heavily on the voluntary The PRESIDENT, after having consulted the contributions of its members, especially the Vice- Bureau and the presidents of the regional Presidents and Mr Peter Ewins, Chair of the Working associations, proposed that Mr W.G. Molina (Peru) Group on Long-term Planning, who provided be nominated Rapporteur to Review the Previous leadership on many important issues and tasks. The Resolutions of Congress. Working Group’s work was reviewed at the annual It was so agreed. Executive Council sessions. The Council over the 14 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
past four years had operated by consensus, and had future, he very briefly drew attention to the accepted that its role was to do its best to reach significance of each. agreement on how to serve the best interests of the There would be long-term implications for entire Organization and accepted that that would the deeply ingrained WMO culture of trust and free involve constant search for balance, and would exchange of information and technology amongst require compromise on many important issues. He nations from the geopolitical consequences of the reported that the Executive Council had implemented deeply disturbing events of 11 September 2001 in a number of changes to its own working methods, the United States. which although not necessarily favoured by all The WMO system of cooperation was at the Members, were aimed at improving the efficiency same time one of the beneficiaries and a potential and effectiveness of the Council. victim of economic globalization. He drew attention Stating that the regional associations and to the importance of factoring in the significance of technical commissions had performed well, and globalization to the long-term development planning some extremely well, the President regretted not of WMO. being able to attend as many of their sessions as he The tremendous potential of scientific and would have wished. In that regard, he was grateful to technological progress to enhance the benefits which the First and Second Vice-Presidents who had the work of WMO could bring to all countries also participated in various capacities and for the time served as a reminder that those would be realized they had devoted to the regional associations and only through careful planning, hard work and strong technical commissions. Most importantly, he drew and persistent advocacy. the attention of Congress to the huge debt of He focused on what every NMS, regardless gratitude he believed was owed to the officers of the of region or state of development, perceived as one constituent bodies themselves for the enormous and of the most difficult issues: the future arrangement vastly important effort they exerted to enable them to for the provision of aviation meteorological services play their essential role in the effective operation of in a world which had brought into much stronger WMO. contrast the fiercely competitive culture of the Turning next to the WMO Secretariat, he aviation industry and the inherently and essentially noted that it consisted of a dedicated core of people cooperative culture of meteorology. Of all the issues who firmly believed in the importance of WMO, and before Congress, that was probably the one that who were remarkably committed to ensuring that the would need to draw most heavily on the accumulated charter of the Organization was carried out and the wisdom of the global meteorological community. needs and aspirations of Members were served. The He believed that one of the most exciting staff had been under enormous pressure in the past opportunities in the years ahead was the four years to do increasingly more with fewer development of a new and stronger spirit of trust and resources. With the objective of enhancing the partnership among the public and private sectors efficiency and effectiveness of the Organization, the and academia in bringing the full benefits of the Secretary-General had undertaken a comprehensive science of meteorology and hydrology to national review of the Secretariat early in the financial period communities. and had revised its structure. There had, however, The role of WMO in important international been many heavy demands on the Secretariat, meetings was vital. The WSSD provided WMO with especially those associated with the introduction of enormous challenges and opportunities in taking the the new financial management and accounting lead in the use of science in the role of sustainable system. That, as well as the role of the Financial development. WMO would also play an important Advisory Committee, was mentioned in his report. role in the World Summit on the Information Society He also reported that, while the Secretary-General (WSIS). and his staff had done a great deal under a huge Specific attention was put on the enormous workload and pressures to support the work of the challenges WMO faced in planning for its proper role officers and constituent bodies, there had also been in the evolving agenda of issues related to climate some aspects that could be improved in the future, and global environmental change. He believed it was and he would be pleased to pass on his personal imperative for Congress to lay out a broad strategy views informally to his successor. to ensure that WMO and the global meteorological, The President also wished to place on hydrological and oceanographic communities played record that there had been no cases involving a their proper role in that highly complex and politically decision, directive or action taken by him since the difficult area. fifty-fourth session of the Executive Council, which Emphasis was also placed on the WMO were required to be reported to Congress under the strategy for moving forward with national and provisions of Article 9(8) of the General Regulations. international efforts in natural disaster reduction and Turning to what he thought were some of the mitigation. As an area in which WMO could take most significant matters needing careful enormous pride in its achievement in the past, it was consideration of Congress so that the decisions perhaps also WMO’s greatest opportunity for serving taken were to set WMO on a wise course for the the global community over the next decade. PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 15
The greatest potential crisis facing humanity means, as there were a larger number of private could be the threat of the global shortage of institutions bringing about increasingly more freshwater and its implications for the stability and competition. The aviation sector was a case in point, relationships within and between States. While it was for which meteorology no longer received the not the role of WMO to become centrally involved in necessary government support. He believed it was the immensely complex political, economic and important, therefore, that the regional bodies environmental policy issues associated with the reached agreements with the public sector so as to global water crisis, it was the role of WMO and obtain that government support. That could lead to NMHSs to provide much of the information and certain pressures from which meteorological services research foundation to enable those issues to be might suffer, but the private sector was a reality that addressed in a well informed and scientifically sound could not be avoided and additional costs would manner. have to be covered at the expense of certain There were also the complex issues activities. The exchange of data among countries associated with the evolving role of NMHSs and their and the dissemination of information related to relationships with the national and international aviation were at the very core of meteorological private sectors and academic communities. The services. As for cost recovery, measures had to be Executive Council had worked hard on those issues taken so that meteorological services would not rely over the past four years and he hoped that its solely on public funds, and in that regard he wished recently issued statement would prove helpful in to thank the President and the Secretary-General informing the debate, and especially the follow-up and the members of the Executive Council for all of strategy of Congress. their efforts during the last financial period. The Organization faced a very difficult The DELEGATE OF BOTSWANA congratulated financial situation, an issue that would be addressed the President for the good work he had done over by the Secretary-General in more detail under the past four years. She believed that his report had agenda item 10.1. highlighted very important issues that were of great Summing up his report, the President said concern to NMSs, such as the impact of that it was a mechanism through which the outgoing globalization, climate change, the global officers and members of the Executive Council environmental agenda, scientific and technical reported to the Members on their stewardship of the progress, and natural disaster prevention and Organization over the past four years. Congress mitigation. Those issues were critical to NMHSs, should now take the responsibility of providing especially in developing countries, and determined decisions and guidance for the new Executive their effectiveness at the national, regional and Council. global levels. Congress should develop a strategy In concluding, the President declared that that would determine both the technical and human there were many people whose contribution to the resources that would be used to help develop the work of the Organization over the past four years Services. In that way, their role would be made deserved the highest recognition of Congress. There exceedingly clear so that they were capable of was one person in particular, however, who stood providing the necessary leadership at the national, out for special appreciation by Fourteenth Congress regional and global levels. She believed that for his personal contribution and commitment to Congress would develop a work programme for the WMO over the past 20 years. Professor Obasi had next financial period that would enable the Services served WMO with enormous energy and dedication to expand without being compromised in any since 1983, and although he and the President had manner. had differing views on some matters, the President The Secretariat had worked under a very assured Congress that there was no one more constrained budget, since for the past three financial single-mindedly committed to WMO and to its future periods WMO had adopted zero nominal growth than the Secretary-General. There would be other budgets. If the same zero nominal growth budget occasions when Congress would have the were maintained, its activities would definitely suffer. opportunity to honour Professor Obasi, but the She expressed her gratitude to the Secretary- President wished to conclude his report by General and the staff who were able, under great requesting Congress to show its appreciation for the constraint and restraint, to execute the very work of the Secretary-General and his leadership of important WMO programmes and at the same time WMO over the past 20 years. help NMHSs to remain effective to the extent that the The DELEGATE OF BAHRAIN said the Organization was able to do so. Under that President’s report summed up well all the activities of constraint, with respect to international cooperation, the Organization as it highlighted some very WMO had presented itself as a very competitive important issues, in particular regional centres. He Organization with full scientific authority in was speaking as a person in charge of one of those its subject area. She believed that Congress regional centres and not in his capacity as president would draw up initiatives that would help the of Regional Association II. He felt it important, given Organization to continue to make the same impact in the competition and diversity of communication the future. 16 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
The DELEGATE OF INDIA wished to place on information. Therefore, close attention should be record his country’s sincere appreciation of the paid to the content of the meeting. extremely good work done by the President of WMO The DELEGATE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM during the past eight years by providing able observed that the last four years had been a period guidance to all the WMO programmes and not of great accomplishment in a whole range of allowing them to deviate from their set objectives; spheres. Much of WMO’s success had been due to that was commendable. He had highly appreciated the work of the President, and he was delighted to the President’s ability to handle the complex issues offer him the United Kingdom’s congratulations and that had arisen in the course of the past eight years, thanks. In his own capacity as a member of the such as globalization and commercialization. The Executive Council and chairperson of the Working way he had handled those issues and allowed the Group on Long-term Planning, he had valued greatly meteorological community to understand the the President’s advice and comments and help. At situation was really remarkable. He wished to the same time he wished to acknowledge and thank reiterate his appreciation, and was certain that in unreservedly the work of the Secretary-General and times to come the President’s wisdom would be Secretariat in supporting the work that the Council remembered with gratitude. and Planning Group had tried to push through. The DELEGATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA Referring to the President’s report, in relation to congratulated the President on his comprehensive aviation and the role of the private sector in report, which reflected the development of WMO meteorology, WMO could either view changes in under his able leadership over the past four years. In both spheres as a threat or as an opportunity. If they that period WMO had, through the successful were viewed as a threat then the Organization was implementation of the various scientific and technical doomed; if they were grasped as an opportunity then programmes, achieved major progress in various together it could achieve success. As was stated in areas. He thanked the President, Vice-Presidents the report by the President, both the aviation and the and Secretary-General for their dedicated meteorological communities needed to develop the efforts. As was shown in the report, however, there appropriate partnerships and collaborative activities. were many major issues affecting WMO. Though He was convinced that such an approach was the they had to be solved in the next few years, they only way to make progress. WMO was a strong could be turned into opportunities for development of organization with much to offer and should not fear the world meteorological community. In so doing, changes in the aviation or private sector. The WMO would have to draw up detailed solutions and President was leaving the Organization in good form, implement plans that could be helpful for training in faced only by difficulties that were not of his making NMHSs. but of the world situation. It was in a good position One special issue he wished to comment on and he was to be congratulated for that. was the recent severe weather phenomena in his The DELEGATE OF GUINEA, thanking the country, where extremely strong rainfall and President for his clear and concise report, sought to typhoons had been increasing in magnitude and draw attention to problems of concern to most frequency. For example, heavy rainfall associated countries on the African continent, as had been with Typhoon Rusa in August 2002, which had referred to by the Minister of Aviation and Transport, covered about 900 kilometres in 3–4 hours over who had informed delegates of the problems of eastern regions of the country, had resulted in the women and children, and other vulnerable groups in greatest precipitation since records began, causing society. In the President’s report, allusion had been extensive damage and loss. Meteorological disaster made to the impacts of major events. As the Minister prevention and mitigation had, as a result, become had pointed out that morning, for the last few years, the most important priority for his country’s leaders of the different countries in Africa were meteorological Services. He believed that many becoming more and more aware of the problems of other WMO Member States faced the same concern to rural communities, by trying to set up new situation. His delegation therefore fully supported the partnerships, such as NEPAD. The Secretariat had establishment of the WMO programme on disaster paid attention to that because NEPAD’s goals reduction proposed by the Executive Council. It also corresponded to those of the Organization. For that hoped to see the outcome of research and reason, subjects such as the WSSD, climate change information from the international research centre on and the global environment agenda, natural disaster El Niño, established in Ecuador. Secondly, prevention and mitigation and the global water crisis concerning the WSIS, he informed that the Korean were all examples of the different problems of Meteorological Administration had been in contact concern to a great part of Africa. His delegation with the Korean authorities concerned so that the hoped that there would be a closer partnership use of information technology for natural and human- between WMO and NEPAD, and that the new induced disaster mitigation might be reflected in the partnership could give greater help to the statement of the world summit. He understood that meteorological services dealing with the various the objective of the meeting was closely connected problems referred to in the document, and provide a with the destination of useful meteorological clearer vision of the whole, both to leaders and the PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 17
rural populations of the different countries. In that towards collaboration, and in that respect he thought way, the meteorological Services would during the that Congress would give precise guidelines for the next few years be able to help greater numbers to future. improve living standards and to combat poverty in He agreed with the opinion expressed by the their subregions. He wanted once again to thank the President to the effect that work on behalf of the President for all his efforts during his years of office. Organization in electoral positions demanded full The DELEGATE OF THE UNITED STATES joined commitment and a considerable amount of time and his colleagues in congratulating the President on his that fact had to be taken into account in weighing up eight years of dedicated service, as evinced in his the candidates who sought to make a contribution to high-quality address and report, both of which were different elected positions within the Organization. authoritative and thought-provoking. He knew that He also thought that many points raised in the report the job had been difficult for him and he had been would be discussed under other items of the agenda forced to make many personal sacrifices, running a and that they could, in the light of the discussions, high-calibre national weather service – a major task decide on the actions to be taken. In that way, the in its own right – as well as throwing heart and soul Organization could, in its fourteenth financial period, into the running of WMO. He wished to submit to all not only overcome the difficulties it had been his colleagues that WMO was a better organization experiencing, but also meet the challenges that lay for having him as President and he thanked him for ahead and were faced by world society. his valued service. The DELEGATE OF MAURITIUS wished to align The DELEGATE OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION himself with previous speakers and expressed his wished also to express his appreciation for the way delegation’s satisfaction with the President’s eight- in which he as President, together with the Secretary year tenure in office. He had done a wonderful job General, the Vice-Presidents, members of the and his delegation wished to express its Executive Council, presidents of the regional appreciation. He had also prepared a very clear, associations and technical commissions, had moved concise report, some parts of which were very the Organization forward since Thirteenth Congress. thought-provoking. He was certain that the points Despite the evident funding constraints during that elaborated on in the report would help delegates in period, he had succeeded in solving a series of the individual discussions to prepare a real road map major problems facing the Organization. He also for WMO and the NMSs at the national and regional wished to express his personal gratitude not only for levels. That would give them a vision that the world the way that the President had moved forward and and the populations of the different countries would coordinated the work of the Organization, but also appreciate. had developed in his personal capacity his work in The DELEGATE OF IRELAND, complimenting the economics of meteorology as a social product. the President on his report, considered that it That was a very important topic inasmuch as the link excellently summarized the issues and challenges between meteorology and economics was bound facing WMO and world meteorology at present, and, more and more to influence the effectiveness of the in particular, public service meteorology. The range Organization’s work. The President’s contribution to of data and products available in today’s world was the development of the theory together with the unprecedented; and the Internet provided access to world’s leading economists was a very useful basis them in ways that would have been unthinkable 10 to for future work, so that meteorological products 20 years previously. However, all meteorologists would be ever more strongly reflected in evaluations understood very clearly that data and products would made, in the globalized world economy. not be possible without the basic infrastructure He also wished to note that questions underpinning the capacity to produce them. It had relating to cooperation between the Organization and always been a challenge for WMO Members to make international civil aviation and the private sector’s that link understood by decision makers, users and use of the mass media and the search for an the general public. He believed that one possibly effective mechanism for integrating international negative aspect of the role of the Internet was that collaboration on the basis of both cooperation and the link between the infrastructure and the finished competition (i.e. the market principle) would help in products was less visible than ever before. All of that the future in the search for effective mechanisms in added to the tasks of the weather services in such a way that national Services and WMO might justifying the resources needed to put in place the be able to bring together the fundamental principles infrastructure and convince users that the on which their work was based, such as free and investments were necessary and the associated unrestricted exchange and international costs needed to be recovered. He hoped that during collaboration, and to bring NMHSs closer to sectors Congress the accumulated wisdom the President that employed the market principle. He agreed with had mentioned would fit delegates to meet the the delegate of the United Kingdom that the challenge. development of such collaboration need not be a The DELEGATE OF MALAYSIA said that under cause for fear. In the future, the effectiveness of the President’s two-term leadership the Organization WMO’s work would depend on it finding the right way had made great strides. Focusing on the challenges 18 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
posed in the report, particularly so far as the impact The DELEGATE OF CHINA said that the of globalization was concerned, it was a matter of general summary of WMO’s activities and the how Congress would be able to provide the guidance analysis of future trends and developments made by sought instead of shying away from issues. With the President was useful for the guidance of respect to scientific and technical progress, it was Congress. His delegation congratulated the also important to discuss how ICT development President on his very effective eight-year tenure of could continue to assist in the dissemination of office, his wisdom and energy, and his devotion to meteorological information, warnings and forecasts the organization, in particular in the areas of climate to users. It had to be borne in mind how the costs of change, assistance to developing countries, going into such new technology could be kept at a application of new technologies, role and operations reasonable level. With regard to aviation, he of NMHSs, and the free and unrestricted exchange endorsed the view that WMO should be a partner, of meteorological and hydrological data and but that should be reviewed as in the last few years products. His delegation appreciated the analysis of its role had begun to degrade in relation to civil what would happen to the meteorological community aviation, particularly with regard to cost recovery. It in years to come, and hoped that the President was widely known in national Services that the would continue to follow WMO’s work with close conditions set by the International Civil Aviation interest. Organization (ICAO) in relation to cost recovery were The DELEGATE OF JAPAN, associating his not that easy. The aviation sector moreover had delegation with the remarks and gratitude of other introduced new quality requirements. Congress delegations for the excellent work carried out by the should map out a new strategy to return to President during the past eight years, and their partnership status, rather than merely reacting to appreciation of the report by the President, wished to situations created by civil aviation. make some general remarks. He thought that With regard to the WSSD, the President had particular attention should be paid to information been right to stress that the role of NMHSs had now technology, particularly techniques for the become more prominent. It was important to work dissemination of products, such as information to out how the national Services could be assisted with user communities in both the private and public the relevant information, by providing simple sectors, particularly in the forthcoming financial guidance on technical services, so as to meet period. More attention should also be paid to free sustainable development goals. and unrestricted utilization of the products relating to On climate change, WMO had already disaster prevention. The associated products should provided good leadership in the IPCC. There would be made public and released to user communities in henceforth be greater opportunities under the appropriate fashion. He also thought that UNFCC for providing information on systemic and coordination and cooperation between NMHSs and side effects, education and training. It was also other private and governmental sectors was of important to ask how NMSs could capitalize on the crucial importance. Recognizing the difficult financial Convention, how the WCP could continue to play its and structural situation faced by WMO, he thought long-standing leadership role now that the that that was also true of national organizations, not Convention had come into force, and how it could only in Japan. In former times NMHSs tried to help the national Services participate in aspects of operate on their own, but they should now draw climate change such as response strategies, closer to the other sectors in broader cooperation. adaptation programmes, natural disaster prevention The answer was to consider the private sector not as and mitigation. In all such activities, faster response competitors but as partners of the national Services. times, exchange of information and provision of early He would like to recall the very vital role of WMO in warnings were needed to minimize loss of life and many fields, but today, because of financial property. The President had in his report identified difficulties, it might have to conduct its affairs as many of the subjects involved and Congress would effectively and economically as possible, and that take up many of the issues. would be elaborated on during upcoming The DELEGATE OF CANADA said that the discussions. comprehensiveness of the report and its statement The DELEGATE OF FRANCE, associating of the challenges that lay ahead were a reflection of himself with previous delegates who had remarked the President’s own character, as demonstrated over on the excellent work of the President during his the last eight years, together with his leadership, tenure, praised the President’s report, while noting commitment and passion for meteorology that had that many points needed to be discussed in depth been instrumental in moving forward on some during Congress. During his eight most useful years difficult issues. The issues included the roles and in office, the President had displayed diplomacy, operations of NMHSs, his emphasis of the leadership, energy and dedication, had asked the importance of the Organization to governments, and right questions about the future of WMO and NMSs, the distance covered under his leadership in and allowed useful discussions to begin on major promoting partnerships and engaging the private issues, which had led to progress in the major areas. sector. PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 19
On behalf of his delegation, he thanked him for his congratulated the President for his visionary excellent work as President. leadership over eight years. Referring to the The DELEGATE OF MOROCCO wished to align President’s comments on the restructuring of the himself with the previous speakers who had technical commissions, he noted that those praised the President, and thanked the commissions had been effective in harnessing the President on behalf of Morocco for his eight years of energy of teams of experts from within and outside service to the Organization. He was proud to have the WMO system. He looked forward to worked with the President on the Executive Council implementation of plans to restructure the and in a working group. He expressed appreciation commissions in the coming four years. The issue of for the President’s report, which was a masterful commercialization of meteorological services for the presentation of the issues in international purpose of cost recovery had taken hold over eight meteorology, and its conclusions were particularly years, and he hoped emphasis on that matter would noteworthy. continue, as it was beneficial to the self-development The DELEGATE OF NEW ZEALAND also wished of meteorology, particularly in the developing to be associated with other delegations who had countries. He commended the progress made in the noted the high quality of the President’s report, and free exchange of meteorological products, and the thanked him, particularly for his work during the past extension of Resolution 40 to Resolution 25 on eight years and the many accomplishments in hydrology. Free and unrestricted exchange had defining the role and operation of NMHSs, which enhanced the quality of products and forecasts from would be recognized in the future as a turning point NMHSs, and he hoped that the range of for WMO. He particularly appreciated the recognition exchangeable data would be further increased. that positive collaboration from all participants in the The DELEGATE OF JORDAN thanked the meteorological community, including governments, President on behalf of the Government of Jordan for non-governmental, academic or commercial bodies, his work in preparing an excellent report. For the was possible. years during which he had been an extraordinary The DELEGATE OF KENYA, associating himself President, he deserved the respect and friendship of with the previous delegations who had noted the all the Members. He extended his good wishes for President’s excellent and comprehensive report, the President’s every success in the service of the reflected on the comprehensive work programmes meteorological community. carried out by WMO on limited resources. He paid The DELEGATE OF ZAMBIA paid tribute on recognition to the President’s efforts to take on behalf of his delegation to the President’s excellent challenges such as globalization, commercialization work in office, and thanked him for the excellent and quality management such as ISO 9000. The report and documentation. He also paid tribute to the leadership, relevance and scientific competence of work of the Secretary-General and extended best WMO had been reaffirmed and the Organization had wishes to him. His country attached great importance grown in status. He therefore wished to join the to the work of WMO. In recent years, Zambia had President in paying tribute to the Secretary-General passed through a period of serious drought, which for enhancing the status of WMO in sustainable was followed by excessive rain brought by the development. Much had been achieved, and many recently devastating Tropical Cyclone Japhet. The challenges were emerging, such as the role of drought had adversely affected food production and meteorology in sustainable development, the role of the cyclone had reduced the crop yield to almost education and training, which was pertinent to zero. With good technological advances WMO would developing countries, the role of globalization, which be able to continue providing information to enable was sometimes a threat to developing countries, developing countries to cope with many natural aviation matters including quality assessment, and calamities. He wished Congress very successful information and communication technology, which deliberations. constituted a large gap between the developing and The DELEGATE OF MAURITANIA congratulated developed countries. All that material had been the President on the clarity of his report and for his covered in the President’s excellent report, for which work over eight years, which had enabled the he thanked him. speaker in particular to make his NMS more The DELEGATE OF THE INTERNATIONAL transparent. The President’s writings and ASSOCIATION OF BROADCAST METEOROLOGY (IABM) actions had helped to bring the Meteorological noted that an outside body such as IABM did not fit Services into contact with, and closer to, its easily into such an august organization, and competitors in areas such as climate change expressed appreciation for the President’s courtesy activities and the UNFCCC. in welcoming his organization and allowing it to The DELEGATE OF ARGENTINA wished to be participate in debates on media issue. In the associated with other delegations who had thanked language of the media, he remarked that the the President, and also thanked the President on President “would be a hard act to follow”. behalf of Argentina for his eight years of intensive The DELEGATE OF NIGERIA stated that his work, and his comprehensive report. As the delegation wished to join other delegations who had representative of a developing country, he extended 20 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
particular thanks for the President’s attention to the that. Generally, he felt that as the President left ETRP, which should be an ongoing aspect of the office, he should feel he had achieved all he had set Organization’s work. When the President had out to achieve. represented Region III, the speaker had felt well represented and expressed his gratitude to him for The meeting rose at 5.35 p.m.
MINUTES OF THE THIRD PLENARY MEETING 6 May 2003 at 9.30 a.m.
The meeting was called to order at 9.50 a.m. and specialized training of staff. In the past, Gambia 7. Statement by the Honourable Ms Susan had benefited from training organized through Waffa-Ogoo, Secretary of State for RMTCs in Cairo, Lagos, Nairobi and Niamey. Fisheries, Natural Resources and the Gambia thanked all donors for helping to make Environment of the Republic of the participation in those programmes possible. Funding Gambia (agenda item 1.1) for training, however, remained a problem for Gambia. She also encouraged the development of HONOURABLE MS WAFFA-OGOO noted that partnerships between Members and various national, the late twentieth century had seen major regional and international bodies to strengthen the developments in science and technology brought capacities of NMHSs. about by the availability of new data collection and 8. Report by the presidents of regional transmission platforms and related progress in associations (agenda item 3.8.1) observational data acquisition. Such developments (Cg-XIV/Docs. 3.8.1(1); (2); (3); (4); (5); (6)) had facilitated improved monitoring and planning for economic activities such as agriculture, water 8.1 Report by the president of Regional resources development, and transportation. Association I (Africa) (Cg-XIV/Doc. She then focused on the situation in 3.8.1(1)) Gambia, noting that while it had had satisfactory hydrological, meteorological and telecommunication The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION I networks, the adequacy and timely availability of introduced his report by highlighting some of the data and information had been limited due to the main activities that had been undertaken by the deterioration of the basic data-recording and Association since Thirteenth Congress. He noted communication systems. She suggested that that that he had been reappointed to serve as president situation might be common to most WMO of the Association at its thirteenth session in Member States. The number of fully operational Swaziland in November 2002, and that the post of hydrological stations had been reduced vice-president, to which Mr F. Ounnar of Algeria had drastically, while many meteorological stations had been elected, was now vacant. The many activities not replaced broken equipment and instruments. Of involving the Regional and Sub-regional Offices, great concern was the inability of the national working groups, rapporteurs, training events, and a Government to meet the cost of maintaining number of major regional events had been adequate operations, given the poor economy and successful and very beneficial to the work of the the changing attitude and priorities of donors. She Association and to his own duties, activities and noted that the basic systems should not be allowed missions as president. to deteriorate further. In the area of network implementation, he Recovering the costs of providing noted that there had been modest improvements in meteorological services had been a problem. That the performance of some networks, but that the had been especially true for services provided to the major problems relating to lack of consumables and aviation industry, and Gambia would need to work trained staff and deficiencies in the operations and with WMO and ICAO on that issue in the future. telecommunications had persisted. More than 100 Honourable Ms Waffa-Ogoo noted how Regional Basic Synoptic Network (RBSN) stations Gambia had benefited from the WMO Climate were located in countries experiencing conflicts and Information and Prediction Services (CLIPS) Project, strife. Remedial actions to overcome shortcomings by making it possible to provide projections of the were being addressed under a modernization seasonal climate for planning purposes, especially in strategy currently under way. agriculture. The CLIPS office had organized climate Human resources were identified as an outlook forums in the Region, and Climate especially important issues for Gambia. Honourable Computing (CLICOM) systems and training had Ms Waffa-Ogoo called for the continuing education been provided through cooperative projects PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 21
coordinated by WMO with the support of many Association requested that that resolution be brought Members. Two GCOS regional workshops had been to the attention of Congress. The president identified held, in 2001 and 2003, leading to action plans the major issues of concern to the Region as aimed at improving the GCOS networks in the followed: Region. A total of 841 training fellowships had been (a) Maintenance and further development of the awarded through various WMO and other existing observing network, telecommunications programmes, but more would be needed in the systems and data-processing facilities, as well coming budgetary period. Cooperation between as the development of alternative data sources WMO and the various economic sub-groupings in such as AMDAR; Africa had continued during the period. (b) Further strengthening of collaboration among The president highlighted some of the high NMSs so as to enhance their capabilities to priority issues for the Region in the light of the latest access sophisticated products in the scientific and technological advances and taking preparation and dissemination of timely advantage of opportunities offered by global and warnings, particularly for severe weather and regional initiatives such as the WSSD, NEPAD and climate events like typhoons, tropical cyclones, the African Monitoring of the Environment for floods, sand/dust storms, droughts, etc.; Sustainable Development (AMESD). Those included: (c) Utilization of new technologies, in particular new enhancing the basic meteorological and hydrological information technologies, to advance the ability observing networks, telecommunication systems and of national and regional Centres to serve end data-processing facilities through the implementation users; of the RA I Strategy for WWW Basic Systems in (d) The development of effective public weather Africa; strengthening of capacity for natural disaster services to ensure better understanding and prevention and mitigation through the improvement appreciation of the value of, and increased of forecasting and warning systems of severe benefit from, weather and climate information; weather events; development of reliable seasonal (e) Capacity-building, including human resources and inter-annual forecasting capability and development and the effective use of Web improvement and understanding of the nature and technology, to bridge the gap between NMHSs extent of potential threat from climate change in the of developing and developed countries; Region; developing human resources to meet the (f) Better planning and management of water growing demand of meteorological and hydrological resources, better climate monitoring, and services from users; and strengthening regional improved research and applications (including cooperation through the continued development of regional climate prediction); ACMAD as a centre of excellence and the (g) The advancement and modernization of establishment of joint programmes and projects in regional Centres with regional responsibility and meteorology and hydrology within the context of sub- RMTCs for better serving the Members of the regional economic groupings. Association. In closing, the president expressed his The president noted a number of activities appreciation to all those who had contributed and initiatives of RA II, including: development of a in one way or another to the activities of the Strategic Plan for the Enhancement of National Association, in particular the vice-presidents of the Meteorological Services in RA II; a seminar on public Association, the chairpersons and members of weather services and global data-processing working groups as well as rapporteurs of the systems held in Bahrain; the organization of a Association, Members who provided facilities for regional workshop on capacity-building for the hosting various meetings, conferences, seminars NMHSs of LDCs in Asia in Thailand; the third and training events, and Members who generously Technical Conference on the Management of NMSs provided assistance and extended cooperation under in Oman; and the meeting of Directors of NMSs in the VCP or bilaterally. He expressed his deep Kazakhstan (March 2003). He further noted that a appreciation especially to the President and the series of process studies and other investigations Secretary-General of the Organization for their had been carried out, including such projects as the strong support and advice and extended his best South China Sea Monsoon Experiment. wishes for their future endeavours. He conveyed his thanks to those Members who provided facilities for hosting events during the 8.2 Report by the president of Regional period since Thirteenth Congress and to all those Association II (Asia) (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.8.1(2)) who provided support to the development of NMHSs The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION II in RA II. He cited, in particular, Korea, Japan and provided an overview and highlights of the major China for contributing to the AMDAR Panel activities activities of the Association since Thirteenth and to Saudi Arabia for taking the lead in the Congress. He noted that the twelfth session of RA II AMDAR Middle East Pilot Project. The president was held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, from 19 to 27 closed by extending his gratitude and appreciation to September 2000 and that at that time, the the Secretary-General and the Secretariat, Association adopted Resolution 1 (XII-RA II). The particularly the staff of the Regional Office for Asia 22 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
and the South-West Pacific, for their assistance and study tour in China. The acting president also advice in the work of the Association. thanked the Secretary-General and Secretariat staff, 8.3 Report by the president of Regional especially the staff of the Regional Office for the Association III (South America) Americas and the WMO Technical Cooperation (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.8.1(3)) Department. 8.4 Report by the president of Regional The ACTING PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL Association IV (North and Central ASSOCIATION III had taken up his position very America) (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.8.1(4)) recently following the departure of the former president from his position as Permanent The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION IV Representative of Ecuador. Many details of activities highlighted some of the issues in the Region that had in the Region were presented in the Congress been detailed in the Congress document. He noted document, which he was presenting on behalf of the the recommendation of the thirteenth session of the former president. Association, held in Venezuela in 2001, that During the period under consideration the Congress consider renaming the region from “North working groups and rapporteurs had carried out their and Central America” to “North America, Central tasks satisfactorily in accordance with the mandate America and the Caribbean”. The annual RA IV given by the Association, and with the assistance of Hurricane Committee meetings had been carried out the Regional Office for the Americas in Asuncion, successfully during the period, but adequate funds Paraguay. The Association, at its thirteenth session, for that high-priority activity had been extremely re-established the current working groups; it also difficult to locate and extra efforts would be needed established groups on climate activities and to rectify that problem in the next period. agricultural meteorology and a steering group for the Implementation of the new International Satellite coordination and implementation of the Regional Communication System to serve the Regional Meteorological Data Communication Network Meteorological Telecommunication Network (RMTN) (RMDCN). in the Region was under way with the support of Network implementation and performance Finland and the United States. Ten upper-air stations had shown some improvement during the period in the southern part of the Region were being thanks to coordinated efforts by Members upgraded with the assistance of the United States. concerned, the Secretariat and donor countries. Preliminary discussions had been carried out toward Existing gaps in the observational data coverage the establishment of a Regional Climate Centre continued to be mainly due to difficulties in the (RCC) in RA IV and additional meetings were operations of observing and telecommunication planned. networks and high cost and lack of consumables and The president noted that there remained an spare parts in certain countries. urgent need for further capacity-building in the Four countries were now running mesoscale Region, for example in the form of training support to models and all National Meteorological Centres prepare for replacement of the current cadre of (NMCs) could effectively use products from professionals. He welcomed the Regional Action advanced Global Data-processing System (GDPS) Plan that had been developed following the GCOS centres. Members in the region were playing an Regional Workshop in 2002 and thanked the various active role in the WCRP, particularly in the various countries and agencies that had supported that effort studies of the variability of the warm-season to address the decline in the regional climate monsoons over Central and South America. The observing network. He emphasized the success of implementation of the International Research Centre the Subregional Office in Costa Rica and reiterated on El Niño (CIIFEN) in Guayaquil, Ecuador, was the opinion of the Association that it should be under way. upgraded to a Regional Office to serve better the Issues of high-priority concern to the Region entire Region. included: the continuing need for long-term Many important events, activities and fellowships to increase human resources; seminars had been organized in the Region thanks maintenance and development of the basic to the support of WMO and Member countries. A observation networks; climate change and significant increase in interest had been shown in the environment-related matters; natural disasters; Region in the area of agrometeorology. He international data exchange and the role and expressed thanks to the president of the operation of NMHSs in the Region. Commission for Agricultural Meteorology in that In conclusion, the acting president regard. expressed thanks to all those who had contributed to In closing, he expressed appreciation to all the work of RA III, and especially to the Government those governments, organizations and persons who of Spain and its National Meteorological Institute for had provided support to the NMHSs of the Region, having provided the opportunity to train several staff and in particular to Canada, Finland, France, Japan, in the Region, and to the Government of China who, Spain and the United States. He also expressed with WMO support, made it possible for the special thanks and appreciation to the Secretary- Permanent Representatives of RA III to undertake a General and the President, as they completed their PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 23
terms in office, for the outstanding support that they (f) Implementation of the Strategic Action Plan for had provided over the years to the Region and to the the Development of Meteorology in the Pacific Organization. Region (2000–2009) and the meteorological needs analysis done in cooperation with 8.5 Report by the president of Regional SPREP and development partners; Association V (South-West Pacific) (g) Strengthening of regional cooperation through (Cg-XIV/Doc. 3.8.1(5)) the establishment of joint programmes and projects in meteorology and hydrology within The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION V the context of such regional groupings as the provided a brief overview of the highlights and major Economic and Social Commission for Asia and activities of the Association since Thirteenth the Pacific (ESCAP), the Association of South- Congress. He noted that the thirteenth session of the East Asian Nations (ASEAN), SPREP and Association was held in Manila from 21 to 28 May SOPAC. 2002. He noted further that the number of Members The president closed by expressing his of the Association had remained constant at 21. appreciation to all Members who contributed to the Portugal discontinued its membership after work of the Association during the reporting period. operations in the South-West Pacific but there was He gave special thanks to Messrs Arona Ngari, Lim now a new Member, Kiribati. All planned meetings Joo Tick and R. Sri Diharto for their valuable and events of the Association had been implemented services and contribution to the work of the with the exception of a seminar on cost recovery and Association. He thanked as well both the Secretary- administration, which would take place later in the General and the President of WMO for their long year. service, assistance, and support to the Region. The president noted that many Members of RA V were tropical Small Island Developing States 8.6 Report by the president of Regional and were highly vulnerable to natural disasters such Association VI (Europe) (Cg-XIV/Doc. as tropical cyclones and associated storm surges, 3.8.1(6)) floods, droughts, and forest fires. He stressed that The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI many countries in the Region were affected by provided a brief overview of the highlights and major El Niño and were vulnerable to the impacts of activities of the Association between Thirteenth climate change, especially sea-level rise. Many Congress and 31 January 2003. He noted that the countries must also face the difficult challenge of Association held its thirteenth session in Geneva catching up with the rapid advances in science and from 2 to 10 May 2002, during which time 21 technology. resolutions were adopted. The total number of The president drew attention to the following Members of the Association had increased from 48 programmes that should be given special priority: to 49 with the addition of Monaco. (a) Maintenance and strengthening of the WWW The president highlighted a number of regional aspects of the Global regional events during the period, including the Telecommunication System (GTS), GOS and RA VI Seminar on Capacity Building and New GDPS. The quality of data, products and Technologies in Meteorology: Challenges and services should be improved, and the capacities Opportunities for the Balkan Countries; the Third of the Regional Specialized Meteorological Technical Conference on Management of NMSs in Centre (RSMC) in Nadi and the ASEAN Region VI; and the Workshop on the Operation of Specialized Meteorological Centre (ASMC) in NMHSs in Developing Countries and Countries with Singapore should be strengthened; Economies in Transition. (b) Strengthening of capabilities for natural disaster He noted that since the beginning of 2001, prevention and reduction through the improved activities related to RA VI had been carried out by an provision of more reliable and effective warning assigned expert in the WMO Secretariat, pending the of tropical cyclones, monsoon depressions and Office’s eventual establishment. He stressed the other extreme weather events. The high priority importance of establishing a Subregional Office for of the Tropical Cyclone Programme (TCP) Europe, noting that the Association had should be maintained; requested Fourteenth Congress to allocate adequate (c) Improvement of understanding of the nature budgetary resources for the establishment of the and extent of potential threat from climate Office in 2004. change, climate variability and extreme weather Areas of special concern were reported by events in the Region; the president to be: (d) Assistance for the implementation of the Pacific- (a) The improvement and optimization of the global HYCOS to address increasing water scarcity, systems for observing, recording and reporting gradual destruction and higher incidence of on the weather, water resources, ocean, climate pollution of freshwater resources; and the related natural environment in the most (e) Enhancement of human resources through effective manner, including the standardization education and training activities, with particular of techniques for observing data and planning emphasis on SIDS; networks on a regional basis; 24 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
(b) The improvement of the accuracy and reliability it was through their efforts that significant progress of the analysis, forecasts, warnings and risk could be achieved. He welcomed the progress made assessments of natural hazards such as floods, in introducing new technology in many Regions, strong winds, droughts, forest fires, severe noting as examples the increase in countries now storms, avalanches, pollution events and using numerical prediction models and the increased periods of intense relative heat and cold; use of AMDAR data. However, there remained a (c) The enhancement of capacity-building, serious imbalance in the resources available across especially for the developing countries and Regions, which needed to be addressed by countries with economies in transition. Congress. Communications and training needs were He concluded by expressing his appreciation particularly important. He also noted the importance to all those who contributed to the work of the of regional and subregional offices in the regional Association, in particular to General C. Finizio, and structure and suggested that they should be Messrs I. Mersich and F. Quintas Ribeiro. He also considered for establishment in all Regions. expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation to the The DELEGATE OF BENIN thanked the Secretary-General of WMO and to his staff. president and Bureau of RA I for the report. He The PRESIDENT thanked the regional stated that a way needed to be found to improve the association presidents for their clear and informative efficiency of the work of the RA I rapporteurs, and presentations. He noted especially that the that RA I should consider training meteorological Organization owed a tremendous debt of gratitude to officers. them, as well as the many rapporteur and working The DELEGATE OF BELARUS endorsed the group members for helping the Organization to previous speakers in commending the work perform so effectively at the regional level in what of the regional associations. He cited Germany, was in fact a voluntary capacity. France, Poland and Israel for special thanks for The DELEGATE OF BOTSWANA expressed her providing training and technical assistance and for appreciation to all the regional association helping in re-establishing the country’s observation presidents, and in particular to the president of RA I, network. noting that discussions would be taken up on many He noted that even in RA VI there were of the issues involved at Congress. Many gaps still problems, and recommended that a Regional Office existed in the RBSN networks for both surface and be established to help deal with these. He stated that upper-air observations, due in large part to the cost the question of funding had not been fully resolved in of consumables, and she suggested that that might WMO, but that training, especially in hydrology, be alleviated to some extent through the efforts of should be a priority. GCOS in relation to the GCOS networks. She noted The DELEGATE OF FRANCE thanked the the problem of a lack of expertise needed for the presidents of the regional associations for their provision of climate warnings and emphasized the presentations. He pointed out that capacity-building need to support CLIPS in that regard. Some relevant related to modelling extreme phenomena and all workshops had been held in RA I to date, but follow- water resources issues were very important. He up action was needed to make those efforts truly pledged that Météo-France would continue to successful. develop those activities. He noted that France had The DELEGATE OF SENEGAL expressed been particularly active in helping to launch projects special thanks to the president of RA I for his in Africa. dedication in serving the Region. He stressed the The DELEGATE OF GUINEA thanked the importance of the issue of water and its management presidents of the regional associations, citing in as the key to future sustainable development. That particular the president of RA I. He noted that no was especially so for countries in the Sahel region of Region had been spared by droughts, floods and Africa, with increasing populations and increasing other natural disasters related to meteorology. RA I, demand from year to year. Governments were in addition, had experienced epidemics provoked by working on multi-faceted solutions, but progress in meteorological phenomena. The Region should addressing the issue was mixed and the concern in focus more on those issues, and more funding to the area was great. It was essential for WMO to address them was needed. anticipate the problems surrounding the water 9. Sixth WMO Long-term Plan (agenda item issue and give it higher priority in research and 6.2) (Cg-XIV/Docs. 6.2; 6.2, ADD. 1; ADD. 2) operational programmes. It was also particularly important to maintain and strengthen the observing At the invitation of the President, the networks without which the water issue could not be SECRETARY-GENERAL introduced the draft of the resolved. Sixth WMO Long-term Plan for the period 2004– The DELEGATE OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION 2011, as contained in Cg-XIV/Docs. 6.2; 6.2, ADD. 1 expressed his appreciation to all the presidents of and ADD. 2. He noted that it was useful to recall that the regional associations and to the associations the WMO long-term planning process had been put themselves, noting that they played a fundamental in place to facilitate the increased effectiveness of role in the effectiveness of the Organization and that the Organization. It continued to be improved since it PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 25
was formally introduced in 1983. Five Long-term The following elements were considered in Plans had been prepared up to now; those described the preparation of the draft 6LTP: the programmes and activities of the Organization (a) The trends and/or developments that would aimed at protecting life and property, safeguarding significantly influence the way WMO and its the environment and contributing to sustainable Members’ NMHSs would function in the future; development, all for the enhanced well-being of the (b) The evolving needs of Members, NMHSs or peoples of the world. The Plans also reflected society that needed to be met; WMO’s responsibility to ensure effective international (c) The WMO vision; cooperation in the fields of meteorology, hydrology (d) The desired outcomes; and related disciplines and their contribution to the (e) The strategy and associated goals. benefit of society. In this connection, and as part of the The overall purpose of long-term planning in interactive and iterative long-term planning WMO was to set broad objectives and strategies for process, a questionnaire was sent to all Permanent the Organization and to provide it with sufficient Representatives of Members of WMO as well guidance for the formulation of the four-year as to the presidents of technical commissions and programme and budget. It also contributed to the regional associations, requesting them for smooth and effective implementation of the scientific their views on those topics. The summaries and and technical programmes of the Organization. It analyses of the responses to the questionnaire were provided an effective mechanism through which used as a basis for elaborating the vision, desired Members might work together to identify their outcomes, and strategies and associated goals of common objectives and develop coordinated plans WMO. for achieving them. In particular, long-term planning WMO and its Members, especially their helped to ensure that: NMHSs, recognized that they would increasingly (a) WMO Programmes were sensitive and face challenges and/or opportunities which included responsive to the needs and aspirations of matters related to globalization, trade liberalization Members; and the market-led economy, the evolution of the (b) Advance consideration was given to the role and operation of NMHSs, alternative service possible impacts on WMO Programmes of delivery, international data exchange, and foreseeable scientific, technological, social and enhancement of the coordination in the geosciences, economic developments; particularly within the United Nations system. (c) There was necessary coordination between In light of that, it was felt that there was a need for a programmes to optimize the WMO programme statement on the vision of WMO, a statement that structure and use of available resources; captured in a clear, succinct and balanced (d) The Secretary-General’s programme and manner the essence of the Organization, its budget proposals to Congress for the next purposes and aspirations. It was proposed that the financial period were developed in harmony with WMO vision should be “To provide world the wishes and intentions of Members. leadership in expertise and international cooperation The Secretary-General stated, moreover, in weather, climate, hydrology and water resources, that the WMO Long-term Plan had three main and related environmental issues, and thereby to purposes, namely: contribute to the safety and well-being of people (a) To serve as a basis for guiding the constituent throughout the world and to the economic benefit of bodies and the Secretariat on the preparation of all nations.” their programme plans and the monitoring of The vision statement conveyed the idea of progress; what WMO was, did and should do, and the reason (b) For use by Members as a reference point to why WMO did it, as well as what it wished to help guide planning at the national level; become. The vision also provided a basis for (c) To provide a basis for briefing and informing formulating desired outcomes as well as strategies other organizations/entities which potentially and associated goals. Those provided the framework contributed to, and benefited from, the work of for the formulation and development of the 6LTP. WMO and its Members. The draft 6LTP presented a set of six In that light, Thirteenth Congress in 1999, by desired outcomes in which WMO could significantly its Resolution 24 (Cg-XIII) decided that the Sixth contribute, namely: WMO Long-term Plan (6LTP) should be prepared, (a) Improved protection of life and property; and requested the Executive Council to establish the (b) Increased safety on land, at sea and in the air; necessary coordination mechanism for its (c) Enhanced quality of life; preparation. In response, the Council established its (d) Sustainable economic growth; Working Group on Long-term Planning to assist it in (e) Protection of the environment; that area. The Group was ably chaired by Mr Peter (f) Enhanced WMO effectiveness. Ewins of the United Kingdom. The presidents of To contribute to the realization of those regional associations and technical commissions desired outcomes, nine strategies with associated actively participated in the Working Group. goals were proposed to be adopted to meet the 26 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
evolving global needs for expert advice and services and direction, and describing prospects for the pertinent to weather, water, climate and the related future. natural environment. The nine strategies, which were The Secretary-General stated that as we hierarchically related, pertained to: looked ahead to the period 2004–2011 covered by (a) Delivery of increasingly accurate and reliable the 6LTP, he had every confidence that WMO could warnings; meet the challenges and avail itself of the (b) Provision of increasingly beneficial weather, opportunities that lay ahead. WMO could achieve water, climate and related environmental that by working together with its partners in the services; United Nations system, through the NMHSs, and in (c) Enhancement of WMO’s role as the United cooperation with other international and national Nations system’s authoritative voice on the institutions as well as with different sectors. He state and behaviour of the Earth’s atmosphere; reiterated that the draft 6LTP laid down an (d) Public information; appropriate framework and a positive set of actions (e) Understanding and improving the modelling of that could be achieved by WMO provided the the processes; required resources were made available for their (f) Improved observation; implementation. He urged Congress to adopt the (g) Enhanced NMHSs; Plan. (h) Working more effectively with international He stated his confidence that Congress partners, other relevant organizations, would also want to go on record with its appreciation academia, the media and the private sector; to the Executive Council and the EC Working Group (i) Improved effectiveness, efficiency and flexibility on Long-term Planning for the able way in which the of the WMO structure, practices and working Council and the Group performed their task. Through mechanisms. their devoted work, with the assistance of the Hence, the overall approach to the preparation Secretariat, Congress was privileged to have before of the 6LTP was significantly different from the previous it at the present time an innovative and WMO Long-term Plans. In line with that approach, the comprehensive draft 6LTP. existing WMO programme structure was reviewed and In conclusion, the Secretary-General assessed. That consisted of the eight Major stressed that the major strengths of the 6LTP were Programmes, namely: the WWW Programme, the that it reflected a consensus within the Organization, WCP, the Atmospheric Research and Environment it provided a vision, and it set a course along which Programme (AREP), the Applications of Meteorology Members were prepared to move together. As Programme (AMP), the Hydrology and Water Members shared and maintained that vision, Resources Programme (HWRP), the ETRP, TCOP and consensus and common aspirations, as well as the RP. Those Programmes were formulated in such a pledged their strong commitment and support, WMO way as to ensure the realization of particular strategies would face the future with much confidence. and their associated goals. 10. Consolidated programme and budget Moreover, another new feature was the 2004–2007 (agenda item 8) (Cg-XIV/Docs. addition of a cross-cutting programme on natural 8(1); (2); (3)) disaster prevention and mitigation. Also, within the various programme descriptions, new developments The SECRETARY-GENERAL, in presenting the were taken into account resulting in specific programme and budget proposals for the fourteenth proposals. For instance, the fifty-fourth session of the financial period contained in Cg-XIV/Doc. 8(1), Executive Council agreed that consideration should explained that they had been developed in be given to expanding the Satellite Activities conformance with the guidance provided by the fifty- Programme to a WMO space programme. In fourth session of the Executive Council, as reflected addition, also for the first time, the 6LTP contained a in Cg-XIV/Doc. 8(2). That guidance addressed description of programme-support activities in six funding levels, programme priorities and the areas, namely: documentation services, conference proportional allocation of the budget to programmes. services, publications services, office automation The proposals also took into account the guidance and information technology support, external by all of the WMO Members through their input to the relations and information and public affairs. WMO Long-term Plan. Furthermore, it was also proposed that the As had been agreed by the Council, the period of coverage of the 6LTP, instead of the present programme structure was used as a basis previous 10 years, should be eight years (from 2004 for the development of the budget proposals. to 2011), and should be aligned with the four-yearly Furthermore, in accordance with the guidance of the Congress sessions, with the start corresponding to fifty-third and fifty-fourth sessions of the Executive the beginning of a programme and budget cycle (i.e. Council, and in order to ensure the consistency in the financial period 2004–2007). It was further priority setting, the preparation of the proposals had proposed that the Plan should be a clear detailed been simultaneous and coordinated with the plan for the first four years, with the second four development of the 6LTP for the period 2004–2011, years being less detailed but giving guidance, focus in such a way that the programme and budget PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 27
proposals reflected the goals and objectives of the One of the main goals of the WWW was the 6LTP. The WMO vision, desired outcomes, restructuring of the GOS into a composite system, strategies and associated goals in the 6LTP, particularly as regarded the upper-air component. In therefore, served as the basis for the preparation of undertaking that restructuring, guidance provided the proposals. through the development of the Integrated Global The proposals themselves had been Observing Strategy (IGOS) should be considered. formulated in the results-based budgeting (RBB) The GTS would continue to provide the format. They not only described expected results and telecommunication services for the timely and secure performance indicators, but also contained other collection and exchange of observational data and information required for strategic decision-making, the distribution of processed information. It was such as objectives, which were directly linked to the planned that the GTS would be upgraded through 6LTP, and project activities, with descriptions of exploiting new technical and economic opportunities, outputs to be delivered. Also in the narrative text of and through modern cost-effective data each programme was a summary of main communication services from telecommunication achievements for the period 2000–2002. providers. Satellite-based digital data-distribution Cg-XIV/Doc. 8(3) contained a draft services would play a larger role. The GTS would resolution on RBB that Congress was being invited eventually evolve into the Future WMO Information to adopt. RBB was a key instrument for ensuring System (FWIS). WMO would continue support effective management oversight, and performance to all Regions in accordance with their respective measurement and reporting were an integral part of strategic plans in enhancing their telecommunication the RBB process. The draft resolution outlined a network. governance mechanism to be put in place through The network of Meteorological Centres the Executive Council with a view to overseeing the which made up the GDPS would continue to implementation of programme activities within an generate weather and climate analyses, forecasts, RBB framework which included monitoring, advisories, warnings and specialized forecast evaluation and performance reporting. products. The programme would promote the The fifty-third and fifty-fourth sessions of the provision to all NMHSs of more specialized and Executive Council had indicated in their guidance increasingly reliable forecast products, which would four key programme areas that should receive relate to the widest possible range of spatial and greater emphasis in the fourteenth financial period: temporal scales, including early warnings. In (a) Contribution to the protection of life and particular, it was expected that capabilities of the property, especially disaster prevention and less developed national WWW centres would be mitigation; enhanced for the assimilation and analysis of data (b) Climate change and its impacts; from major centres and the generation of value- (c) Development of NMHSs and provision of added products. services for socio-economic benefits of people; The implementation of the core WWW (d) Hydrology and water resources. components would be supported by such Those key priority areas would be addressed Programmes as the Instruments and Methods of through the implementation of the eight major Observation Programme (IMOP) and the WWW Data scientific and technical programmes as at present. Management Programme (WWWDMP). The Secretary-General then outlined the In the development of the new proposed planned activities within the WMO major WMO Space Programme, an important focus would Programmes and their components. The WWW be the implementation of the long-term strategy of Programme continued to be the fundamental and the new WMO Space Programme using, among highest priority Programme of the Organization and other things, contributions from focused science would continue to put priority on capacity-building groups and applying modern technologies for activities, capitalizing on technological advances to education and training purposes. The space-based enhance the WWW components, especially in component of the WWW GOS had been expanded developing countries. It would continue developing to include appropriate missions of research and mainly through the implementation of three development satellites. interconnected, and increasingly integrated, core The WWW Programme included two components, the GOS, GTS and GDPS, to provide Programmes which directly addressed the issue of basic data and forecast products and services. disaster reduction. The TCP would place emphasis Under the GOS, efforts would continue to on assistance to Members in their efforts to mitigate improve and optimize global systems for observing tropical cyclone disasters, essentially using a the state of the atmosphere and the ocean surface, number of Regional Centres in the tropical cyclone in the most effective and efficient manner. basins. Enhanced support would be given to Assistance would be provided to Members, Hurricane and Tropical Cyclone Committees in the particularly developing countries and countries with basins. The Emergency Response Activities (ERA) economies in transition, in their efforts to address would assist NMHSs and relevant international deficiencies in their national observing networks. organizations to respond effectively to environmental 28 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
emergencies with large-scale transboundary air that was now being prepared for publication pollution, caused in particular by possible nuclear or in 2007. Special attention had to be paid to the small chemical accidents, volcanic eruptions and land island States that were being threatened by sea-level fires. The implementation of those two Programmes rise. would constitute a major contribution of WMO to the WMO would continue to collaborate with its International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) partners in the planning and implementation of and to the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation as observing networks coordinated under GCOS. adopted by the WSSD. Particular attention would be given to implementing The leading role played by WMO in the the recommendations of the Second Adequacy implementation of the WCP would continue to enable Report to the UNFCCC and to completing the the Organization to provide an authoritative Regional Workshop Programme and its related international scientific voice on climate and climate Regional Action Plans. WMO would continue its change. The Programme also assisted Members in strong support for climate research through the the application of climate information and knowledge WCRP. The overall priorities would be the asses- to national sustainable development. Within the sment of the nature and predictability of seasonal to framework of institutional support to the Programme, inter-decadal variations of the climate system at the the Secretariat would continue to initiate and global and regional scales, and providing the coordinate activities in areas of data collection, scientific basis for operational predictions of those climate research, applications and training, and variations; detecting climate change and attributing would mobilize necessary national and international causes, and projecting the magnitude and rate of resources. It would be important for WMO to place human-induced climate change, regional variations, further emphasis on the ability of climate services to and related sea-level rise. contribute to the economic, societal and Research activities of Members in environmental well-being of its Members most atmospheric and related sciences would continue to affected by climate change. Efforts would be made to be coordinated and stimulated by AREP. Also, improve the effectiveness of, and cooperation through that Programme, critical information would between, technical commissions and regional be provided for international conventions on major mechanisms in climate-related areas. atmospheric environment problems such as In terms of coordination of activities within stratospheric ozone depletion through the ozone the Climate Agenda, the Secretariat would seek to research and monitoring activities, transboundary raise WMO's profile within the United Nations system pollution and climate change. In that context, the on climate- and environment-related matters. The Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) programme Secretariat would provide Members with regular served first as a long-term atmospheric chemistry information on the implementation of multilateral and ultraviolet monitoring system. Secondly, it environmental agreements associated with climate supported scientific assessments to understand change and the preparation of documentation on the atmospheric composition changes and their effects views and needs of Members concerning research on climate, urban environments and ecosystems. and observational issues related to those Thirdly, it developed air quality and climate predictive agreements. capabilities through modelling and data analysis. Greater attention would be given to Support to the enhancement of GAW would be developing comprehensive climate data pursued. management systems with geographical information The development and application of system (GIS) capabilities, and to ensuring that high- improved weather forecasting techniques, with quality data from global observing systems for emphasis on high-impact events, would be ensured climate were readily available to WMO Members in through the implementation of the World Weather suitable formats. That would be ensured primarily by Research Programme (WWRP). The Programme the implementation of the World Climate Data and had adopted a comprehensive approach involving all Monitoring Programme (WCDMP). The development timescales associated with weather prediction, and of climate services by Members would be assisted would ensure that the benefits of research advances by the World Climate Applications and Services were widely shared among nations. Capacity- Programme (WCASP). Special emphasis would be building was an integral part of the Programme. placed on services for national sustainable Those efforts were particularly important in the development and on devising methods of adapting Tropical Meteorology Research Programme (TMRP). to, and mitigating, the adverse impacts of climate WMO would continue to implement the Programme change and its variations. The CLIPS project would on Physics and Chemistry of Clouds and Weather be the vehicle for much of the Programme Modification Research (PCCWMR) with a view to development and implementation. promoting basic research in that area and to WMO would continue its co-sponsorship encouraging applications of research results. (with UNEP) of the IPCC. WMO actively contributed The purpose of the AMP was to facilitate the to IPCC’s assessment activities and would make a application of meteorology, particularly in the major contribution to the Fourth Assessment Report protection of life and property, safeguarding the PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 29
environment and contributing to sustainable water resources problems was the purpose of the development. Assistance to Members by the Public Programme on Forecasting and Application in Weather Services Programme (PWSP) in the Hydrology (FAH), which would continue to be closely provision of reliable and effective weather and linked with WCP and TCP. The main long-term related services would be enhanced. objective of the Programme on Sustainable Under the Agricultural Meteorology Development of Water Resources (SDW) was to Programme (AgMP), Members’ capabilities to promote the effective use of hydrology in support of provide agrometeorological information and data for sustainable development. The programme would operational applications in order to help develop contribute to integrated water resources sustainable and economically viable agricultural management to meet societal needs and manage systems would be strengthened. Particular the risks posed by floods as a follow-up to the importance would be attached within the programme WSSD. Through the Programme on Capacity to the issues of drought and desertification. Support Building in Hydrology and Water Resources (CBH), would continue to be given to the United Nations WMO would assist in the development and operation Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and of National Hydrological Services (NHSs), including to its Secretariat. the education and training of their staff both at the The major thrusts of the Aeronautical managerial and professional level, increasing public Meteorology Programme (AeMP) would be on awareness of the importance of hydrological work, activities, jointly with ICAO, directed to the further and providing support to technical cooperation development of the World Area Forecast System activities. (WAFS), the provision of meteorological services to In their effort to obtain adequately educated air navigation, and specialized training of and trained personnel for the continued development aeronautical meteorological personnel, in particular of their Meteorological and Hydrological Services, regarding cost recovery issues. Members would continue to receive assistance A priority activity of the Marine Meteorology through the ETRP. The Human Resources and Associated Oceanographic Activities Development Programme would provide the Programme (MMAOAP) continued to be the framework for assessing the present and future enhancement of marine meteorological and needs of Members for trained and retrained oceanographic services in support of the safety of personnel and for providing an objective basis for life at sea and of the full range of specialized marine planning and setting priorities, as well as for user groups. Continuing support would be given to assisting and providing advice to Members. Under joint activities with the IOC, through JCOMM, in the Training Activities Programme, WMO would particular in the implementation of operational contribute to the training process in training centres, oceanographic observing data management and including RMTCs, by the provision of training services system. In that connection, WMO would materials, training of instructors including continue to enhance its cooperation with UNESCO’s management training, and facilitating, through IOC. education, the interface between Meteorological The HWRP would continue to apply Services and their user communities. The Education hydrology to meet the needs for sustainable and Training Fellowships Programme in the next development as regarded water and related financial period would focus on the provision of long- resources, to the prevention and mitigation of water- term and short-term fellowships to NMHSs personnel related disasters; and to ensure effective and also on familiarization visits/study tours for environmental management at the national and senior management personnel of NMHSs. international levels. A very important area of activity Coordination and support to training events on within the programme would be working together specialized subjects would facilitate the transfer of with other partners on the development of a global knowledge and technology among Members. network of flood warning centres. The Programme The programme and budget proposal related on Basic Systems in Hydrology (BSH) provided the to the TCOP covered the requirements for support to basic building blocks and framework for the majority activities related to the WMO VCP, support to the of the scientific and technical aspects of WMO implementation of the core technical cooperation activities in hydrology and water resources. It activities through programme and project covered the collection, transmission and storage of development as well as continuous mobilization of data, the implementation of the Hydrological resources in support of meteorological and Operational Multipurpose System (HOMS), and the hydrological activities at the national, regional and development of WHYCOS. A particular focus for the global levels, through the establishment of closer 2004–2007 period would be the development and collaboration with funding institutions such as the updating of guidance and training material on water World Bank, regional development banks and the resources assessment methodologies for use in European Commission. For the VCP, annual developing countries. planning meetings of potential contributors would be The application of hydrological analyses and organized and the programme would be promoted methodologies to solve a variety of hydrology and through the enhancement of publicity and fund 30 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
raising with potential donors. Furthermore, a In the area of resource management, further proposal had been submitted to Congress to modernization of administrative and budgetary establish a WMO programme for LDCs which would management would be pursued to complement RBB. be funding essentially from extra-budgetary Internal operating processes would be simplified in resources. order to reduce the administrative burden on The RP would continue to address Programme managers and to enhance the efficiency meteorological, hydrological and related issues and effectiveness of the Secretariat. The Oracle which were either unique or of common concern to a financial system would be further developed. As a Region, or group of Regions, taking into account result, it was expected that policy-making organs and particular local and regional situations. It would executive management would be provided with provide a framework for the implementation of the improved financial statements on regular budget- global aspects of WMO Programmes at the national, funded activities and extrabudgetary programmes, regional and subregional levels. The Programme as well as with programmatic and budgetary would support the regional associations, which had a performance information. key role to play by helping to elevate the level of ICT represented an essential component for NMHSs and implementation of the regional aspects the global activities of WMO and for the operations of of the WMO Programmes in the Regions, and would the Secretariat. The implementation of Intranet had contribute, in particular, to interregional projects and improved communication among staff and would be programmes concerning natural disaster reduction pursued. An electronic document management and mitigation, drought, environmental hazards, and system (EDMS) had been introduced to streamline water resources assessment and management. the working methods and procedures. It was Support would be provided to regional and expected that the Secretariat’s productivity would subregional offices established in WMO Regions, continue to increase through effective use of ICT. which facilitated the implementation of the RP and Further progress would be made in the assisted NMHSs through the identification of their implementation of the Staff Development, Training requirements, in the formulation of national and and Learning (SDTL) strategy through the subregional meteorological and hydrological establishment of yearly training priorities and plans. programmes, and in the mobilization of resources for Accountability framework for managers and the implementation of such programmes. They also improved performance management would be proved to be very effective in bringing the developed. In the area of common services, savings Organization closer to its Members and to increasing in staff costs would be achieved through optimal use its visibility in the Regions. of in-house staff resources coupled with outsourcing The programme-supporting services and better use of temporary staff. Users would be included basic Secretariat functions such as provided with services related to facility servicing sessions, conferences and meetings, and management, procurement, supplies, mail and the production of WMO publications. The structure of communications, security and catering, and the programme and organizational units was being maintenance and management of the building and of finalized in order to optimize the effectiveness and the technical installations. efficiency of conference, language, publication and The Secretary-General then turned to the distribution services. The overall increased demand overall issues concerning the programme and for documentation, including that associated with the budget proposals. Regarding the overall resource additional requirements in Arabic and Chinese, level, the programme and budget proposals had together with the new requirements for electronic been prepared in accordance with the guidance of publishing and distribution, had imposed a net the fifty-fourth session of the Executive Council and increase on the demand for services. That occurred had proposed two Options, namely a total amount of despite the introduction of stringent economy SFR 253.8 million for Option A and 258.8 million for measures, including a substantial reduction in the Option B, to be funded from assessed contributions. volume of documentation for constituent body The Council also indicated proportional budget meetings. In order to ensure adequate conference allocation to the nine Major Programmes under planning support and interpretation services, the use Budget Part 3 — Scientific and technical of the WMO Conference Centre, particularly on a programmes. The Secretariat followed that guidance cost recovery basis, would be significantly extended. and therefore revised the original proposals now WMO publications specifically defined as mandatory incorporated in Cg-XIV/Doc. 8(1). publications by resolutions of Congress were funded After the distribution of Cg-XIV/Doc. 8(1), through the regular budget Publications Fund. From and in accordance with customary practice, the electronic files produced in the Secretariat, it was estimates reflected therein were re-costed to reflect planned to provide printing services and electronic the most current rates of actual inflation (March products that met the requirements of Members and 2003) and the inflation forecast recommended by the ensured the timely distribution of WMO publications United Nations. That re-costing resulted in estimates and technical documents in printed and electronic which would permit an additional SFR 9 million of forms. purchasing power to be accommodated within PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 31
Option A. That meant that the SFR 253.8 million In conclusion, the Secretary-General would now be sufficient to carry out the programme observed that the world had changed drastically in activities envisaged in both Options A and B with an the last couple of decades. Among those things additional SFR 4 million to be used for other high- which remained unchanged were, unfortunately, the priority programme activities. A budget ceiling of tendency to reduce allocations to the WMO regular SFR 253.8 million was now being proposed. He budget. He recalled the severe constraints which had nevertheless emphasized that that amount had to be imposed on many activities considered as represented a negative growth of 3.7 per cent in real high priority both by Congress and the Executive terms, meaning that the budget would not be Council. He recalled also, however, numerous sufficient to keep the same volume of activities as examples of successful delivery of programme compared to the thirteenth financial period. The activities, with the help of Members and through the Secretary-General assured Congress that, in spite of dedicated work of the Secretariat. He observed that the budgetary situation, the Secretariat was those successes could continue, and the committed to the enhancement of its responsiveness Organization would be able to make significant to the needs of the Members and of the international progress toward its goals in the fourteenth financial community, through continuous performance period, only with commensurate funding. measurement and improvement, which were at the heart of RBB. The meeting rose at 12.55 p.m.
MINUTES OF THE FOURTH PLENARY MEETING 6 May 2003 at 2.30 p.m.
The meeting was called to order at 2.45 p.m. The events of the past decade, in particular since the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, had 11. Statement by H.E. Mr S. Kane, Minister of shown that the different challenges on a national, Transportation of the Republic of the regional and global level had given Meteorological Niger Services a crucial role to play, as was proven by the Expressing his thanks to the Congress impressive number of requests for services in a organizers for their cordial welcome, H.E. variety of fields. MR SOULEAMANE KANE expressed his In Niger, as in many countries of the Sahel Government’s unstinting support for WMO and where climatic cycles underwent considerable appreciation to the Secretary-General and the staff perturbations giving rise to such catastrophes as of the Organization. In 1994, Professor Obasi had drought, flooding and storms, communities were no become a member of Niger’s Order of Merit. Niger longer passively inclined to believe in the inevitability had been transformed into a true research and of destiny. Rather, they were more inclined to believe development centre for meteorology, refining and what the weather forecast held in store for them. commissioning a whole range of observation The harm caused to persons and property in systems through such agencies as ACMAD, recent severe weather events and climatic AGRHYMET, the African School of Meteorology and phenomena were always at the forefront of people’s Civil Aviation (EAMAC), the Niger Basin Authority attention, and public authorities were constantly (NBA), the Hydrological Forecasting System for the being put under pressure in that regard. Congress River Niger Basin (HYDRONIGER) and the should therefore evaluate national and regional International Crop Research Institute for the Semi- capacities for early warning of severe events. The Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). challenges were great and numerous, financial He expressed his Government’s gratitude to resources limited and few, but that was actually a the international community for the long succession source of stimulation, obliging the Organization to of workshops held in Niamey. In early 2003, Niamey make exceptional efforts so that national had hosted a workshop on strengthening the contributions could become a reality. capacities of Directors of Meteorological Services of He congratulated WMO on its successes, West and Central Africa, as well as the GCOS and hoped that it would continue to contribute Regional Workshop for Western and Central Africa. effectively to the sustained development of the During the workshops, application plans for using different regions by consolidating the striking meteorological products throughout the economy improvements in the effectiveness of its already and regional action plans for the WWW had been noteworthy meteorological tools, which had a major drawn up. part to play in cooperation. 32 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
12. Statement by Mr Patricio Bernal, and many of the NMHSs, whose terms of reference Executive Secretary of the had been extended to include oceanographic Intergovernmental Oceanographic observations. The Baltic Ocean Observing System Commission (IOC) of the United Nations (BOOS) was another example that was producing Educational, Scientific and Cultural routine operational products, while the North-East Organization (UNESCO) Asia Regional GOOS was routinely making available data from China, Japan, Korea and the Russian MR P. BERNAL, conveying the greetings of Federation. Several other areas were also covered. Professor Su Jilan, Chairperson of the Commission, The challenge of building up an integrated and of Mr Koichiro Matsuura, Director-General of worldwide range of observing systems required a UNESCO, acknowledged and expressed gratitude common strategy and a common plan to help for the kind words used by the Secretary-General of societies and decision makers set the same main WMO to describe the cooperation between the two objectives and the same priorities though coming Organizations. The two agencies could be proud of from different actors and agencies. Without a strong the level of cooperation and integration in the commitment from all sectors of society, it would be implementation of certain programmes. The impossible to reverse the negative trends threatening establishment of JCOMM, reporting both to WMO the maintenance of observing networks around the and UNESCO, had shown a new and successful world, and still less to enlarge the support base for style of work in the United Nations system. They had developing the new systems required. The need for managed, through judicious decisions of their input from the private as well as the public sectors governing bodies, to circumvent the formal difficulties had been underscored in the IOC’s last biennial for the functioning of the body, and the IOC was report to the General Conference of UNESCO, when grateful to WMO for its continuing commitment. it had stressed the benefits of a common shared IOC had placed the highest priority on strategy between both sectors and the advantages of implementation of the Global Ocean Observing a common observing platform, and had pointed out System (GOOS). GOOS was supported in IOC by that achieving the new vision would require the two sections, the Operational Observing System and development, negotiation and adoption of the Ocean Services System. In the last two years, international norms and agreements, especially in several regional offices had been created in support the area of data and information exchange. of the developing GOOS network, most recently in He believed that there were challenges that Perth, Western Australia, and in Rio de Janeiro. The the two Organizations faced in common, although Perth office was well advanced in developing the WMO had been based on pre-existing national Indian Ocean GOOS (IOGOOS), and an operational services, whereas IOC did not, and was obliged to, agreement among 15 organizations surrounding the develop those services now. He was convinced that Indian Ocean Basin had been signed in 2002 in by working together they did have a strong base to Mauritius. succeed. IOC had also transformed the Toulouse- 13. Sixth WMO Long-term Plan and based Secretariat of the Data Buoy Cooperation Consolidated programme and budget Panel into the JCOMM In Situ Observing Platform 2004–2007 (agenda items 6.2 and 8) Support Centre (JCOMMOPS), that included the (Cg-XIV/Docs. 6.2; 6.2, ADD. 1; ADD. 2; Argo Information Centre. There were now 698 8(1); (2); (3)) (continued) operational Argo floats, designed to collect the equivalent vertical profiles for the upper layers of the The PRESIDENT recalled that the Executive oceans that radiosondes collected for the Council Working Group on Long-term Planning had atmosphere. The 698 floats represented an produced the draft Sixth WMO Long-term Plan for investment of US$ 11 million to the Member States. consideration by Congress. The work of the Group, The goal was to deploy 3 000 floats between 2003 chaired by Mr P. Ewins, Principal Delegate of the and 2005, after which total operating costs would United Kingdom and chairperson of the Executive amount to the same figure. Council Working Group on Long-term Planning, had The most important challenge in the been considered by the fifty-fourth session of the oceanographic community was the step-by-step Executive Council and the document produced was consolidation of operational oceanography, in the a recommendation of the latter. absence of a pre-existing operational infrastructure At the invitation of the President, Mr P. at the national level, through implementation of the Ewins, Principal Delegate of the United Kingdom, regional components of GOOS, working with speaking on behalf of the Executive Council, Member States. The building up of an operational congratulated the Secretary-General on the clarity infrastructure, very different from the meteorological and completeness of his presentation of the Long- infrastructure, was proving to be a very special term Plan. Thanking his colleagues on the Working challenge. Regional GOOS projects were at different Group for their support and hard work in producing stages of development. EuroGOOS in the North Sea the Plan, the presidents of the regional associations was the most advanced, resting on a formal and the technical commissions, who helped greatly agreement between national operational agencies in improving the quality of the document, as well as PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 33
the Secretariat, he pointed out that the difference doubtlessly need further refinement, but he thought it between the new Plan and some of its predecessors was a real step forward in introducing a more was that it was seamless with the programme and effective tool that would not only help in obtaining budget. That seamlessness was very important results but also increase the efficiency of the because for the first time there would be a Long-term different parts in carrying out the Programmes. He Plan and a programme and budget that were self- hoped that the very important separate Executive consistent. Moreover, the Plan was also consistent Summary for Decision Makers referred to in with the work of the constituent bodies and provided paragraph 6.2.10 (Cg-XIV-Doc. 6.2) would be issued the framework within which Members carried out as early as possible so that Members could inform their national programmes, thus making the entire their Governments of the document’s contents and programme wholly coherent. explain the basic outlines of the complex work The vision that the Plan endeavoured to put conducted, the intended aims, and the ways of forward was intended to be short, clear and succinct. achieving them. It should express what WMO wanted it to be, and it The DELEGATE OF COSTA RICA said that the had to be a vision that appealed to Members, the document raised certain general concerns for his Commissions, other agencies, the public at large and country. He wished to express his gratitude for the the Secretariat. The effort to produce a vision that preparation of the programme and budget but he satisfied all those stakeholders’ needs had been a was concerned that if Option A were chosen for the challenge in itself. budget, some programmes, such as monitoring, Defining the notion of an outcome had also would be much weakened and could result in been hard to arrive at. By way of example, the important risks for data collection and networks. The production of a weather forecast constituted output, alternative, Option B, should be given serious but if the weather forecast was then used to save consideration. lives, it represented an outcome, in the view of the In the Financial Advisory Committee Working Group, which also considered that (FINAC) he also intended to stress, with regard to outcomes should be the aim of the Group. tropical cyclones, the need for a Hurricane The strategies that the draft Plan put in place Committee. If Option B were adopted, there would described not only the working practices of the WMO be support for the RA IV Hurricane Committee; if it Secretariat, but also the strategies of Members who were not, the RA IV Hurricane Committee would be contributed to the outcomes from their own national greatly weakened. It was important to take that into programmes. Thus, the strategies should be shared consideration because the RA IV Tropical Cyclone by the Secretariat and the Members of the Committee (TCC) was one of the strongest elements Organization. of the TCP and had helped to save lives and Finally, in the programme and objectives, the property. latter were objectives for WMO as a whole, and not The DELEGATE OF BOTSWANA expressed her just for one segment. The Executive Council had appreciation to the Secretary-General for the work produced a Plan that was a major step forward, thus that had gone into the document and for his expressing the confidence of WMO in its own future, leadership over the issues involved. Her which he commended to Congress. concern was that at the end of the presentation The DELEGATE OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION there had been a mention that a deficit had been expressed his gratitude to the Secretary-General for experienced during the present financial period. If the concise and clear presentation of the very that were so, Congress was now looking at complex finance and planning mechanism that the a budget that would create an even deeper deficit. Organization was carrying out. Hopefully, Congress Also, some of the concerns raised in the would again endorse the idea that long-term reports of the presidents of the regional associations planning within WMO was crucial for ensuring a would receive very little attention. Some new smooth and effective implementation of projects and issues that had crept in, moreover, were affecting the programmes broken down by different activities. The efficiency of individual NMHSs. She could preceding four years of work on the Plan and the not see a budget under Option A bringing anything programme and budget had contributed new new, and in examining the allocations under the elements to the process. As they could see, the Sixth various WMO Programmes, the figures WMO Long-term Plan covered two four-year periods. were simply being juggled around, which indicated The eight years involved coincided better with that the proposed budget was creating problems financial planning periods than had previously been from the very outset. Her delegation appreciated the the case in WMO. Then there was the new good sense contained in the Long-term Plan, but it orientation towards outcomes, in the process of could not be realized if the results-based budget was programme and budget preparations, due to be going to be deficient from the very outset. She discussed. If adopted, it would be possible to monitor agreed with the delegate of Costa Rica that serious and evaluate specific results, in accordance with consideration should be given to Option B, or criteria developed for planning and budget alternatively a mean should be struck between the implementation. As it was a new approach, it would two options. 34 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
The SECRETARY-GENERAL explained that relative equanimity. The French delegation was also when the programme and budget proposal had been concerned with the proposed cuts in expenditure in prepared and submitted in response to the guidance the language, publications and conference services, from the fifty-fourth session of the Executive Council, under both Options A and B. The dissemination of at that stage, given the programmes and activities information was a key factor in conducting those they had expected to carry out for the financial activities that the Organization sought to promote. period 2004–2007, the programme activities in Respect for linguistic diversity was a guarantee that Option A had been costed at SFR 253.8 million. information would be properly and adequately There were also other priority activities which disseminated. For that reason, the French delegation proposed to be accommodated above that figure, asked Congress to maintain the existing level of thus producing a figure of SFR 258.8 million for funding for language services and publications. In Option B. That was the guidance that the Executive conclusion, his delegation thought that the Council had given the Secretariat for the programme Secretariat should also be able to ensure respect for and budget document, and was what the Secretariat systematic cost recovery for support services for had submitted in Cg-XIV/Doc. 8(1). As a result of programmes financed from voluntary contributions. recosting in March 2003, the original assumption on The French delegation would take up some of the inflation cost could now be reduced by about SFR 9 matters again during detailed discussion on the million. As a result, the previous Option A would now programme and budget. cost only SFR 244.8 million and Option B would The PRESIDENT OF THE COMMISSION FOR amount to around SFR 249.8 million. Thus, the AERONAUTICAL METEOROLOGY (CAEM) congratulated various activities contemplated under both options the chairperson of the Working Group on Long-term could be carried out for less. It would now be even Planning for his excellent and clear-sighted possible to carry out all the programme activities in management of the work done on the preparation of Options A and B for less than SFR 253.8 million, the Long-term Plan and on the novel, interactive and including further priority activities costed at SFR 4 incremental approach to the Plan. Congratulations million. Even so, the recosted SFR 253.8 million were also due the Secretariat, the President and the represented a negative growth of 3.7 per cent in real Secretary-General for ensuring that the technical terms as compared with the thirteenth financial commissions all played an active part, primarily period. through their presidents, in the preparation of the The DELEGATE OF FINLAND thanked the Plan. Given the fundamental importance of the authors of the Sixth WMO Long-term Plan and scientific and technical programmes which were expressed his appreciation at the fact that it devoted overseen by the technical commissions, their active great attention to the environment and climate involvement was essential. He looked forward to change as well as to the use of satellite imaging in seeing that reflected in the development of the next meteorology and environmental monitoring. WMO Plan during the next few years. should have a more visible role as an international The DELEGATE OF MAURITIUS said that his focal point on climate change issues. Most of the delegation was very pleased with the two papers desired outcomes in the Long-term Plan were presented by the Secretary-General, the Sixth WMO connected with the United Nations millennium goals Long-term Plan and the programme and budget, by 2015. He had been advised that one of the which reflected clearly the role that WMO should missing millennium goals was the absence of a have already been playing for a long time. He statement to the effect that WMO promoted equality thought that with the new vision projected by WMO, between men and women in its activities. Members would feel very confident about its future. The DELEGATE OF FRANCE thanked the Furthermore, not only was a large sum of money Secretary-General for the presentation he had made involved, but hard work would be needed as well if in the morning, for his account of the Long-term Plan results were to be produced. His delegation felt that and the programme and budget for the period 2004– in order to achieve outcomes that would benefit 2007, as contained in Cg-XIV/Doc. 8(1), and for the society, there needed to be more interaction presentation on the results-based approach. He between the Secretariat and Members. could certainly approve the performance indicators The DELEGATE OF LEBANON, speaking on proposed therein, and was very aware of the efforts behalf of his Government and the NMS, praised the made by the Secretariat to improve management in Secretary-General’s report, his presentation on the the Organization. On the WMO budget, his future prospects of the Organization and his delegation was in favour of zero-real growth. The comments on the Long-term Plan. The budget was reason why the French delegation favoured Option A presently registering negative growth. He asked how was that WMO had a mission, which it should programmes featuring in the Long-term Plan could continue to carry out while keeping to the existing be implemented effectively if they received an level of programme activity and staffing. That was insufficient budget allocation. He was also concerned crucial if WMO was to respond to the vital needs of that there might be a direct impact due to budgetary developing nations. Only such an approach would cuts on the Organization’s support programmes in make it possible to envisage the future of WMO with the developing countries. Budgetary issues on the PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 35
agenda should be discussed objectively and In future, he suggested, the Plan should Congress should ensure that the support also identify the weaknesses and trends prevailing programmes for capacity-building in developing within the Organization. It would then become countries did not suffer unduly and, in particular, did possible to identify objectives and priorities more not suffer from changes in budgetary allocations. clearly. From the objectives could be extrapolated The DELEGATE OF GUINEA stated that after the needs of the programmes and how the the second session of the Technical Conference on programmes should be expected to contribute to the the Participation of Women in Meteorology and achievement of the objectives. The objectives and Hydrology, the women in his country had become responsibilities of the Secretariat could then be very aware of the effects of meteorological disasters clearly separated from those of the Organization and climatic events on their lives. They had asked itself. The costs of realizing each objective could his delegation to convey their concerns, as the most then also be calculated. vulnerable members of society who bore the brunt of Under a system of budgeting by objectives, such disasters and events, to WMO and Congress. the Long-term Plan would become a strategic plan, The delegate therefore supported the budget and the budget proposals would become an proposals and requested that Congress approve the implementation plan, or an operational plan. Such an budget so that more lives could be saved in the approach would enable WMO to realize its vision of future. becoming the leading organization in the field of The DELEGATE OF BELGIUM praised the meteorology, climatology, hydrology and progress made by the Working Group for Long-term environmental issues. Planning. The Group had defined a vision for the The PRESIDENT thanked the delegations that future, had provided an assessment of the had taken the floor. He then described the Organization’s fast-changing environment, had procedural and working arrangements for defined a set of strategies and objectives, and had discussions that would take place between Working given an overview of the various programmes and Committees A and B, the Sub-committee on the their objectives. The Working Group had made Programme and Budget and FINAC. important progress towards budgeting by objective, and he would support its proposals. The meeting rose at 3.45 p.m.
MINUTES OF THE FIFTH PLENARY MEETING 7 May 2003 at 2.30 p.m.
The meeting was called to order at 2.35 p.m. for membership, Congress was advised that no such requests had been received. However, the President 14. Report of the Credentials Committee took the opportunity to inform Congress that two (agenda item 1.5) (Cg-XIV/PINK 1.2(1) and countries, Bhutan and Kiribati, had submitted 1.5(1)) their instruments of accession to the Government of Presenting the first report of the Credentials the United States of America on 11 March 2003 Committee, the ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE and 24 April 2003, respectively. That would bring CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE reported that the the total number of WMO Member States to 181 credentials of 145 Members were found to be in and of Member Territories to six. He also order. He reiterated the need for those delegations informed Congress that as of 4 February 2003, the who had not presented credentials to do so at the name of Yugoslavia had changed to Serbia and earliest convenience. Montenegro. H.E. MR BAP KESANG, PERMANENT The first report of the Credentials REPRESENTATIVE OF BHUTAN WITH THE UNITED Committee, as contained in Document Cg-XIV/PINK NATIONS AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS, 1.2(1) and 1.5(1), was approved. expressed His Majesty the King’s greetings, as well as those of the people of Bhutan, to Fourteenth 15. Requests for membership of the Congress. It was an honour to participate in Organization (agenda item 11.5) Congress for the first time as a Member of WMO. The PRESIDENT informed Congress that WMO’s scientific and technical programmes on requests for membership of the Organization had to weather watch, climate, the atmosphere and the be considered under the provisions of Articles 3(c), environment, hydrology and water resources were of 3(e), 33 and 34 of the Convention. While that item tremendous importance to Members. The survival of provided the opportunity for considering the requests some of the ecosystems was under real and 36 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
increasing threat from natural disasters as a result of to all international conventions and treaties relating climate change. Therefore, the role of WMO was of to the environment. It was the hope of his growing importance in managing and sustaining Government that Bhutan could benefit from the work natural resources. of WMO, while at the same time, contributing to its From the initial stages of its development growth and strength through active participation in its process, Bhutan had followed a policy of sustainable programmes and activities. development. The natural environment had become The PRESIDENT congratulated the new an important economic asset to the country, Members and welcomed them into the greater WMO particularly in the field of hydropower and tourism. family. Protecting the natural environment was of paramount importance for the long-term well-being of Bhutan The meeting rose at 2.50 p.m. and the world. For that reason, Bhutan was a party
MINUTES OF THE SIXTH PLENARY MEETING 9 May 2003 at 9.30 a.m.
The meeting was called to order at 9.40 a.m. integrated and sustained system for observing the Earth. He strongly believed that the time had come 16. Statement by Vice-Admiral C.C. for an “Earth Science Renaissance”, a new era in Lautenbacher, Jr., Under Secretary of which a deeper understanding of the complex Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, systems of planet Earth had to be reached. Administrator of the National Oceanic Understanding began with observations. In terms of and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather information, much of the credit for of the United States what had been achieved to date was due to WMO. VICE ADMIRAL LAUTENBACHER JR spoke of Countries were experiencing strong benefits thanks WMO as a model international organization and to its work on observing systems and the free referred to the achievements resulting from decade- exchange of data. long partnerships within WMO and its Member The future, however, would require existing countries, most notably the WMO Global Observing observing systems to advance to the next level, thus System for weather. building a system of systems that would make it He paid special tribute to Mr Zillman and possible to “take the pulse of the planet.” What was Professor Obasi, noting the President’s contributions at present being done for weather should also be to WMO Programmes, and the Secretary-General’s done for climate, water, ecosystem definition and representation of WMO causes at the governmental management, for wise use of all earth resources, for and United Nations level. He thanked them on behalf sustainable development and for other newly arising of the United States and NOAA and extended to environmental challenges. them his very best wishes for the future. He would present a limited selection of the NOAA was the largest agency in the United imperatives constituting a case for a fully integrated States Department of Commerce in budget terms. It earth information and data management system, had a mission to monitor and understand the falling into three categories. oceans, coasts, fisheries and weather, and to Describing the social imperative, he said it develop forecasts and disseminate information for arose from global population growth, and the shift of economic and public benefit. The concentration in populations from rural areas to urban centres, NOAA of expertise, in the shape of a complete roster dramatically altering the distribution of goods, of first class scientists, and technology, in the form of services, land use, and increasing potential observing systems incorporating satellites and an vulnerability to natural disasters due to the location extensive surface network, offered enormous of many cities in coastal regions. Describing the possibilities for addressing the Earth’s emerging economic imperative, he cited statistics illustrating environmental and resource management issues. He the economic losses associated with natural described it as the operational ecosystem science catastrophes, the GDP value of the United States’ agency of the United States. He had been impressed weather- and climate-sensitive economic sectors — by NOAA’s partnership with WMO, through which the thus reflecting the contribution of national weather, Agency had been able to contribute its internal skills climate and water services to national economies — at the vital level of international collaboration. and indicators of the economic return in the United He wished to focus on the importance, States on investments in observing systems. A benefits and way ahead for a comprehensive, comprehensive earth observation system was PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 37
essential to provide the information infrastructure He was pleased to announce that the United that was the basis for improving the management of States would host an Earth Observation Summit on natural resources and the environment, and that was 31 July 2003 in Washington DC, bringing together necessary for sustainable development. Turning to Ministers of the G-8 and other nations and the scientific imperative he noted that, while international organizations, including WMO. The boundaries between scientific disciplines would Summit would provide an opportunity to explore what always exist, a collaborative approach was needed was needed on the political level in order to build a to bridge understanding and management at the comprehensive, integrated and sustained observing ecosystem level. Pressing scientific questions and system for the Earth. It was planned that an organizational and management issues could be met international working group should meet on the day through an interdisciplinary earth science approach. following the Ministerial Meeting, to begin A collective approach would facilitate planning and development of an international 10-year plan for obtaining funds for earth science. fielding such a system of systems. The sciences were moving towards a 17. Statement by H.E. Honourable A. Ligale, systems focus. It was no longer enough to list the EGH MP, Assistant Minister of Transport parts and functions of a system, but it was important and Communications of the Republic of to enquire how it functioned as a whole. A well- Kenya connected global integrated information and data management system was the first step. H.E. HONOURABLE A. LIGALE expressed The WWW constituted a system enabling great privilege and honour at addressing Fourteenth nations around the world to receive daily weather Congress and extended warm greetings from the analyses and forecasts, and WMO had played a President of Kenya, the Government and the people pioneering role in laying down the operational of his country. Kenya had been a Member of WMO foundations for monitoring the chemical composition for the last 40 years. It had participated actively in its of the atmosphere and climate variability. The GOS activities and had benefited greatly from its results. of the WWW was most useful. Although focused on WMO’s activities and results had been recognized at weather, it was enhanced by relatively new initiatives the recently held WSSD, which had emphasized that and planned developments. He was pleased to economic, social and environmental management — announce that there was an allocation of US$ 4 all prerequisites to sustainable development — were million in NOAA’s budget for the year to strengthen connected to weather and climate. A major challenge the climate observing capabilities of GCOS. for the NMHSs of developing countries was the El Niño cycles were presently predicted capacity to provide quality services, improve the through a combination of in situ and space observing application of climate information as well as improve systems, computers and models. Conditions could their image. That could be done through workshops, be forecast three to six months in advance. That had publications and conferences as well as by enacting been achieved through intense international legislation on sound policies for factoring weather cooperation and 20 years of work. The economic and climate into national planning and development and social benefits were immense. It was an strategies. example of what future environmental services In most developing countries, including provided by an integrated earth observing system Kenya, 70 per cent of the natural disasters were could achieve, by building on piecemeal information related to severe weather and extreme climate to diagnose mid-term and long-term climate effects. events, such as strong winds, tropical cyclones, and In addition to enhancing climate prediction, it prolonged droughts and floods, all of which had was necessary to install sensors to unravel other adverse impacts on the socio-economic activities of physical, chemical, geological and biological cycles. countries. Kenya was currently experiencing severe NOAA had recently taken steps to review the floods which were resulting in loss of lives — architecture of its observing system. An inventory of including that of one member of Parliament — the observing networks had revealed 99 separate destroyed homes, crop fields and infrastructure and observing systems measuring 521 different which caused the displacement of a million people. environmental parameters. The Agency was in the However, negative impacts could be minimized by process of identifying duplication, critical gaps, and factoring weather and climate information into the user requirements. decision-making process for the proper management The most important components of an of the associated hazards. A way forward in poverty integrated information system were in the areas of reduction and sustainable development was to data management and computing capacity. The improve meteorological services and awareness capacity to exchange, store, and disseminate data among rural communities, which would enable them and information on a free and open basis was to factor weather and climate in the planning of those essential. Supercomputers capable of modelling activities. complex ecosystem-based processes were required, The increased vulnerability of most and he praised developments such as Japan’s Earth developing countries to extreme climate events and Simulator. severe weather had increased the demand and interest in meteorological services. It was therefore 38 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
important to increase awareness and improve the Referring to the appointment of a new value of meteorological products. The meteorological Secretary-General, the Government of Kenya had community was called upon to improve the accuracy put forward the candidature of Mr E.A. Mukolwe, the and timeliness of the forecasts. He urged Members current Director-Coordinator of Technical and to form partnerships among themselves and with Scientific Programmes at WMO. Mr Mukolwe had development partners to alleviate the adverse effects played a major role in the development of of weather- and climate-related disasters and meteorology, not only in Kenya, but also promote sustainable development. internationally. He was a founding member of both H.E. Honourable Mr A. Ligale praised the the African Meteorological Society and the Kenya work of the Organization and the untiring and Meteorological Society. If appointed Secretary- dedicated work of Professor Obasi, who was due to General, Mr Mukolwe would form a strong linkage retire after 20 years of service. Professor Obasi’s and partnership between developed and developing contribution to meteorology had started in the late countries for the promotion of meteorology for 1960s when he was a Professor and Dean at the sustainable development, poverty alleviation and Faculty of Science of the University of Nairobi. It conservation of the environment. In concluding, he would not be an understatement to say that a wished delegates all the best in their deliberations. number of current Directors of NMSs in Africa had been at one time or another his students. The meeting rose at 10.25 a.m.
MINUTES OF THE SEVENTH PLENARY MEETING 12 May 2003 at 2.30 p.m.
The meeting was called to order at 2.40 p.m. It was now an established fact that global 18. Statement by H.E. Honourable Mr M.J. warming was real and was mainly caused by human Mwandosya, Minister of Communications activity. The world community had responded by and Transport of the United Republic of establishing the UNFCCC in 1992, the Berlin Tanzania Mandate in 1995, and the round of negotiations culminating in the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol. On behalf of the Government of the United Many of the delegates present at Congress had Republic of Tanzania, H.E. HONOURABLE participated in those negotiations, as he had himself, M.J. MWANDOSYA thanked the President and the in 1997 in the capacity of Chairperson of the Group Secretary-General for the opportunity to address of 77 and China. Global warming was strikingly Congress. WMO’s mission was to understand the manifested in Tanzania by the melting of the snows forces of nature in order to master the environment on Mount Kilimanjaro. A multilateral response was and anticipate events, with a view to promoting essential, and all countries should ratify the Protocol, sustainable development. particularly the developed countries of Annex I, The economies of most countries in Africa which were required by the Protocol to reduce green depended on rain-fed agriculture, so that rainfall house gas emissions by 5.2 percent between 1990 variability and forecasting was of major concern to and 2010. them. In recent years, extreme and variable weather WMO had participated in the Water events had caused serious losses, particularly in Dome at the WSSD in Johannesburg in 2002 southern and eastern Africa. Tanzania was linking climate and water issues and the political experiencing a serious rainfall deficit in the current agenda of nations. The Johannesburg Declaration year. Over time, there had been significant and Plan of Action would help NMHSs in their improvements in forecasting as well as in the quality strategic planning. of meteorological information. Data scarcity was a major challenge for It was imperative that countries in the region weather forecasting in Africa. He thanked WMO for should find ways to improve weather and climate developing a strategy to enable Africa to rehabilitate observing systems, data exchange, and processing and strengthen the basic systems, services and and forecasting skills. He was pleased to note that infrastructure of NMHSs in the near future. NMHSs the need for capacity-building featured fairly needed to remain sustainable, particularly in the prominently on the agenda of Congress. Tanzania developing countries, as well as efficient and cost was interested in exploring with WMO the possibility effective. He suggested that WMO could provide of upgrading the National Meteorological Training guidance on establishing and harmonizing cost School. recovery arrangements. PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 39
As a result of public sector reforms, several credentials of nine more Members were found to be service-providing organizations in Tanzania were in order. That brought the total number of WMO becoming semi-autonomous agencies. The Tanzania Members with valid credentials to 153. He also noted Meteorological Agency had been officially launched that more credentials had been received since the in December 1999 and that had yielded remarkable second report had been issued and that the improvements in terms of quality of service provision, Credentials Committee would be meeting to review delivery and imaging. them. Recent developments had enabled The DELEGATE OF MEXICO requested an meteorology to contribute in many sectors. NEPAD, explanation on the status of the Territories of Hong which was a tool for sustainable development, Kong, China, and Macao, China. offered an opportunity for meteorology to play a part The Secretariat explained that China and the in its programmes. He thanked the European Union United Kingdom had submitted a request to Twelfth for funding the implementation of the PUMA Project Congress in 1995 to include Hong Kong, China as a in Africa, which would reportedly enhance the Member Territory of the Organization. Likewise, application of satellite meteorology for regional China and Portugal had submitted a similar request development. He requested WMO to assist to Thirteenth Congress in 1999 for Macao, China. developing countries to implement the requirements Both Territories maintained their own Meteorological of ISO 9000. Service. In both cases, Congress had accepted the He paid tribute to Mr Zillman’s work as request in accordance to Article 3(d) of the President, noting that he had maintained harmony Convention. among WMO Members, and congratulated Professor Obasi on having provided exemplary service to The second report of the Credentials WMO and the world scientific community during his Committee, as contained in Document Cg-XIV/PINK long tenure of office, during which WMO had 1.5(2), was approved. contributed enormously to socio-economic The PRESIDENT explained that at the time of development and the mitigation of natural disasters, establishing chairpersons for the Working owing largely to improvements in WMO Committees, Messrs T.W. Sutherland (British Programmes, particularly the WWW. He thanked all those who had assisted Caribbean Territories) and A. Diouri (Morocco) had developing countries and Tanzania, in particular, to been elected co-chairpersons of Committee A. Mr Diouri had had to be absent for several days and improve meteorological services, and made special Mr A. Ndiaye (Senegal) had replaced him. He was mention of the WMO VCP. therefore asking Committee A to formalize 19. Report of the Credentials Committee Mr Ndiaye’s appointment as third co-chairperson. (agenda item 1.5) (Cg-XIV/PINK 1.5(2)) Presenting the second report of the It was so agreed. Credentials Committee, THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE reported that the The meeting rose at 3.15 p.m.
MINUTES OF THE EIGHTH PLENARY MEETING 14 May 2003 at 9.30 a.m.
The meeting was called to order at 9.40 a.m. The third report of the Credentials Committee, as contained in Document Cg-XIV/PINK 20. Report of the Credentials Committee 1.5(3), was approved. (agenda item 1.5) (Cg-XIV/PINK 1.5(3)) 21. Questions concerning the Convention Introducing the third report of the Credentials Committee, as contained in Document Cg-XIV/PINK (agenda item 11.2) (Cg-XIV/PINK 11.2(1)) 1.5(3), the CHAIRPERSON OF THE CREDENTIALS MR T.W. SUTHERLAND (co-chairperson of COMMITTEE stated that in addition to the credentials Committee A), in submitting Document Cg-XIV/PINK of those Members specified in the Document, the 11.2(1), noted that in draft Resolution 11.2/1 credentials from Congo, Chad, Cameroon, Kuwait (Cg-XIV), Decides (2), the date of 12 May 2003 and Dominica were also found to be in order. That should be changed to read 14 May 2003. brought the total to 170 Members with credentials in Draft Resolution 11.2/1 (Cg-XIV), contained order. in Appendix B to Document Cg-XIV/PINK 11.2(1), was adopted. 40 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
The draft text for inclusion in the general Recalling General Regulation 198(d), the summary, contained in Appendix A to Document President submitted to Congress the proposal from Cg-XIV/PINK 11.2(1), was approved. the president of Regional Association I that the 22. Revision of the General Regulations preferred candidate be declared appointed. Such a (agenda item 11.3) (Cg-XIV/PINK 11.3(2)) proposal should be supported by a two-thirds majority of the votes cast for and against in order to MR T.W. SUTHERLAND (co-chairperson of be approved. Committee A), in submitting Document Cg-XIV/PINK 11.3(2), noted that in draft Resolution 11.3/2 A vote was taken by secret ballot. (Cg-XIV), Decides, the date of 12 May 2003 should be changed to read 14 May 2003. The President announced the results of the election as followed: Draft Resolution 11.3/2 (Cg-XIV), contained Total number of ballots: 160 in Appendix B to Document Cg-XIV/PINK 11.3(2), Number of invalid ballots: 0 was adopted. Number of blank ballots and abstentions: 2 The draft text for inclusion in the general Number of valid ballots: 158 summary, contained in Appendix A to Document Required majority: 106 Cg-XIV/PINK 11.32), was approved. Number of votes obtained: Yes: 90 23. Appointment of the Secretary-General No: 68 (agenda item 12.3) (Cg-XIV/PINK 12.3) Since the required majority was not reached, the President recalled General Regulation 198(g) The PRESIDENT recalled Article 21(a) of the which stipulated that in the event that the proposal Convention, General Regulation 135(20), governing described in General Regulation 198(d) was not the appointment of the Secretary-General by supported by a two-thirds majority of the votes cast Congress, and General Regulations 56-63, 94-108 for and against, a further vote should take place. and 198, which stipulated the electoral procedure. The President explained that he had written to the A vote was taken by secret ballot. Ministers of Foreign Affairs of all Members on 21 June 2002 inviting those who wished to do so to The President announced the results of the present candidates for the post of Secretary-General election as followed: (with effect from 1 January 2004). Three nominations Total number of ballots: 160 had been received, of which one had since been Number of invalid ballots: 1 withdrawn, and had been passed to the chairperson Number of blank ballots and abstentions: 2 of the Nomination Committee. Number of valid ballots: 157 The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NOMINATION Required majority: 105 COMMITTEE presented Document Cg-XIV/PINK 12.3, Number of votes obtained: in which the names of Messrs J.-P. Beysson Yes: 88 (France) and E.A. Mukolwe (Kenya) were submitted No: 69 as candidates for the post of Secretary-General of In view of the fact that the required majority WMO for the fourteenth financial period. was again not reached, the President recalled The PRESIDENT, having ascertained that General Regulation 198(h) which stipulated that, in there were no further nominations from the floor, the event of the further votes described in General called for the election to proceed. On his nomination Regulations 198(f) and 198(g) being indecisive, and with the approval of Congress, Messrs A.M. Congress should decide whether further voting Noorian (Islamic Republic of Iran) and O. Camara should take place, whether a new procedure should (Senegal) acted as tellers and Messrs J. Zielinski be followed, or whether its decision should be (Poland) and M.M. Arafa (Egypt) acted as assistant withheld. The President proposed that the plenary be tellers, assisted by Mr S. Chacowry and suspended in order that presidents of regional Ms I. Rummel-Bulska (representing the Secretariat). associations could meet with their regional Members for further consultations. A vote was taken by secret ballot. It was so agreed. The President announced the results of the The meeting was suspended at 1.15 p.m. election as followed: and reconvened at 4.10 p.m. Total number of ballots: 160 Number of invalid ballots: 1 The President noted that there was no Number of blank ballots and abstentions: 4 precedent in terms of suggesting a way to approach Number of valid ballots: 155 the three options specified in Regulation 198(h) and Required majority: 104 that any procedure should be delt with in a direct, Number of votes obtained: clear and transparent manner in order to facilitate the Mr E.A. Mukolwe (Kenya): 85 process and achieve a widely acceptable outcome. Mr J.-P. Beysson (France): 70 He requested Congress to decide whether further PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 41
voting was necessary. In response to a question by the floor. Only as a last resort, would they consider the British Caribbean Territories, he explained that changing the rules of the Convention. any further voting would be on the preferred The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION V candidate. reported that the Members of his Region had two The DELEGATE OF NAMIBIA requested that views. Some favoured a new procedure, while others Congress consider the results of the election by felt that there should be a third round of voting. simple majority. That proposal was seconded by the The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI DELEGATES OF GHANA AND KENYA. They noted that, reported that the Members of his Region were in at that point, Congress had become a master of its favour of voting for new candidates nominated from own procedures. Perhaps Congress could change its the floor. rules of procedure regarding voting by simple The DELEGATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA majority. That would imply that a yes/no vote would confirmed his delegation’s support to Mr Mukolwe have to be taken by simple majority as to whether from Kenya, regardless of what procedure would be the results of the morning’s appointment could be decided. accepted by simple majority. Guidance was The DELEGATIONS OF BOTSWANA, DJIBOUTI requested from the WMO Legal Adviser. AND NAMIBIA were in favour of Kenya’s proposal for a The LEGAL ADVISER explained that Article third round of voting on the preferred candidate. 11(b) of the Convention stipulated that, apart from elections, decisions should be by a two-thirds It was so agreed. majority of the votes cast for and against. A vote was taken by secret ballot. The DELEGATES OF THE BRITISH CARIBBEAN TERRITORIES AND UKRAINE were not in favour of any The PRESIDENT announced the results of the move to modify the General Regulations of the election as followed: Convention. The forefathers had shown clear insight Total number of ballots: 160 when writing the Regulations and the Convention. Number of invalid ballots: 0 Any move would be unacceptable to their Number of blank ballots and abstentions: 2 delegations. Number of valid ballots: 158 The PRESIDENT stated that any new Required majority: 106 procedures would imply calling for new nominations Number of votes obtained: from the floor and then voting for those candidates. Yes: 72 He also explained that, according to Article 21 of the No: 86 Convention, the Secretary-General was appointed In light of the results, the President and not elected. explained that the next option would be whether a The DELEGATE OF KAZAKHSTAN drew new procedure should be followed and requested attention to the fact that a similar situation had proposals from the floor. occurred during Second Congress in 1955. He was The DELEGATE OF GERMANY proposed that in favour of new nominations being put forward. new candidates be nominated from the floor. That The DELEGATE OF VENEZUELA requested that move was supported by the DELEGATE OF THE UNITED the presidents of regional associations report on the KINGDOM, who added that Regulation 198(a-g) result of the earlier regional consultations. Perhaps should be implemented after nominations had been that could shed light on the discussion. put forward from the floor. He also added that The DELEGATE OF KENYA did not want a vote nominations could include the previous preferred on whether a new vote should be taken, but candidate. That move was seconded by the requested a third vote on the preferred candidate. DELEGATES OF GHANA AND INDIA. The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION I The DELEGATE OF LITHUANIA nominated stated that the Members of his Region favoured the Mr M. Jarraud (France and current Deputy proposal of Kenya to a yes/no vote by simple Secretary-General) as candidate for the post of majority on accepting the morning’s election by Secretary-General. The move was seconded by the simple majority. DELEGATE OF BAHRAIN. The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION II The DELEGATE OF GHANA nominated reported that the Members of his Region favoured a Mr E.A. Mukolwe (Kenya) as candidate for the post new procedure, meaning new nominations from the of Secretary-General. floor. The DELEGATE OF CANADA nominated The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III Mr J.W. Zillman (Australia) as candidate for the post reported that the Members of his Region were in of Secretary-General. favour of voting for new candidates nominated from Messrs Jarraud and Mukolwe accepted the the floor. nomination, while Mr Zillman declined the nomination The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION IV and explained that, although he loved the reported that the Members of his Region were also in Organization and would do anything for it, he felt that favour of voting for new candidates nominated from his time had passed. 42 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
A vote was taken by secret ballot. He concluded by assuring Congress that he would do his best not to disappoint it, and that together with The PRESIDENT announced the results of the all the Member States he would contribute to WMO’s election as followed: increasingly important role in the twenty-first century. Total number of ballots: 159 The PRESIDENT reaffirmed the congratula- Number of invalid ballots: 0 tions extended by all Members of Congress to Mr Number of blank ballots and abstentions: 0 Jarraud on his appointment as Secretary-General of Number of valid ballots: 159 WMO and thanked Messrs Mukolwe and Beysson Required majority: 106 for presenting their candidature. He also thanked the Number of votes obtained: tellers and ordered that the ballot papers be Mr M. Jarraud (France): 109 destroyed. Since many delegates would want to Mr E.A. Mukolwe (Kenya): 50 congratulate the Secretary-General, he suggested The President, referring to General that, in accordance with previous practice, the Regulation 198(e), declared Mr M. Jarraud appointed president of each regional association (or acting Secretary-General for the fourteenth financial period president) should extend their congratulations and extended to him the congratulations of the verbally, while other representatives should submit Congress. them in writing for inclusion in the minutes.
MR M. JARRAUD was deeply moved by the It was so agreed. confidence shown to him by Congress and expressed his thanks to all those who had supported The AMBASSADOR OF FRANCE extended his him. He said that he would assume his new position warmest congratulations to Mr Jarraud on his with humility and determination. With humility, as he appointment as Secretary-General and to the had seen by working close to the current Secretary- President for the way he had presided over the General. The job included very heavy responsibilities election. In a single day, his delegation had gone and he was ready and aware of the challenges that through different states of emotion, from hesitation lay ahead. With determination, as he had learnt a lot and disappointment to excitement and joy. He also in his current position as Deputy Secretary-General. thanked Messrs Beysson and Mukolwe for having He was aware of the responsibilities towards been exemplary. Member States as well as the functioning of the MR J.-P. BEYSSON stated his pleasure at Secretariat. That knowledge would help him in facing seeing a compatriot be appointed Secretary-General, future difficulties with determination. despite his initial sense of disappointment. He Mr Jarraud noted that it was the first time extended his congratulations to Mr Jarraud and since 1955 that the outgoing Secretary-General was assured him that he could count on the unreserved not a candidate. He thanked the current support of the French delegation in all future Secretary-General for his high standard of work and activities. felt that it would be difficult to surpass, or even equal, The DELEGATE OF KENYA thanked all those him. Professor Obasi had a passion for the job and Members who had consistently and persistently would leave a solid house and foundation behind voted for Mr Mukolwe, as well as to Mr Mukolwe him. himself for having offered his services to the Mr Jarraud thanked the President, who had Organization. He also thanked the President for done an enormous amount for WMO. He would be having presided in an exemplary manner over the remembered for a long time. He also stressed that all day’s grueling process and extended his the different positions in WMO should be important, congratulations to Mr Jarraud; he could count on particularly those of the President and Vice- Kenya’s support. Presidents. Some of the important issues today were The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION I disaster mitigation, water, climate, and the growing thanked all those Members who had voted for gap between developed and developing nations. Mr Mukolwe. He congratulated Mr Jarraud on his With the help of all the WMO bodies and Members appointment and assured him that all Members of he would devote all his energy to address those Regional Association I would support him and the issues. Organization in their work. Mr Jarraud felt it important to mention the On behalf of the Government and people of work of the Secretariat. It was composed of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Members of his competent and motivated staff and it had a very Region, the PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION II important role to play. Its contribution was essential extended warm congratulations to Mr Jarraud on his to the success of the Organization. He was looking appointment. Mr Jarraud’s hard work and energy forward to developing a closer dialogue both were well known to the Members of the Organization internally and externally. Also, efforts should and spoke for themselves. Some of the Secretary- continue to attract the best talents from all Member General’s roles were to integrate single-minded States. scientists from different cultures and nationalities, Mr Jarraud thanked the other candidates develop WMO, and maintain its present momentum. for having offered their services to the Organization. His delegation wished Professor Obasi well in his PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 43
retirement. He assured Mr Jarraud of his Mr Jarraud on his appointment and assured him of delegation’s continued support and thanked Messrs the Russian Federation’s continued support. Beysson and Mukolwe for having offered their The DELEGATE OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF services to the Organization. IRAN stated that in appointing Mr Jarraud, Congress The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III had elected a scientist who was wise enough to congratulated Mr Jarraud on his appointment. It had perform his responsibilities fully. He congratulated been an intense day, but well worth it. He assured him warmly and expressed his confidence that Mr Mr Jarraud of the continued support from the Jarraud would provide excellent leadership to WMO. Members of Regional Association III and extended He pledged both his and his country’s support to the hearty congratulations from all the Permanent new Secretary-General. He extended sincere thanks Representatives of his Region. to Professor Obasi for his active and devoted work The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION IV for the good of the Organization. He wished him expressed his confidence that Mr Jarraud would good health and happiness. He also thanked Messrs guide and lead WMO in the same manner that Beysson and Mukolwe for having offered their Professor Obasi had done. The three candidates services, and the President for the patience and were very able and competent and he thanked them wisdom shown during the election process. for having offered their services. He also thanked the The DELEGATE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM President, who had shown patience and wisdom extended his warmest congratulations to Mr Jarraud throughout the day. On behalf of Regional on his appointment as Secretary-General. He wished Association IV, he extended the Region’s Mr Jarraud every success in the future as he moved congratulations to Mr Jarraud and assured him of the WMO forward in the 21st Century and tackled the Region’s unconditional support. challenges facing the Organizations and its The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION V Members. extended both his and the Region’s congratulations The SECRETARY-GENERAL thanked both to Mr Jarraud on his new appointment. Mr Jarraud Messrs Beysson and Mukolwe for offering to serve was a man of integrity and a very competent as Secretary-General of WMO and for the spirit of professional. He would, however, have to deliver sportsmanship they displayed in the period more with less resources. He paid special tribute to preceding and during the appointment of the Professor Obasi for his services to the Organization. Secretary-General. Although Mr Jarraud was not in He had shaped WMO into what it was today and had the first list of contestants, the Secretary-General provided guidance to both himself and the Region. noted that Congress, in its wisdom, decided to He thanked him and wished him every success in appoint him to be his successor. He offered his warm the future. He also thanked Messrs Beysson and congratulations to the Secretary-General elect. Mukolwe for having offered their services to the The Secretary-General noted that Organization. Mr Jarraud was his able Deputy, a position he had The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI held since 1995. Having worked closely with expressed the Association’s satisfaction for having Mr Jarraud, he was certain that his background, an appointed Secretary-General who came from his experience and capability corresponded very well to Region. He thanked Members for having accepted the type of leadership WMO needed at the present his proposal, as Mr Jarraud was a brilliant man. The time. His current responsibility covered a wide range road ahead was difficult but Mr Jarraud could count of areas in WMO and that placed him in a unique on his Region’s support. He warmly congratulated position to advance the cause of the Organization, Mr Jarraud and assured him of his Region’s as well as to realize its purposes and goals for the continued support. benefit of its Members and their respective societies. The DELEGATE OF LEBANON, speaking on He further felt that Mr Jarraud would lead the behalf of the Government of Lebanon and the Group Organization to new and greater heights and urged of Arab countries, congratulated Mr Jarraud on his each and everyone to unite behind him and join with appointment and wished him full success. The him in building a more vibrant WMO in the future; foundation built by Professor Obasi would now one that would continue to be responsive to the constitute new challenges for WMO. He thanked the needs of Members. President for his able and wise leadership and The Secretary-General’s position provided Messrs Beysson and Mukolwe for having offered many opportunities for service to WMO and its their services. Members. That included helping to realize the The DELEGATE OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION purposes and goals of WMO; to advance the science thanked Messrs Beysson and Mukolwe for a good of meteorology, hydrology and related disciplines; to election and for their willingness to assume such a ensure their application for the benefit of society and heavy task. He hoped that the Organization could to enable the fields of interest of WMO to be better continue counting on them. He paid special tribute to appreciated. In the process, there would be a need Professor Obasi for the brilliant manner in which he to continue, even enhance, the collaboration among had developed the Organization’s activities. WMO Members, their NMHSs as well as the broader was a leader Organization. He congratulated meteorological and hydrological community. 44 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
He noted with a distinct feeling of honour He invited Mr Jarraud to the podium. The and privilege that the WMO Secretariat provided Secretary-General compared WMO to a bright star highly effective and efficient support to the that shone like the light from the torch he held in his Secretary-General, the Organization, its Members hand. He gave the torch to the Secretary-General and the wide range of programme activities carried elect and said that its light should never get dimmer; out. The WMO Secretariat was second to none, and indeed, it should grow brighter. In turn, the enjoyed a very high level of respect within the United Secretary-General-elect, Mr Jarraud, should advise Nations system due to the staff’s professionalism, his successor to enhance further the brightness of integrity, dedication and competence. He assured the bright star and request him/her to keep on the incoming Secretary-General that the Secretariat enhancing its brightness for generations to come. staff would be a very valuable resource for him as he attended to the responsibilities of his office. The meeting rose at 7.15 p.m.
ANNEX
CONGRATULATORY STATEMENTS SUBMITTED ON THE OCCASION OF THE ELECTION OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL TO OFFICE FOR THE FOURTEENTH FINANCIAL PERIOD
ARGENTINA the post of Secretary-General of WMO. It is confident that he will provide the Organization with the The delegation of Argentina congratulates guidance required to address the new challenges Mr Jarraud on his appointment as Secretary-General facing the meteorological community. He can be and highlights the importance of his experience as assured of Belize’s support during his tenue. Deputy Secretary-General, which will enable a smooth, dynamic transition between the two administrations. BOTSWANA The delegation of Botswana congratulates AUSTRALIA Mr Jarraud on his appointment to the position of The delegation of Australia extends its warm Secretary-General of WMO. He has shown himself congratulations to Mr Jarraud and expresses delight to be supportive and concerned with issues of at his election to the vitally important post of developing countries. The delegation assures him of Secretary-General of WMO. Australia is confident its full support. It takes this opportunity to express its that he will be both a worthy successor to gratitude to Messrs Mukolwe and Beysson for Professor Obasi in building on the great offering their services to this Organization. It also achievements of the outgoing Secretary-General and expresses its gratitude to the President of WMO, a strong new force for progress and support for the Mr Zillman, and the Secretary-General, Professor work of Members, constituent bodies and Officers of Obasi, for the guidance and support they have the Organization. The delegation also wishes to provided to bring this Organization to its current level place on record its respect and admiration for the as a highly competent international organization in other candidates to the post, Messrs Beysson and meteorology and operational hydrology and related Mukolwe. Both have served WMO with passion and issues. dedication and their contribution and commitment have added greatly to the influence and BRITISH CARIBBEAN TERRITORIES effectiveness of the Organization. The delegations of Antigua and Barbuda, BAHAMAS Barbados, Belize, the British Caribbean Territories, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and The delegation of Bahamas congratulates Tobago, all of which are also Members of the Mr Jarraud on his appointment as Secretary-General Caribbean Meteorological Organization, extend their of the Organization. It pledges to give him its fullest warm and sincere congratulations to Mr Jarraud on support. his appointment to the post of Secretary-General of WMO. They believe that the future of WMO will be in BELIZE good hands under his leadership and pledge their The delegation of Belize extends its continued collaboration for the benefit of all WMO congratulations to Mr Jarraud on his appointment to Member States and Territories. PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 45
CHINA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC The delegation of China expresses its highest The delegation of the Dominican Republic appreciation to Mr Jarraud and on his appointment congratulates Mr Jarraud on his appointment as as Secretary-General of WMO. It has full confidence Secretary-General of WMO. Mr Jarraud’s scientific that in the coming four years, Mr Jarraud will and technical abilities, honesty and sincerity will be able to use all his wisdom and lead the WMO certainly prevail during his mandate. Secretariat to implement all the resolutions adopted by this Congress so that this Organization will be ECUADOR able to achieve a new height. Mr Jarraud The delegation of Ecuador would like to has been the Deputy Secretary-General of WMO for congratulate Mr Jarraud on his election as Secretary- more than eight years. He has also played an important role and has had rich experience in the General of WMO. It is committed to giving him its full work of this Organization. Mr Jarraud is a qualified support and anticipates his every success. meteorologist and a capable administrator. He is the ideal man for the post of Secretary-General of WMO. GAMBIA The Chinese Government will support Mr Jarraud. It The delegation of Gambia congratulates is looking forward to further strengthening the Mr Jarraud for his appointment as Secretary-General cooperation between China and the WMO of WMO. Mr Jarraud’s appointment is welcomed by Secretariat. all. He can count on the support of Gambia. We should be aware that there are difficulties as well as opportunities in the future. We have noticed that the gap between the developed and developing GUINEA countries is being widened. Some of the least developed countries are having difficulties in The delegation of Guinea expresses its maintaining basic weather observations, congratulations to Mr Jarraud on his election to the telecommunications, weather forecasting and post of Secretary-General of WMO and offers him its services. The delegation hopes that Mr Jarraud will support during his mandate. The delegation also be able to face the challenges, overcome the thanks Messrs Mukolwe and Beysson for having difficulties and take measures to help the capacity- offered their services to the Organization. It thanks building of developing countries so as to promote the Mr Zillman for the sensible manner in which he has development of the world meteorological service as guided this Congress. Lastly, it gives its recognition a whole. to Professor Obasi for all that he has done to foster The delegation of China also expresses its meteorology and hydrology and to develop WMO. appreciation to Professor Obasi, who has been the Secretary-General of WMO for 20 years. He has dedicated all his wisdom to this Organization and the INDIA world meteorological service. Under his leadership, The delegion of India conveys its hearty the profile of this Organization has been greatly congratulations to Mr Jarraud on his election to the enhanced. Professor Obasi has taken all possible post of Secretary-General of WMO. His wisdom and measures to implement the WMO Programmes, vision will take the Organization to new frontiers and strengthen the cooperation between WMO and other meet the challenges of the future. The delegation international organizations, promote the capacity- has great confidence in him and his special building of developing countries, and bridge the gap awareness of the requirements of developing between developing and developed countries. countries. It takes this opportunity to express its Professor Obasi’s outstanding contribution to this strong and active support to the initiatives taken up Organization will be remembered by all of us and will by him. be a wealth to this Organization. The delegation India also conveys appreciation to Professor wishes Professor Obasi continued success in the Obasi for his support and encouragement in the remainder period of his term, and hopes that he will past. India has immensely benefited from his continue to support the work of the Organization in initiatives and contributions towards development of the future. Weather Services and the science of meteorology, including climate change. He has always placed the DJIBOUTI requirements of developing countries at the forefront.
On behalf of the Government of Djibouti, its delegation extends warm congratulations to ITALY Mr Jarraud upon his election to the post of Secretary-General of WMO and wishes him every On behalf of Italy, its delegation would like to success in his future tasks. congratulate Mr Jarraud on his brilliant election to the post of Secretary-General of WMO. It would like to recall that Mr Jarraud has been an eminent 46 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEORLOGICAL CONGRESS
member of European scientific organizations. As Secretary-General of WMO, wishing him every Deputy-Director of the European Centre for Medium- success and the highest levels of prosperity for the Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), he made an Organization. Kuwait expresses its support to the important contribution to improving weather Secretary-General-elect and to the continuous fruitful forecasting. The delegation pays tribute to the cooperation for the interests of the NMSs of WMO outgoing Secretary-General, Professor Obasi, who Members. has set a very high standard for the objectives of the Organization. It hopes that the newly appointed Secretary-General will continue this legacy with good LESOTHO fortune and success. The delegation of Lesotho congratulates Mr Jarraud upon his election to the post of JAPAN Secretary-General of WMO. Indeed, this is a very difficult position, at a very difficult time as many On behalf of the Government of Japan, its countries, particularly in the developing world, face delegation is also pleased to extend the warmest very serious hardships in, among others, declining congratulations to Mr Jarraud for his election as food security, increased natural disasters and rising Secretary-General of the Organization. vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. The In view of recent increasing and expanding delegation has confidence that in Mr Jarraud, WMO demands on our NMHSs and the roles of WMO, the has an outstanding leader, with vision and dedication delegation of Japan wishes him every success in to carry WMO to even newer heights. The delegation conducting the work of the Organization with his appreciates the warmth and inspirational character of active initiative and wise direction to the Secretariat. his personality. Mr Jarraud has comprehensive and thorough The delegation of Lesotho also congratulates experience as both a meteorologist and as Deputy both Messrs Mukolwe and Beysson for the energetic Secretary-General of the Organization. The manner in which they conducted their campaigns. delegation is confident that these are a great Hopefully they will not be lost to the meteorological advantage for maintaining the office of the Secretary- community. Finally, it congratulates the outgoing General of WMO for the next financial period. The President of WMO, Mr Zillman, for the dignified and delegation assures him of its full support in all of the effective manner in which he has conducted components of the WMO activities. Congress. Also, the delegation expresses its deep appreciation to Professor Obasi for his outstanding MALAWI work and devotion during the last 20 years. The delegation of Malawi joins the other
Members in congratulating Mr Jarraud on his election as Secretary-General of the Organization. JORDAN Malawi looks forward to working with him. The delegation of Jordan wishes to congratulate Expectations of Members will be high. The Mr Jarraud for being appointed as Secretary-General delegation of Malawi has the trust and confidence of WMO. Jordan would also like to thank Professor that he will live up to these expectations. Malawi will Obasi and Mr Zillman for their services and wish fully support him during his tenure of office. Messrs them all the best in their future plans. Mukolwe and Beysson are commended for offering their candidature and for putting up a gallant fight.
MALDIVES KENYA On behalf of Maldives, its delegation gives best The delegation of Kenya thanks all those who felt congratulations to Mr Jarraud on his election to consistently and persistently voted for Mr Mukolwe. It the post of Secretary-General of WMO. The thanks Mr Mukolwe for putting forward his delegation has every confidence that with his rich candidature for the post of Secretary-General of experience, expertise and dedication, Mr Jarraud will WMO. It also thanks the President for presiding over most ably discharge his duties of office. He is a man the voting process. It congratulates the new of remarkable qualities. While the delegation wishes Secretary-General, Mr Jarraud, and wishes him well him good health and every success in his challenges in the administration of the affairs of WMO. He has ahead, it assures him of its unqualified support and Kenya’s full support in dispensing these challenging collaboration at all times. duties now upon him. Maldives thanks Messrs Beysson and Mukolwe for making their services available to WMO. The delegation wishes them well in their future roles. KUWAIT The delegation also pays tribute to the excellent The delegation of Kuwait expresses its sincere and exemplary leadership of WMO by the outgoing congratulations to Mr Jarraud on his election as Secretary-General, Professor Obasi, for 20 years. PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 47
He has successfully lifted the image and visibility of considerable achievements that have led the the Organization throughout the world to Organization to be a respectable scientific and impressionable heights. He has championed the technical institution. Mr Jarraud has qualifications cause of meteorology by way of his numerous visits and expertise that are well known to all. He certainly to almost all Members of WMO in the far corners of will receive the full support of Morocco. Finally, the the world. In short, Professor Obasi is truly delegation expresses its sincere greetings to phenomenal. The delegation wishes him good Mr Obasi, wishing him all the best in his future health, happiness and cusses in his future priorities. endeavours. Finally, it thanks the President for the remarkable way in which he has presided over NEPAL several Congresses. On behalf of the Government of Nepal, its MALI delegation congratulates Mr Jarraud on his appointment as Secretary-General of WMO. On behalf of the Government of Mali, its Mr Jarraud can rest assured of the support of Nepal. delegation congratulates Mr Jarraud on his brilliant It pays tribute to Professor Obasi. It also appreciates election to the post of Secretary-General of WMO. the capability of Mr Zillman, who conducted the Mr Jarraud has all the qualities required to carry out plenary and the voting session with unique his duties successfully, for which he will receive the efficiency. unfailing support of the delegation and Government of Mali. At the same time, it pays a glowing tribute to the outgoing Secretary-General, Professor Obasi, for NETHERLANDS the vast services he has given to the Organization The delegation of the Netherlands congratulates and to all Meteorological Services throughout the Mr Jarraud on his election as Secretary-General of world. WMO. MALTA NIGER The delegation of Malta congratulates Mr On behalf of the Government of Niger, the Jarraud and pledges its support to continue the good delegation congratulates Mr Jarraud on his work of Professor Obasi and to reform the appointment to the post of Secretary-General of Organization to accomplish its objectives even WMO. Moreover, it pays a well-deserved tribute to better. Professor Obasi. The delegation also thanks Messrs Beysson and Mukolwe for having offered their MAURITIUS services to WMO. The delegation of Mauritius conveys its congratulations and best wishes on the appointment NIGERIA of Mr Jarraud as Secreary-General of WMO. It The delegation of Nigeria joins the other pledges its support to his ideals and assures him in delegations in congratulating the new Secretary- return of its continued support. General, Mr Jarraud. It is confident that Mr Jarraud will perfectly step into the shoes of Professor Obasi. MYANMAR The delegation has had the opportunity of working The delegation of Myanmar expresses its with Mr Jarraud and affirms his enormous strength congratulations to Mr Jarraud on his election to the and his interest in the affairs of both developing and post of Secretary-General of WMO. It is a significant developed countries. It will give him all the support event that the Members of Fourteenth Congress he will require in carrying out this important function. entrust Mr Jarraud with the task of bringing WMO The delegation extols the excellent leadership and its Members into the twenty-first century with qualities of Professor Obasi and the standard he has success and prosperity. At the same time, the taken the Organization to. The Government of delegation of Myanmar honours Professor Obasi for Nigeria is very proud of his dedication and his devoted endeavours with WMO. It also pledges commitment to the ideals of WMO. The delegation to support WMO to its utmost capacity. congratulates Messrs Mukolwe and Beysson for offering their services to WMO and admires how they MOROCCO both have accepted the outcome of this long experience and their spirit of sportsmanship. The delegation of Morocco expresses its warm congratulations to the Secretary-General-elect for OMAN the confidence attributed to him by Members during the historical Fourteenth Congress. It is grateful to The delegation of Oman expresses its warm Professor Obasi for his outstanding work in an congratulations to Mr Jarraud on his appointment to atmosphere of mutual trust and full cooperation. By the office of Secretary-General of WMO. It is virtue of his dedicated efforts, WMO has attained confident in his skill, knowledge and wisdom to fulfil 48 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEORLOGICAL CONGRESS
the obligations of his new post. The delegation looks SWITZERLAND forward to working and cooperating with him in the The delegation of Switzerland, the host country spirit and convention of WMO. of WMO, congratulates Mr Jarraud on his appointment as Secretary-General. Mr Jarraud can PERU be assured of the support of Switzerland on the execution of his difficult task. The delegation of Peru extends its sincere congratulations to Mr Jarraud on his appointment as THE FORMER YUGOSLAV Secretary-General of WMO and offers its REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA unconditional support to help him achieve his goals in this very important task. The delegation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia congratulates Mr Jarraud on his election as Secretary-General. It hopes that the QATAR same level of cooperation will exist with its National The delegation of Qatar congratulates Hydrometeorological Service. Mr Jarraud on his election as Secretary-General of WMO. It emphasizes its cooperation for the TUNISIA advancement of the Organization and its pleasure to The delegation of Tunisia offers the Secretary- work together with him. The delegation also General, Mr Jarraud, its sincere congratulations and expresses its thanks to Professor Obasi, the wishes him every success and a prosperous future. outgoing Secretary-General of the Organization, for his dedicated work during past years in the service of WMO. UGANDA The delegation of Uganda expresses its SEYCHELLES congratulations to Mr Jarraud on his appointment as The delegation of Seychelles would like to place the next Secretary-General of WMO. Mr Jarraud’s on record its heartfelt congratulations to Mr Jarraud, record in WMO is well known and there is no doubt appointed as the new Secretary-General of WMO for that he will be equal to the task before him. The the next four years. It is convinced that his immense delegation will accord him full support and welcomes experience, enthusiasm, qualities and devotion as a his promise to reduce the gap between developed meteorologist with Météo-France and ECMWF and and developing countries. In the same vein, it working as Deputy Secretary-General for the past extends its thanks to Professor Obasi and Mr Zillman eight years with WMO under the wise and able for the wonderful jobs they have done during their leadership of Professor Obasi will contribute periods of service. immensely in facing the new challenges ahead by the Organization and further lead WMO to much UNITED STATES greater heights over the next four years. The delegation of the United States congratulates Mr Jarraud on being appointed as the SLOVAKIA next Secretary-General of WMO. He has a long history of working in the meteorological and The delegation of Slovakia expresses its hydrological communities, especially during the past heartiest congratulations to Mr Jarraud, Deputy eight years as Deputy Secretary-General. He knows Secretary-General of WMO, on the occasion of his the strengths and weaknesses of the Secretariat, appointment as Secretary-General of WMO. It highly WMO programmes and structure, and the issues appreciates his contribution towards the successful before our international communities. The delegation outcome of WMO’s endeavours while serving as knows that he will combine his warmth, experience, Deputy Secretary-General. The delegation especially knowledge and vision over the next four years to appreciates his friendly, inspirational and effective build an open and inclusive Organization. It looks approach to the NMSs of small countries. It is forward to working with him. The delegation takes looking forward to future cooperation. this opportunity to invite him to visit the United States to learn first-hand how our communities work SPAIN together successfully to improve services to the United States and the world. The delegation of Spain congratulates warmly Mr Jarraud on his election as Secretary-General of WMO. It is sure that he will run the Organization URUGUAY outstandingly and wishes him every success. It also The delegation of Uruguay greets the new offers him the full support and collaboration of Spain Secretary-General, Mr Jarraud, and congratulates during his mandate. him on his distinction. At the same time, it expresses its every confidence that he will display excellent management skills in his new position, in keeping PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 49
with his previous record as a scientist and General. The Commission regards his appointment administrator. He can count on the unfailing and not only as his personal achievement but also that of loyal support that Uruguay will give to his the entire hydrological community. This is in administration, which will undoubtedly continue along particular regard to the fact that he coordinated the the path of success and achievements that began Hydrology and Water Resources Programme and years before under his notable predecessor, raised it to higher levels of performance. The Professor Obasi. Commission is firmly convinced that it will continue to benefit from the usual open-minded, friendly and professional attitude that he always carries with him. ZIMBABWE It looks forward to working closer with him in The delegation of Zimbabwe would like to advancing the work of the Hydrology and Water extend its profound congratulations to Mr Jarraud on Resources Programme. The Commission wishes his election to the position of Secretary-General of Mr Jarraud good health and great success as he the Organization. Mr Jarraud is a qualified and carries out his new responsibilities. experienced scientist and has impeccable credentials. The delegation has worked extremely AGENCY FOR AIR NAVIGATION SAFETY IN well with Mr Jarraud during his period as Deputy AFRICA AND MADAGASCAR (ASECNA) Secretary-General. The delegation pledges to work cooperatively and will continue to tap on the wisdom On behalf of its Director-General and all of the of the Organization in confronting the challenges that staff present, the delegation of ASECNA offers its lie ahead. It wishes Mr Jarraud good health and hearty congratulations to Mr Jarraud on his every success. appointment to the post of Secretary-General of WMO. ASECNA would like to take this opportunity to express its satisfaction at the dynamic and fruitful COMMISSION FOR CLIMATOLOGY cooperation that it has been developing with WMO On behalf of the presidents of technical for several decades. Thanks to Professor Obasi, this commissions and their experts, the president of the cooperation was consolidated with the signing of an Commission for Climatology assures Mr Jarraud of agreement in 2001 to replace previously concluded their continued support in any attempt to boost the working agreements. ASECNA would like to extend image of WMO. to him its warm thanks for the interest he has always taken in the Agency. ASCENA is convinced that, as the new Secretary-General, Mr Jarraud will widen COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY this cooperation to develop meteorology in general On behalf of the Commission for Hydrology, its and in the African region in particular. ASECNA president has great pleasure to congratulate renews its willingness to cooperate and contribute Mr Jarraud on his appointment to the post of further to the implementation of the WWW, Secretary-General of WMO. His appointment particularly in the field of aeronautical meteorology demonstrates the confidence and trust the Members and capacity-building of the NMHSs of Member of WMO have in him. This has been clearly States. manifested through the eight years of his committed service to the Organization as Deputy Secretary-
MINUTES OF THE NINTH PLENARY MEETING 15 May 2003 at 9.30 a.m.
The meeting was called to order at 9.40 a.m. The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NOMINATION COMMITTEE presented Document 24. Election of the President and Vice- Cg-XIV/PINK12.1(1), submitting the name of Presidents of the Organization (agenda Mr A.I. Bedritsky (Russian Federation) for the office item 12.1) (Cg-XIV/PINKS 12.1(1); (2); (2), of the President. REV. 1) There being no other nominations, Introducing this agenda item, the PRESIDENT Mr A.I. Bedritsky was declared President of the cited the relevant Articles of the WMO Convention Organization for the fourteenth financial period. and WMO General Regulations which governed the election of the President and Vice-Presidents of the MR A.I. BEDRITSKY expressed his deep Organization. appreciation to all the participants of Congress for the trust they had placed in him and for bestowing on 50 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
him the honour of being elected to the post of dedication to the Organization. His innovative work, President of WMO. development of partnerships and contribution He was proud to belong to the world towards ensuring that States and the world’s meteorological community and to have the possibility population derived benefit from NMHS activities of working for the benefit of WMO. He was deserved the appreciation of all of us. It was convinced that the activities of WMO were becoming impossible to overestimate the role and contribution increasingly important for the development of global of the Vice-Presidents of the Organization, the civilization year by year. Recognition by presidents of the technical commissions and, of governments, the private sector and civil society of course, the Secretariat. WMO’s role and importance to the world community WMO’s practical achievements, prospects was increasing. That was occurring not only because for growth and solutions for the challenges it faced of the growing negative impacts of weather and were the subject of serious discussion in meetings, climate on humanity, but also because the global the results of which were embodied in the collective economy was becoming more sensitive to wisdom of the decisions of Fourteenth Congress environmental influences. The main factor of WMO’s contained in the 6LTP. He felt that upholding and growing importance was the arduous work and developing the principles behind WMO’s activities dedication to the spirit of cooperation of WMO’s and traditions, increasing its resources and the founders and many generations of meteorologists scientific and technical potential to achieve its aims and hydrologists, of scientists and experts of NMHSs established within the framework of priorities, in all corners of the planet. The activities of NMHSs programmes and projects of the 6LTP, must be of contributed to development, raised the security and prime importance in the work of the entire WMO welfare of their countries and were the foundation for structure in the coming years. successful international cooperation in that field. In Perhaps one of the most important and essence, WMO provided both a nucleus and a basis complex challenges being faced was the for large-scale cooperation between NMHSs on maintenance of the current trend of WMO’s many levels thanks to joint efforts throughout the development through strengthening the potential and world. Continual improvement and development of capabilities of NMHSs in developing countries and an internationally integrated global information reducing the gap between them and those in system on the state of the environment based on developed countries. For the success of WMO in the recent scientific and technical achievements were twenty-first century, it was extremely important to the result of that cooperation. achieve progress in that direction. There must be the Over the last few decades, WMO had utmost support for the TCOP and ETRP using the become a “beacon” for the world community owing to WMO budget and contributions from other contributions from the Organization’s Members and international organizations, as well as funds and outstanding leaders. WMO had initiated discussions specific contributions from donor countries to the and the search for a way to solve many global VCP. problems, providing coordination for the largest He felt that a more proactive approach was projects. needed in persuading international financial He recalled the words of the United Nations institutions to offer more flexible conditions for Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, at Thirteenth supporting developing countries in strengthening the Congress, who had referred to WMO as a model of traditional activities of their NMHSs to improve the inter-agency cooperation, a pioneer of partnerships safety of life and reduce economic losses. with civil society and the original global networker. In Further efforts were required to strengthen addition, he had expressed confidence that he could the authority and recognition of the role and rely on WMO to take the initiative in anticipating, contribution of WMO and its Members in order to identifying and addressing the many new challenges solve socio-economic and other current problems of that were bound to confront humanity in the twenty- humankind. WMO must broaden its leadership role first century. In that connection, the great authority, based on experience, knowledge and cooperation in wisdom and wise leadership of Professor Obasi, the field of weather and climate, operational which had aided the growth and development of hydrology and water resources through closer WMO and strengthened and promoted NMHSs cooperation with various international organizations, during the past 20 years, deserved the highest especially within the United Nations system. recognition and gratitude. Priority to WMO’s vital Of course, all the necessary steps must be interests, support for national Services, high taken to participate in the implementation of the demands on himself and constant concern for decisions of the WSSD regarding WMO’s mandate, increased effectiveness of the work of the Secretariat and an appropriate contribution must be made to and WMO had always been Professor Obasi’s solving the problem of providing drinking water and principles. Those principles must be upheld and the struggle against poverty. continuity provided. The energetic professionalism of Taking into account the growing trend Mr Zillman as President of WMO during the past towards commercialization of certain types of eight years was an outstanding example of activities in the field of meteorology and operational PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 51
hydrology, one of the main tasks of WMO was the Executive Council. He assured participants that he comprehensive strengthening and development of would apply all his efforts, experience and the principle of the free and unrestricted international knowledge in providing maximum assistance to the exchange of data and products laid out in Resolution work of the Executive Council and to strengthening 40 (Cg-XII) and Resolution 25 (Cg-XIII). Together its close links with Members in order to ensure with that, it was necessary to study various forms of support and essential assistance to the regional effective, balanced partnership at the national level associations and technical commissions in their between NMHSs, the scientific community, the work. media and the private sector, thus obtaining possible He was very much counting on the help and assistance in strengthening and supporting WMO’s wise advice of the Secretary-General — Professor international programmes. Obasi — the President — Mr Zillman — the Vice- He felt that it was very important to continue Presidents — Messrs Beysson and Noorian — as taking concrete steps for the benefit of all NMHSs well as other members of the Executive Council, in and WMO aimed at fulfilling the implementation plan preserving continuity in leadership in the best of the Geneva Declaration of Thirteenth Congress. traditions of the Organization. The increased role and importance of NMHSs and It was very important for him to count on the WMO depended primarily on constant, determined cooperation of all Members in taking decisions efforts to improve the quality of the Services’ basic concerning existing important tasks and the products, namely forecasts and warnings. It was realization of current possibilities for WMO to important in that regard to envisage developing a contribute towards improving the life of present and system of WMO quality standards based on existing future generations. WMO standards and recommended practices. In concluding, he expressed his deep At the beginning of the twenty-first century, gratitude to Fourteenth Congress for the trust it had the world was facing genuine threats to the safe placed in him and confirmed that using all means at development of civilization. The threat of his disposal and the invaluable experience and international terrorism, increasing threats from professional knowledge of his colleagues, he would natural disasters to life and economies, and continue his efforts to consolidate further the depletion of natural resources compelled WMO, an authority and role of WMO and support the NMHSs important element of global cooperation, to react for the sake of the development of all WMO adequately and make a proper contribution. Members. In the case of weather-related natural The FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT thanked the disasters, he thought attention should be given to President and the Secretary-General for their years supporting and defining the concept of of dedicated service. As a member of the Executive “meteorological security”, which, along with other Council since 1997, and as participant in meetings of types of security, should take its proper place in the Bureau, he had admired Mr Zillman’s leadership national plans and programmes for sustainable of the debates, sometimes through difficult socio-economic development and reflect the passages, and his knowledgeable contribution to the contribution made by NMHSs to protect vital groups he had chaired. The Organization was now activities from negative influences of the turning a page of history after a period of eight years, environment, in particular the weather and climate and he was pleased with the election of Mr Bedritsky system. and wished him luck as his successor. He recalled He expressed the hope that delegates would Mr Bedritsky’s very positive presentation of his ideas leave Congress with confidence in the future of at Thirteenth Congress, and trusted that the WMO and faith in the person whom they had Organization would be as successful in the coming selected to guide the Organization’s activities during financial period as it had been since that time. the next four years. He himself valued very highly the The SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT rejoiced at the personal and professional qualities of the recently election of Mr Bedritsky, congratulated him and paid elected WMO Secretary-General, Mr Jarraud, as well tribute to his substantial contribution to the work of as his enthusiasm and dedication to the the Executive Council. He assured Mr Bedritsky of Organization. He looked forward to the privilege of the utmost collaboration of the members of the close and fruitful collaboration. He was confident Council and looked forward to working with him in that, as always, the active and effective work of the the years ahead. highly professional staff of the Secretariat would On behalf of Regional Association I and of guarantee the success of WMO’s work. The his delegation, the PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL experience and dedication of staff to WMO and the ASSOCIATION I thanked Mr Bedritsky for his high-quality work and constant assiduousness in willingness to serve the Organization as President. implementing the programmes and projects He had known the President-elect for over 10 years approved by Congress would support the elected and had collaborated with him on the WMO officials. Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on the He felt honoured to work with the elected Framework Convention on Climate Change and later Vice-Presidents and members of the WMO on the UNFCCC, and in WMO. Mr Bedritsky was 52 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
leading a strong institution, and many colleagues challenging and rewarding as the one he was and scientists in Regional Association I leaving. were grateful for his assistance in pursuing their On behalf of the Members of his Association, studies at university. As a highly competent the PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI professional, Mr Bedritsky would build a strong congratulated Mr Bedritsky on his unopposed institution and would have the support of Regional selection and election as President, which was a Association I. reflection of the esteem in which he was held in the Speaking on behalf of the Members of his Organization. He was a highly cultured person, a Association and of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the great professional, who treated any proposal to the PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION II welcomed benefit of WMO most attentively. The Organization’s Mr Bedritsky to the important position of WMO unanimity in electing him suggested that everyone President, for which he was the right man. The would help him in his task. Mr Bedritsky, who had excellent collaboration prevailing within WMO was a been head of one of the largest NMHSs, had also shining example to the rest of the world of that unity promoted the development of other countries’ which was the underlying principle of the United services. It was worth noting that he did not Nations. The President-elect could count on the discriminate between countries on the basis of their support of the Members of the Association, and he size, which was important in the WMO context. hoped that Mr Bedritsky would bear in mind the Mr Bedritsky was a worthy successor to Mr Zillman, needs of the developing and least developed and would continue the distinguished work of his countries. He paid tribute to Mr Zillman for his predecessor and of Professor Obasi. dedicated service, and for his work in implementing On behalf of the presidents of technical WMO Programmes over the years. commissions, the PRESIDENT OF THE COMMISSION FOR The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III AERONAUTICAL METEOROLOGY congratulated Mr congratulated the President-elect, commenting on Bedritsky on his election. He looked forward to his knowledge and skills. His qualities would make working with him during the next four years. He paid the Organization a very important player. He had special tribute to Mr Zillman’s years of service to the known Mr Bedritsky for many years in a wide variety Organization and to the field of meteorology, which of roles within WMO which he had occupied with he had accomplished in an exemplary manner. He excellence, and wished him success in his work as also extended his congratulations, as well as those President. He paid tribute to Mr Zillman’s many years of all the presidents of the technical commissions, to in the office of President and most skillful handling of Mr Jarraud on his appointment as Secretary-General issues. and assured him of their cooperation. He noted the On behalf of the Members of Regional difficult task ahead that Mr Jarraud had in following Association IV and of his Government, the the footsteps of Professor Obasi. PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION IV The DELEGATE OF LEBANON, speaking on congratulated Mr Bedritsky on his election as behalf of the Arab League Committee on President. He thanked Mr Zillman for his excellent Meteorology, which comprised 22 NMSs and NHSs, and outstanding work, and trusted that he would congratulated warmly Mr Bedritsky and wished him continue to support and contribute to WMO. He every success in his work, particularly as the hoped the new President would continue the Organization moved forward and further in meeting processes and traditions of a strong and excellent the challenges ahead. Mr Bedritsky was well known working relationship with the regional presidents. as a highly competent professional in the Russian WMO was fortunate to be in the good hands of Meteorological Service and was capable of following Messrs Bedritsky and Jarraud, who would guide the Mr Zillman’s footsteps. He paid tribute to Mr Zillman Organization in the appropriate direction for the for his many years of service to the Organization. All coming four years. the Members stood to benefit and provide better The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION V services to mankind. warmly congratulated the President-elect. MR M. JARRAUD extended his Mr Bedritsky was a meticulous professional manager congratulations to Mr Bedritsky. He had known and his attention to detail and insistence on factual Mr Bedritsky for the last eight years and appreciated accuracy had been striking, particularly during his insight and the significant contribution he had sessions of the Executive Council. He particularly always made in highlighting the importance of the valued his dedication and passion in serving the scientific and technical aspects of the work of WMO. Organization and in formulating and developing Issues such as forecasting should not be forgotten or many of its programmes, and thanked him for his ignored. He looked forward to working closely with willingness to serve as President. He also thanked Mr Bedritsky during the next four years. Mr Jarraud Mr Zillman, praising his wisdom, passion and also paid special tribute to Mr Zillman, the outgoing dedication, and for his generous guidance to him President. personally and others in the role of mentor. He The SECRETARY-GENERAL extended warmest wished that the important post which Mr Zillman was congratulations on behalf of the Secretariat and taking up in his own country would prove as himself to Mr Bedritsky on the occasion of his PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 53
election as President of the Organization. He was responsibilities, thanked him and congratulated him sure Messrs Bedritsky and Jarraud would work most heartily. together as a team to strengthen and generate At the invitation of the President, the confidence and cooperation amongst the totality of CHAIRPERSON OF THE NOMINATION COMMITTEE the Membership of the Organization. He had great presented Document Cg-XIV/PINK12.1(2), confidence in the new generation. The Organization submitting the name of Mr A.M. Noorian (Islamic was being placed in good hands. Republic of Iran) for the office of First Vice-President. He paid tribute to the outgoing President, There being no other nominations, Mr Zillman, and completely agreed with the many Mr A.M. Noorian was declared First Vice-President words of praise which had been spoken concerning of the Organization for the fourteenth financial his qualities. Mr Zillman was highly devoted, a hard period. worker, who remained committed to the ideals of WMO. He had worked very hard and very well for the The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NOMINATION Organization for 25 years in various capacities, the COMMITTEE presented Document Cg-XIV/ last eight of those as President. Professor Obasi had PINK12.1(2), submitting the name of Mr T.W. met Mr Zillman over 25 years ago, when they were Sutherland (British Caribbean Territories) for office of both working in the Commission for Atmospheric Second Vice-President. Sciences (CAS). There being no other nominations, He had known the President-elect Mr T.W. Sutherland was declared Second Vice- Mr Bedritsky for several years. He was an honest, President of the Organization for the fourteenth rational, broad-minded, hard working person who financial period. had the highest regard for and commitment to WMO. His career in hydrometeorology spanned over 33 The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NOMINATION years. He had occupied various positions in the COMMITTEE submitted the names of Messrs A. Diouri Hydrometeorological Service of Uzbekistan, and (Morocco) and M.A. Rabiolo (Argentina) for the later in the Russian Federation, and had been office of Third Vice-President, as contained in actively engaged in the implementation of a large Document Cg-XIV/PINK 12.1(2). Having ascertained variety of projects associated with scientific and that there were no further nominations, the President technical development. In 1993, Mr Bedritsky had called for the election to proceed. At his invitation, become a member of the WMO Executive Messrs J.-P. Beysson (First Vice-President) Council and, as host of one of the three World and J. Kelly (United States) acted as tellers and Meteorological Centres (WMCs), had been regularly Messrs M.M. Arafa (Egypt) and J. Zielinski (Poland) invited to the Bureau. In that capacity he had and Ms M. Couchoud-Gregori (Spain) as assistant contributed substantially to the work of WMO and tellers. was one of the originators of the historic Geneva Declaration that had been adopted at Thirteenth A vote was taken by secret ballot. Congress. He had also promoted the establishment of the WMO Regional Training Centre in the Russian The President announced the results of the Federation. election as followed: Professor Obasi was sure that, in view of Total number of ballots: 143 Mr Bedritsky’s wide experience and proven Number of invalid ballots: 1 leadership capabilities, he would continue to work Number of blank ballots and abstentions: 1 unceasingly for the promotion of WMO’s interests. Number of valid ballots: 141 His knowledge of the sciences of meteorology and Simple majority required: 71 hydrology, and his broad experience of WMO’s Number of votes obtained: Programmes and the meteorological and hydro- Mr A. Diouri (Morocco): 68 logical communities, would be most valuable in Mr M.A. Rabiolo (Argentina): 73 continuing to strengthen WMO, and in ensuring that Mr M.A. Rabiolo was declared Third Vice- it met the challenges of the twenty-first century with President of the Organization. confidence. He was sure that the President-elect and the MR A.M. NOORIAN said that it was a great Vice-Presidents to be elected, to whom Congress pleasure and privilege to experience once more an was confidently entrusting important responsibilities unforgettable day in his life, one in which, by his for the fourteenth financial period, would serve the election, he had been extended trust and confidence, cause of the Organization most commendably. as had been the case on his election four years ago. Mr Bedritsky would bring his commitment and rich During those four years, he had enjoyed the friendly experience to the Organization and he was confident attitude, close collaboration and excellent that he would work together with the Secretary- partnership which existed in the meteorological General elect, Mr Jarraud, to make the fourteenth community. He believed that the Organization had financial period a success for WMO and for demonstrated that there were no boundaries humanity. He wished Mr Bedritsky success in his between individuals just as there was no boundary in 54 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
the atmosphere. In his four years as Second Vice- which was started at Thirteenth Congress. He felt President he had learned much from the wisdom, very honoured and privileged to be part of the new devotion and tolerance the President had shown, team that would assist the newly elected President and also from the President’s chairpersonship of the and the newly appointed Secretary-General in caring Executive Council and Congress. He expressed for the affairs of the Organization. great admiration for Professor Obasi, who, with his MR M.A. RABIOLO said that it was a real leadership of WMO over the past two decades, had honour and privilege to have been elected Third ensured a promising future for the Organization in Vice-President and wished to express his heartfelt the new millennium. He wished to thank the outgoing thanks to all of the delegates who had voted for him. First Vice-President, Mr Beysson, and his He wished to express his gratitude particularly to all predecessor, Mr Berridge, to whom he wished a those in Regional Association III who had put speedy recovery from his illness. Declaring that forward his candidacy, which attested to the today marked a new beginning for the Organization, professionalism of the entire region. He was grateful he congratulated the President-elect, Mr Bedritsky, and expressed thanks to his own NMS for making and the other newly elected officers, Messrs his candidature and subsequent election possible. Sutherland and Rabiolo, as well as the new He would do his utmost to work for the good of the Secretary-General. All brought a combination of Organization. He also thanked all the delegates who ideals and principles to their posts. He noted that, as had voted for one of the two candidates, saying that the only remaining officer from the pervious group, both candidates had wanted to do their best for the he considered himself a link or a bridge between the Organization. In his 26 years of experience in past and the present. While it was a great pleasure meteorology, he had worked his way up and for him to serve in that capacity, he hoped that not therefore had much experience with his NMS, and too much pressure would be put on the bridge. He was familiar with the structure of a Meteorological expressed joy at being part of the Organization and Service. He had concluded that it was important to wished all every success and hoped for a brilliant think rationally and to use common sense, as that future for WMO. made it possible to solve both the small and big MR T.W. SUTHERLAND was very honoured problems. He would do his best to work in a serious and humbled to be elected and expressed his thanks and responsible manner for the good of the to all those who had encouraged him to stand, in Organization. During the next four years, there would particular the members of Regional Association IV. be much work, and he assured all that he would He paid tribute to all those who had given him devote his energy so that the Organization could guidance, saying that their guidance and wisdom reach its goals. had steered him during his time on the Executive MR A.I. BEDRITSKY (PRESIDENT-ELECT) Council and that he had learned tremendously from wished to express his heartfelt congratulations to the all of them in different ways. He had worked for First, Second and Third Vice-Presidents, the newly several years with the Secretary-General in the elected officials of the Organization. He wished to Secretariat and his vision and his approach to WMO congratulate them on having been elected to high inspired him. At a time when the Organization was leading positions in the Organization and expressed facing many challenges and opportunities of a global the hope that the upcoming four years — during nature, what was required was a strong response which he would be working together with them as from WMO and the NMHSs of its Members. WMO well as with the appointed Secretary-General — they must therefore continue its strong leadership role in would work as a single-minded team. They should the application of science: science of weather and do their utmost to ensure that the Executive Council climate, the application of water resources and other implemented the decisions mandated by Congress in related fields, and to ensure that the global the best manner possible, that those became reality, community responded adequately to various impacts and he hoped that they would succeed. He also on and of the environment. He believed that it was wished to express his gratitude to Mr Diouri of necessary to ensure that the role of NMHSs in those Morocco, candidate for Third Vice-President, and matters was effective and well understood by thanked him for his activity and for his desire to decision and policy makers, academia, the private contribute to the work of the Organization. He sector, civil society and the media. In the process, believed that desire was useful to WMO, and should the research components of WMO would need to be be made use of in the future. fully supported, and efforts to improve the The DELEGATE OF BELIZE explained that capabilities at the NMHSs of developing countries, Mr Sutherland was not only the Permanent while minimizing the technological gap between the Representative of the British Caribbean Territories developed and developing countries, must be but also the Coordinating Director of the Caribbean continued. He believed that special consideration Meteorological Organization, which coordinated the should be given to the vulnerable LDCs and SIDS. activities of the NMHSs of nine Members, including WMO would need to build on its well established Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, the British standards to produce a universally acceptable quality Caribbean Territories, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, assurance system for all its Members, the process of St Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago. On behalf of PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 55
those Members, he wished to extend congratulations Regional Association V wished to congratulate him to Mr Sutherland on being elected Second Vice- and convey their best wishes to him for a very President and to thank Fourteenth Congress for its successful term. unqualified support. Professor Obasi had called on The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION IV, Congress to ensure that the shining light of the on behalf of all the Members in the Region, wished Organization became brighter, and Congress had to congratulate the First, Second and Third Vice- responded by electing a very capable and energetic Presidents on their election. He wished them team to guide the Organization along that path. strength and success in the work associated with Mr Sutherland in particular was very capable of their new functions in the years ahead. He wished to making the light brighter. He assured the newly congratulate in particular Mr Sutherland, whom he elected Second Vice-President that he could count had known for many years. He was a highly capable on all the members of the Caribbean Meteorological person with wide experience in international Organization to assist him in carrying out his meteorology and he was convinced that he would additional responsibilities. provide a solid contribution to the further The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI enhancement of the Organization. The Members of was honoured, on behalf of the Members of the Regional Association IV were proud to have him as a Region, to congratulate the First, Second and Third Vice-President of WMO. They were also confident Vice-Presidents on their election. They were that the newly appointed Secretary-General and the acknowledged leaders in hydrometeorology not only President-elect would have an outstanding and loyal in their countries, but upon their election also as ally in Mr Sutherland, and they wished him much leaders of WMO. Mr Noorian had risen from a rank- success. He assured him that all the Members of and-file member to a leader of WMO, and with Regional Association IV would be there to lend him deserved authority he had done a great deal to all the necessary support in his work. ensure the development of WMO. At the regional The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION III level, his country, upon his initiatives, was extending wished to express congratulations to the new assistance to less developed neighbouring countries Vice-Presidents, in particular the Third Vice- to provide for their dynamic development. A President, who was a member of Regional considerable contribution to the development of Association III. Members in the Region were WMO had also been exerted by the other elected convinced that the Vice-Presidents were most Vice-Presidents, and he believed that together with capable and competent to carry out the tasks the newly elected President and the newly appointed before them. To enable them to do that, there would Secretary-General, they would present a unified need to be total commitment on the part of the team which would implement its mandate and would President, the Secretary-General and the Vice- lead the Organization into the future and successfully Presidents. It was a strong team. Regional meet its challenges. He congratulated all of them Association III would give its full support to all the and wished them every success in their work. work to be carried out by WMO, including all of the The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION V, WMO Programmes that ought to be developed. He on behalf of his delegation and the Regional congratulated all of those who had been elected. Association, wished to convey congratulations to all The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION II, the newly elected Vice-Presidents. Mr Noorian had on behalf of the Members of his Association and of his been well known for many years, and the Members Government, wished to congratulate warmly the three of the Region had been particularly pleased with his Vice-Presidents on their election. There was no doubt attendance at the session of the regional association that, together with the Secretary-General and the previous year. He had left a lasting impression of President, they would effectively lead the Organization being very pleasant, helpful and respectful. The from strength to strength and that as part of the Bureau Members had witnessed his able leadership on they would serve the Organization in a commendable many occasions such as during Congress and the manner. He was certain that the Organization would be Executive Council, and they wished to thank him for greatly enhanced in the coming years. With respect to his continuing service. He also extended Mr Noorian, his work and energy spoke for themselves congratulations to Mr Sutherland for his able and the Members of Regional Association II were leadership. His efficiency in conducting business had proud to see him once again holding a leading position. been evident, especially from the speed and He wished to take the opportunity to extend his efficiency with which he had completed the tasks of heartfelt congratulations to all the Vice-Presidents and Committee A much ahead of schedule. He had set a to express gratitude to those outgoing for their very good record with the result that the Members commitment to the meteorological community. He also now had very high expectations of his future thanked Mr Diouri for offering his service and performance. Referring to Mr Rabiolo, the Members contribution to WMO. were pleased to see new and younger faces in the The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION I, Bureau, and hoped that would inject some new ideas wishing to be associated with the other presidents, and introduce fresh approaches in dealing with congratulated the First, Second and Third Vice- issues and problems faced by the Organization. Presidents on their election on behalf of the 56 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
Regional Association and of his delegation. He had newly elected group provided a balance of expertise known Messrs Noorian and Sutherland for as well as a good geographical balance. He many years through their contact during the congratulated Mr Bedritsky on his election as Executive Council and other forums, and he had no President of WMO and looked forward to working doubt that Mr Rabiolo was also, like the other two with all the new team. Vice-Presidents, very competent. With their varied The SECRETARY-GENERAL extended warmest experience and great wisdom they were capable of congratulations on behalf of the Secretariat and fulfilling the positions they had been elected to. He himself to Mr Noorian for his election as First Vice- was confident that they would work with the various President, to Mr Sutherland as Second Vice- Regions. Regional Association I was looking forward President, and to Mr Rabiolo as Third Vice-President to working with them. He assured them that Regional of WMO. Together with the Secretary-General-elect, Association I would give them all the support Mr Jarraud, they were the new generation of officers required in carrying out their duties. He wished to who, with the support of the Permanent thank Mr Diouri for offering his services for the post Representatives of the three WMCs, would of Third Vice-President. He also wished to thank the constitute a new Bureau. outgoing First Vice-President, Mr Beysson, and He paid special tribute to the outgoing First Mr Noorian for their past contributions to WMO and Vice-President, Mr Beysson, who had held the office the global community and wished them well in their since 1999. Earlier Mr Beysson had also served new positions. briefly as Third Vice-President. Over the years he On behalf of his Government and his had shown his commitment and brought his delegation, the DELEGATE OF JORDAN wished to expertise to the challenges facing WMO, especially express his heartfelt greetings and congratulations to in the area of free and unrestricted exchange of data the newly elected team, the President and the three and products. Vice-Presidents. He also congratulated the newly The three Vice-Presidents-elect were all very appointed Secretary-General and expressed the familiar with the work of WMO and the Secretariat, hope that the new team would take into account the and the challenges and developmental needs of needs of developing countries. He thanked the NMHSs. First Vice-President-elect, Mr Noorian, had outgoing President, the Vice-Presidents and all of previously been Second Vice-President. He was a those who had worked so hard within the Secretariat very hard working individual, who was fully and done all that was possible for the Organization committed to the WMO ideals. Having known to reach the very high level at which it now stood. Mr Noorian for over 20 years, he considered him to The DELEGATE OF COSTA RICA, on behalf of possess rare qualities of gentlemanliness and his delegation, expressed heartfelt congratulations dignity. Mr Noorian was currently Vice-Minister of and thanks to the entire new team. He expressed Roads and Transportation in the Islamic Republic of confidence in the capabilities of Mr Sutherland, Iran, and had held many distinguished positions in whom he had known for a long time and knew how the private and public sectors in his country. He had capable he was and how much he had done for been Permanent Representative of the Islamic Regional Association IV. He also expressed Republic of Iran with WMO almost continuously gratitude and appreciation to the outgoing President since 1981, a Member of the Executive Council, and and Secretary-General for the enormous amount of WMO Second Vice-President since 1999, in which work that they put in over the years, all for the good capacity he had also served in the Bureau. He had of the Organization. All of the outgoing officers had also served on two WMO Working Groups, two made it possible for the Organization to reach its Selection Committees, and two Advisory Groups. He goals. was thus most fully qualified for his new position. MR M. JARRAUD (SECRETARY-GENERAL- The Second Vice-President-elect, ELECT) congratulated the three newly elected Mr Sutherland, had worked as a meteorologist in Vice-Presidents. As Vice-Minister of Roads and both the Caribbean and Canada, and within WMO as Transportation, he would trust Mr Noorian’s a staff member of the Secretariat, including several judgement on bridges. The role of the Vice- years as Executive Assistant to the Secretary- Presidents had grown during the years. He had General. Appointed Coordinating Director of the chaired most of the technical commissions and Caribbean Meteorological Organization in 1999, he would probably continue to do so. He had known had been designated Permanent Representative of Mr Sutherland for many years, having worked the British Caribbean Territories with WMO, been together in the Secretariat. He would be capable of elected a Member of the WMO Executive Council, bringing much experience both from the Members’ and served in various capacities on two expert and the Secretariat’s perspective. Although had groups and a task team. known Mr Rabiolo for less time than the other The Third Vice-President-elect, Mr Rabiolo, elected members of the group, he had appreciated was a meteorologist and had held technical and his pragmatic approach to problems. He was sure administrative positions in the Argentine Air Force, that WMO would benefit tremendously from his currently being responsible for the National experience and expertise. He was pleased that the Meteorological Services of Argentina. He had been PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 57
Permanent Representative of Argentina with WMO commendably. They would bring their commitment since 2000. His service to WMO had included the and rich experiences to the team headed by the role of Regional Rapporteur on the Global Data- Secretary-General-elect, Mr Jarraud, which he was processing Systems, and of Chairperson of the confident would make the fourteenth financial period Working Group on Planning and Implementation of successful. He congratulated the new officers most the World Weather Watch in Regional Association III. heartily and wished them success in their new He was sure that the President-elect and the responsibilities. Vice-Presidents-elect, to whom Congress was confidently entrusting important responsibilities, The meeting rose at 12.50 p.m. would serve the cause of the Organization most
MINUTES OF THE TENTH PLENARY MEETING 19 May 2003 at 9.30 a.m.
The meeting was called to order at 9.50 a.m. Climate change issues had emerged as one of the challenges that the Kiribati 25. Report of the Credentials Committee Meteorological Service must address to contribute to (agenda item 1.5) Kiribati’s obligations to the United Nations conventions, in particular to the UNFCCC. Also, the In presenting the fourth report, the challenges of the Meteorological Service CHAIRPERSON OF THE NOMINATION COMMITTEE stated included weather- and climate-related issues, such that the credentials of Kiribati had been found to be as the prediction of drought and the issuance of in order. timely advisories or warnings to the public well in The fourth report of the Credentials advance. The capability of the Kiribati Meteorological Committee was approved. Service for the provision of services and information would be strengthened and enhanced by joining 26. Statement by Mr Tekena Teitiba, Principal WMO. Delegate of the Republic of Kiribati On behalf of Kiribati, he acknowledged and MR TEKENA TEITIBA explained that Kiribati expressed gratitude and appreciation to those had become an Observer during Thirteenth countries, especially New Zealand, Australia and the Congress. It had taken four years to convince his United Kingdom, which had, through their Government to become a Member. It was difficult for Meteorological Services, pioneered the establish- Kiribati alone to address the issues of climate, ment of the meteorological programmes in Kiribati. meteorology and especially climate change. It was a He also expressed thanks to those countries that great pleasure and honour to be at Fourteenth had assisted and continued to assist Kiribati in other Congress representing his country. He expressed meteorological and climatological programmes, thus thanks to his Government for that privilege and to contributing towards its social, economic and WMO for inviting his country to join that very sustainable national development. important international forum. Kiribati was located in 27. Statement by Mr E.A. Mukolwe the central Pacific Ocean with its scattered low-lying islands straddling the Equator, stretching from the MR E.A. MUKOLWE expressed his most northern to the southern hemisphere. There were sincere gratitude to those Members that had three main island groups — the Gilberts in the west supported him in the just concluded process of and the Phoenix and Line Islands to the east. Kiribati appointing the fifth Secretary-General of WMO. He was one of the SIDS according to the United Nations commended Mr Beysson for conducting a civil classification system. campaign. They would continue working together for The headquarters of the NMS was in the further development of international meteorology. Tarawa, the administrative capital of Kiribati. The two He took the opportunity to congratulate Mr Jarraud main observational programmes were the surface for his appointment and assured him of his very full and upper-air programmes. Kiribati relied mainly on support in his new job. He knew and had worked RSMC Nadi for the provision of its weather bulletins. with Mr Jarraud for many years and was convinced However, other advanced meteorological centres that he would continue to be a great asset to the such as Honolulu, New Zealand and Australia also Organization and its Members. He also praised the assisted at times with the provision of forecasting President, who had himself contributed much to the requirements mainly for the aviation and maritime Organization and had the respect and affection of all communities. the Members. 58 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
28. Election of members of the Executive In the absence of other nominations, Council (agenda item 12.2) (Cg-XIV/PINKS document Cg-XIV/PINKS 12.2(1) and ADD. 1, as 12.2(1); ADD. 1) amended, were approved as the final list of candidates for the Executive Council. The PRESIDENT pointed out that, after having revised Article 13(c) and General Regulation 85, the The President explained that the election number of members of the Executive Council had would be held in two stages. In the first stage, it was increased to 37. The Executive Council was the required that 14 members be elected up to a executive body of the Organization responsible to maximum of four from each Region in accordance Congress for the coordination of the programme of with Article 13(c)(ii) of the Convention and General the Organization between sessions of Congress. He Regulation 85(a). It was therefore necessary to also explained that members of the Executive ensure the correct regional distribution, to fill the Council served in their personal capacity. They fell eight seats as followed: Region I — 3; Region II — 2; into three groups. The first group included the Region III — 2; Region 4 — 2; Region V — 3; President and three Vice-presidents of WMO who Region VI — 2. He called upon the presidents of the should normally belong each to a different region. regional associations or their representatives to The second group included the presidents of the six nominate candidates for the vacant seats in their regional associations. The third group included an respective regions. additional 27 Directors of Meteorological or The PRESIDENT OF RA I nominated Messrs Hydrometeorological Services. Those were elected M.L. Bah (Guinea), B. Kassahun (Ethiopia) and by the entire Organization, with the proviso (Article B.T. Sekoli (Lesotho). 13(c) of the Convention) that not more than nine and The PRESIDENT OF RA II nominated Messrs not less than four of the total Executive Council T. Kitade (Japan) and D. Qin (China). members, comprising the presidents of regional The PRESIDENT OF RA III nominated Messrs associations and the President and Vice-Presidents H.H. Oliva (Chile) and A.C. Vaz de Athayde (Brazil). of the Organization, all come from any one region. The PRESIDENT OF RA IV nominated Messrs Once elected, the 27 would be responsible to the J.J. Kelly (United States) and M.D. Everell (Canada). entire Organization for their work as members of the The PRESIDENT OF RA V nominated Messrs Executive Council. They were elected to serve until K.K. Chow (Malaysia), J. Lumsden (New Zealand) the close of Fifteenth Congress. and J.W. Zillman (Australia). The President drew attention to the The PRESIDENT OF RA VI nominated Messrs computer-assisted voting system, which had been J.-P. Beysson (France) and U. Gärtner (Germany). used for the election of Executive Council members in Twelfth and Thirteenth Congresses and at recent The President declared those persons sessions of the Executive Council for the elected as members of the Executive Council. International Meteorological Organization (IMO) Prize selection and had proven to be efficient. The PRESIDENT proceeded to the election of The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NOMINATION five candidates for Region I, two in Region II, one in COMMITTEE, introducing document Cg-XIV/PINK Region IV and five in Region VI. He invited Messrs 12.2(1) and ADD. 1, reported that, in accordance A.M. Noorian (Second Vice-President) and with the guidance of Ninth Congress, the presidents T.W. Sutherland (Second Vice-President elect) to act of regional associations had agreed to the following as tellers and asked Messrs S. Chacowry, regional distribution of seats on the Executive S. Shaddock and W. Tanga (all members of the Council (including those attributed to the President, Secretariat) to assist them. Vice-Presidents and presidents of regional associations) up to Fifteenth Congress: Regional A vote was taken by secret ballot. Association I — 9; Regional Association II — 6; Regional Association III — 4; Regional Association The President announced the results of the IV — 5; Regional Association V — 4; Regional election as followed: Association VI — 9. Total number of ballots: 146 MESSRS O.M.L. BECHIR (Mauritania), Number of abstentions and blank ballots: 0 A.R.W. EL HAJ (Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) and Number of invalid ballots: 4 A.H. AL-MULLA (Qatar) expressed their desire to Number of valid ballots: 142 withdraw from the election. Required majority: 72 Confirming that, with the exception of Number of votes obtained: Messrs Bechir, El Haj and Al-Mulla, whose names Mr S.K. Srivastav (India) 127 should be deleted, all other names in document Mr M.M. Arafa (Egypt) 126 Cg-XIV/PINKS 12.2(1) and ADD. 1 were valid, the Mr E. Zarate (Costa Rica) 123 President asked whether there were any other Mr Q. Chaudhry (Pakistan) 122 nominations from the floor. Mr P. Ewins (United Kingdom) 100 Mr J.R. Mukabana (Kenya) 95 Mr D.K. Keuerleber-Burk (Switzerland) 92 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 59
Mr R.D.J. Lengoasa (South Africa) 92 The President announced the results of the Ms M. Couchoud Gregori (Spain) 72 election as followed: Mr R. Sorani (Italy) 72 Total number of ballots: 129 Number of abstentions and blank ballots: 4 The President declared the above Number of invalid ballots: 0 individuals elected as members of the Executive Number of valid ballots: 125 Council. Required majority: 63 In accordance with General Regulations Number of votes obtained: 85(b), 87 and 89, the President proceeded to the Mr A. Al-Sha’er (Jordan) 67 second stage of the election to fill the other five Mr J. Zielinski (Poland) 58 vacant seats — two in Region I and one in The President declared Mr A. Al-Sha’er Region VI. elected as a member of the Executive Council. A vote was taken by secret ballot. On behalf of both himself and the staff of the The President announced the results of the Executive Council, the SECRETARY-GENERAL election as followed: expressed warm congratulations to the newly elected Total number of ballots: 142 members of the Executive Council and thanked all Number of abstentions and blank ballots: 0 those who had offered their services to the Number of invalid ballots: 2 Organization. Together with the newly appointed Number of valid ballots: 140 Secretary-General and the newly elected President Required majority: 71 and three Vice-Presidents, the members of the Number of votes obtained: Executive Council would form a new executive team, Mr A. N’Diaye (Senegal) 93 which would direct and implement the decisions of Mr F.P. Mote (Ghana) 82 Fourteenth Congress for the next four years. He was Mr L.E. Akeh (Nigeria) had received 73 convinced that they would do their utmost to fulfill the votes but was the third candidate in Region I and tasks entrusted to them by Congress. Their therefore was not elegible for election. experience and knowledge would be helpful in promoting the activities of the Organization and in The President declared Messrs A. N’Diaye facing the new challenges ahead, which would start and F.P. Mote elected as members of the Executive immediately after the closing of Congress. He Council. wished them success and hoped that the new As no candidate from Region VI had Executive Council members would support and received the required majority, the President cooperate with the new Secretary-General. proceeded to a third round of elections. The meeting rose at 2.25 p.m. A vote was taken by secret ballot.
MINUTES OF THE ELEVENTH PLENARY MEETING 21 May 2003 at 2.30 p.m.
The meeting was called to order at 2.50 p.m. 31. Approval of unamended PINK documents 29. Report of the Credentials Committee The PRESIDENT introduced the following (agenda item 1.5) documents on behalf of the relevant Committee On behalf of the chairperson of the chairpersons, which did not attract any discussion or Nomination Committee, the PRESIDENT presented the amendments from Members: fifth report and indicated that no further credentials Report by the President of the Organization had been received since the fourth report. (agenda item 2.1) (Cg-XIV/PINK 2.1) 30. Date and place of Fifteenth Congress Report by the Secretary-General (agenda (agenda item 14) (Cg-XIV/PINK 14) item 2.2) (Cg-XIV/PINK 2.2) The PRESIDENT submitted Document Consolidated report on amendments to the Cg-XIV/PINK 14. Technical Regulations (agenda item 2.4) (Cg-XIV/PINK 2.4) The draft text for inclusion in the general World Weather Watch Programme — WWW summary, contained in Document Cg-XIV/PINK 14, basic systems and support functions; the was approved. 60 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
report of the president of CBS (agenda Cooperation with the United Nations and item 3.1.0) (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.1.0) other organizations (agenda item 9.1) Global Observing System (agenda item 3.1.1) (Cg-XIV/PINK 9.1(3)) (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.1.1) Financial matters (agenda item 10.1) WWW information system and services, (Cg-XIV/PINK 10.1(1)) including the Global Telecommunication Financial matters (agenda item 10.1) System and data management (agenda item (Cg-XIV/PINK 10.1(2)) 3.1.2) (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.1.2) Staff matters (agenda item 10.3) (Cg-XIV/PINK Global Data-processing System; including 10.3(1)) emergency response activities (agenda item Secretary-General’s contract (agenda item 3.1.3) (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.1.3) 10.4) (Cg-XIV/PINK 10.4) WWW system support activities, including IMO and WMO Prizes (agenda item 11.1) the operational information services (agenda (Cg-XIV/PINK 11.1) item 3.1.4) (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.1.4) Questions concerning the Convention Instruments and Methods of Obervation (agenda item 11.2) (Cg-XIV/PINK 11.2(3)) Programme; the report of the president of Revision of the General Regulations (agenda CIMO (agenda item 3.1.5) (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.1.5) item 11.3) (Cg-XIV/PINK 11.3(1)) WMO satellite activities (agenda item 3.1.6) Revision of the General Regulations (agenda (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.1.6) item 11.3) (Cg-XIV/PINK 11.3(3)) Tropical Cyclone Programme (agenda Revision of the General Regulations (agenda item 3.1.7) (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.1.7) item 11.3) (Cg-XIV/PINK 11.3(4)) World Climate Data and Monitoring Revision of the General Regulations (agenda Programme (agenda item 3.2.4) (Cg-XIV/PINK item 11.3) (Cg-XIV/PINK 11.3(5)) 3.2.4) Requests for Membership of the World Climate Applications and Services Organization (agenda item 11.5) (Cg-XIV/PINK Programme, including CLIPS (agenda 11.5) item 3.2.5) (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.2.5) Election of the President and Vice- World Climate Impact Assessment and Presidents of the Organization (agenda Response Strategies Programme (agenda item 12.1) (Cg-XIV/PINK 12.1(3), REV.1) item 3.2.6) (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.2.6) World Climate Research Programme (agenda The draft resolutions, contained in the item 3.2.7) (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.2.7) appendices to the above documents, were adopted. Agricultural Meteorology Programme; the The draft texts for inclusion in the general report of the president of CAgM (agenda item summary, contained in the appendices to the above 3.4.2) (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.4.2) documents, were approved. Hydrology and Water Resources Programme By way of general comments, the DELEGATE (agenda item 3.5) (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.5) OF GERMANY, referring to Document Cg-XIV/PINK Education and Training Programme (agenda 3.2.5, stated that a resolution containing over four item 3.6) (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.6) pages was too long and wished that to be Reports of the presidents of regional considered in the future. Without specifically associations (agenda item 3.8.1) wishing to change the wording of Draft Resolution (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.8) 3.5/2 (Cg-XIV) contained in Document Cg-XIV/PINK Conferences (agenda item 4.1) (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.5, the DELEGATE OF THE UNITED STATES stated that 4.1) his understanding of that Resolution was that it did Report on the monitoring of the not actually establish such a Panel but requested the implementation of the Fifth WMO Long-term Secretary-General to develop a proposal for a Panel Plan (agenda item 6.1) (Cg-XIV/PINK 6.1) of Experts for approval by the Executive Council; that Sixth WMO Long-term Plan (2004–2011) the purpose of such a Panel would be to provide (agenda item 6.2) (Cg-XIV/PINK 6.2) data and scientific analysis to support global efforts on water and not to coordinate water-related Cooperation with other disciplines and activities outside of WMO or review government programmes (agenda item 7.3) (Cg-XIV/PINK policies; and that such a Panel might include non- 7.3) governmental experts and would not therefore be Cooperation with the United Nations and limited to an intergovernmental process. other organizations (agenda item 9.1) (Cg-XIV/PINK 9.1(1)) 32. Disaster reduction activities (agenda Cooperation with the United Nations and item 7.4) (Cg-XIV/PINK 7.4) other organizations (agenda item 9.1) The DELEGATE OF JAPAN, referring to (Cg-XIV/PINK 9.1(2)) paragraph 7.4.8, second line, requested that the title PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 61
of the conference be amended to read “World that same draft resolution, the DELEGATE OF NEW Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction”. ZEALAND proposed that the words “and sixty-first session” be deleted from DECIDES (1), fourth line. Draft Resolution 7.4/1 (Cg-XIV), contained in The DELEGATE OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO suggested Appendix B to Document Cg-XIV/PINK 7.4, was that, in line with the above discussion, the word adopted. “years” should be replaced by “year” in AUTHORIZES The draft text for inclusion in the general the Executive Council (1). The PRESIDENT noted that summary, contained in Appendix A to Document the text for inclusion in the general summary would Cg-XIV/PINK 7.4, as amended, was approved. be amended to reflect those changes. 33. Proportional contributions of Members It was so agreed. (agenda item 10.2) (Cg-XIV/PINK 10.2(1)) The DELEGATE OF JAPAN queried the wording Draft Resolutions 10.2/1 and 10.2/2 of paragraphs 10.2.3 and 10.2.5, particularly the (Cg-XIV), contained in Appendices B and D to inclusion of the text “sixty-first session” and “2006”. Document Cg-XIV/PINK 10.2(1), were adopted. On behalf of the Secretariat, MS K. CHARLES noted that no change to the 2006 figure had been The draft text for inclusion in the general discussed in Working Committee A, that it was not summary, contained in Appendix A to Document applicable to 2007, but that it was still appropriate to Cg-XIV/PINK 10.2(1), as amended, was approved. keep the wording. The DELEGATE OF GERMANY proposed that in draft Resolution 10.2/1 (Cg-XIV), The meeting rose at 4.20 p.m. AUTHORIZES the Executive Council (1), third line, the year “2006” be deleted from the text. Referring to
MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH PLENARY MEETING 22 May 2003 at 9.30 a.m.
The meeting was called to order at 9.50 a.m. Atmospheric Research and Environment 34. Report of the Credentials Committee Programme (agenda items 3.3.1 to 3.3.5) (agenda item 1.5) (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.3(2)) On behalf of the chairperson of the Atmospheric Research and Environment Nomination Committee, the PRESIDENT presented the Programme (agenda item 3.3) (Cg-XIV/PINK sixth report and indicated that no further credentials 3.3(3)) had been received since the fifth report. Aeronautical Meteorology Programme; the report of the president of CAeM (agenda 35. Approval of unamended PINK documents item 3.4.3) (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.4.3) The PRESIDENT introduced the following Marine Meteorology and Associated documents on behalf of the relevant Committee Oceanographic Activities Programme; the chairpersons, which did not attract any discussion or report of the co-president of JCOMM (agenda amendments from Members: item 3.4.4) (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.4.4(1)) Report by the chairperson of the Financial Marine Meteorology and Associated Advisory Committee (agenda item 2.3) Oceanographic Activities Programme; the (Cg-XIV/PINK 2.3) report of the co-president of JCOMM (agenda WMO Antarctic activities (agenda item 3.1.8) item 3.4.4) (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.4.4(2)) (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.1.8) Office automation and information technology World Climate Programme; the report of the support (agenda item 4.4) (Cg-XIV/PINK 4.4) president of CCl (agenda item 3.2.0) Preparation of the Seventh WMO Long-term (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.2.0(1)) Plan (agenda item 6.3) (Cg-XIV/PINK 6.3) Support to climate-change related activities Staff matters (agenda item 10.3) (Cg-XIV/PINK including IPCC and the Conventions on 10.3(2)) Climate Change, on Biodiversity and on Appointment of the Secretary-General (agenda Desertification (agenda item 3.2.2) item 12.3) (Cg-XIV/PINK 12.3(2)) (Cg-XIV/PINK (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.2.2) 12.1(3), REV.1) Global Climate Observing System (agenda The draft resolutions, contained in the item 3.2.3) (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.2.3) appendices to the above documents, were adopted. 62 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
The draft texts for inclusion in the general 37. Public Weather Services Programme summary, contained in the appendices to the above (agenda item 3.4.1) (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.4.1) documents, were approved. The DELEGATE OF HONG KONG, CHINA, 36. Coordination activities within the Climate explained that since the discussion held in Working Agenda (agenda item 3.2.1) (Cg-XIV/PINK Committee B, two new countries — Bulgaria and 3.2.1) Pakistan — had provided climatological information. He thus proposed that paragraph 3.4.1.13, fifth line, The DELEGATE OF THE UNITED STATES, referring to paragraph 3.2.1.11, proposed that the be amended to read: “879 cities from 152 Members. end of the sentence should read: “the Executive Phase II was launched in December 2002, currently with forecasts from 81 Members covering 777 cities Council consider re-establishing its Advisory Group worldwide.” on Climate and Environment to facilitate coordination on climate and environment matters within WMO.” It was so agreed. He also proposed that paragraph 3.2.1.13 should be amended to read: “Congress felt that given the Draft Resolution 3.4.1/1 (Cg-XIV), contained disparity of Members’ views on the subject of in Appendix B to Document Cg-XIV/PINK 3.4.1, was WCC-3, it requested the Executive Council to keep adopted. the matter under consideration.” The draft text for inclusion in the general It was so agreed. summary, contained in Appendix A to Document Cg-XIV/PINK 3.4.1, as amended, was approved. The draft text for inclusion in the general summary, contained in Appendix A to Document The meeting rose at 10.30 a.m. Cg-XIV/PINK 3.2.1, as amended, was approved.
MINUTES OF THE THIRTEENTH PLENARY MEETING 23 May 2003 at 9.30 a.m.
The meeting was called to order at The draft texts for inclusion in the general 11.40 a.m. summary, contained in the appendices to the above documents, were approved. 38. Approval of unamended PINK documents The PRESIDENT introduced the following 39. Organization of the session (agenda documents on behalf of the relevant Committee item 1) (Cg-XIV/PINK 1) chairpersons, which did not attract any discussion or The DELEGATE OF TANZANIA, referring to amendments from Members: paragraph 1.1.22, line 1, requested that the word Atmospheric Research and Environment “Mr” be replaced by “Professor”, thus to read: “H.E. Programme; the report of the president of Honourable Professor M.J. Mwandosya”. CAS (agenda item 3.3.0) (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.3(1)) Technical Cooperation Programme (agenda It was so agreed. items 3.7.1 and 3.7.2) (Cg-XIV/PINK 3.7) The draft text for inclusion in the general Publications (agenda item 4.3) (Cg-XIV/PINK summary, contained in Appendix A to Document 4.3) Cg-XIV/PINK 1, as amended, was approved. WMO structure (agenda item 6.4) (Cg-XIV/PINK 6.4, REV. 1) 40. Cooperation with the United Nations and other organizations (agenda item 9.1) International exchange of data and products (Cg-XIV/PINK 9.1(4), REV. 1) (agenda item 7.1) (Cg-XIV/PINK 7.1) World Summit on Sustainable Development The DELEGATE OF THE UNITED STATES (agenda item 9.2) (Cg-XIV/PINK 9.2) proposed that in paragraph 9.1.x.3, third line, the Questions concerning the Convention expression “lifestyles of indigenous peoples” be (agenda item 11.2) (Cg-XIV/PINK 11.2(2)) amended to read “lifestyles of indigenous communities”. Also, in paragraph 9.1.x.5, third line, Appointment of the Secretary-General he proposed that the words “, where possible,” be (agenda item 12.3(3)) (Cg-XIV/PINK 12.3(3)) deleted. The draft resolutions, contained in the appendices to the above documents, were adopted. It was so agreed. 63 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
Draft Resolution 9.1/3/1 (Cg-XIV), contained “That Portuguese shall be used for interpretation at in Appendix B to Document Cg-XIV/PINK 9.1(4), sessions of Regional Associations I and III using REV. 1, was adopted. available resources and of Congress subject to availability of extrabudgetary resources;” The draft text for inclusion in the general summary, contained in Appendix A to Document It was so agreed. Cg-XIV/PINK 9.1(4), REV. 1, as amended, was Draft Resolution 11.3/6 (Cg-XIV), contained approved. in Appendix B to Document Cg-XIV/PINK 11.3(6), as amended, was adopted. 41. Revision of the General Regulations (agenda item 11.3) (Cg-XIV/PINK 11.3(6)) The draft text for inclusion in the general In submitting Document Cg-XIV/PINK summary, contained in Appendix A to Document 11.3(6), MR T.W. SUTHERLAND (co-chairperson of Cg-XIV/PINK 11.3(6), was approved. Committee A) explained that during the discussions The DELEGATE OF PORTUGAL thanked the held both at the Sub-committee on Matters Secretariat and all the Members for the assistance Concerning the Convention and at Working provided during the discussions on the use of Committee A, some delegations expressed concern Portuguese. He regretted that some Members had regarding the use of regular budgetary resources for changed their initial positions and thanked all those using Portuguese for interpretation at sessions of that had supported Portugal in its position and who Congress and Regional Associations I and III. He had participated in the discussions. thus proposed that in draft Resolution 11.3/6 (Cg-XIV), DECIDES (1), the text be amended to read: The meeting rose at 12.10 p.m.
MINUTES OF THE FOURTEENTH PLENARY MEETING 23 May 2003 at 2.30 p.m.
The meeting was called to order at 2.35 p.m. the issues of earth observation, space and international disaster reduction, satellite 42. Statement by Mr Lucio Adame, communications and space and education, all issues Representative of the International considered to be of interest to both WMO and IAF. Astronautical Federation (IAF) He concluded by expressing his desire for a On behalf of the president of IAF, Mr Marcio continued relationship and close communication with Nogueira Barbosa, the REPRESENTATIVE OF THE WMO, congratulating Mr Jarraud on his appointment INTERNATIONAL ASTRONAUTICAL FEDERATION as Secretary-General and wishing him all success in expressed his appreciation for the opportunity for IAF the future. to participate in Congress as a non-governmental organization and extended congratulations to all the 43. Languages (agenda item 4.2) participants on its success. He noted that IAF had (Cg-XIV/PINK 4.2) followed closely the work carried out by WMO MR NDIAYE (co-chairperson of Committee A) because of its importance and transcendence, since submitted document Cg-XIV/PINK 4.2. Referring to such work involved the security and assets of human the tenth line of paragraph 4.2.2 in the English life, and that that fact was shown by the content of version, the DELEGATE OF CHINA requested that the the Agenda, which reflected the hard work and Chinese translation of the sentence beginning dedication of the Organization. “Having noticed that translation...” be aligned with He highlighted other outstanding points in the English version. the Agenda, including the scientific and technical programmes and the ETRP which IAF had included, The draft text for inclusion in the general with different approaches, in the International summary, as contained in the appendix to Document Astronautical Congresses that were held each year, Cg-XIV/PINK 4.2, as amended in the Chinese of which the next was to be held in Bremen, version, was approved. Germany, from 29 September to 3 October 2003 with the participation of the International 44. Information and Public Affairs Astronautical Academy, the International Institute of Programme (agenda item 5) Space Law, the scientific and academic communities (Cg-XIV/PINK 5) and the space and telecommunications industries. The International Astronautical Congress was to MR T.W. SUTHERLAND (co-chairperson of cover, under the topic new.opportunities@space, Committee A) submitted document Cg-XIV/PINK 5. 64 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
Draft Resolutions 5.1 (Cg-XIV) and 5.2 46. Scientific lectures and discussions (Cg-XIV), contained in Appendices B and C to (agenda item 13) (Cg-XIV/PINK 13) Document Cg-XIV/PINK 5, respectively, were The PRESIDENT introduced document approved. Cg-XIV/PINK 13. The draft text for inclusion in the general The draft text for inclusion in the general summary, as contained in Appendix A to Document summary, as contained in the appendix to document Cg-XIV/PINK 5, was approved. Cg-XIV/PINK 13, was approved. 45. Role and operation of National 47. Role and operation of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services Meteorological and Hydrological Services (agenda item 7.2) (Cg-XIV/PINK 7.2(1)) (agenda item 7.2) (Cg-XIV/PINK 7.2(2)) MR T.W. SUTHERLAND (co-chairperson of The PRESIDENT introduced document Committee A) submitted document Cg-XIV/PINK Cg-XIV/PINK 7.2(2), recapitulating the changes that 7.2(1). had been agreed at the Working Paper stage earlier The DELEGATE OF MAURITIUS, remarking that in the day. Turning to the draft resolution in the term “water resources” was used in several Appendix B, he noted the following changes: under instances, referred to RECOGNIZING in the draft DECIDES (1), “technical” had been added after resolution in Appendix B as an example. He “WMO”; under DECIDES (2), “including quality control” questioned the need for “resources” in that particular had been added after “system(s)”; and under instance, in view of the fact that Congress had AGREES ALSO, “technical” had been added after adopted the motto ‘weather, climate and water’. The “pertinent”. PRESIDENT replied that water resources was an established term that many might want to retain, but Draft Resolution 7.2/2 (Cg-XIV), as there was no difficulty in deleting it in that instance. contained in Appendix B to Document Cg-XIV/PINK 7.2(2), as amended, was approved. It was so agreed. Next turning to the draft text in Appendix A, Draft Resolution 7.2/1 (Cg-XIV), contained in the PRESIDENT read out the agreed changes. In Appendix B to Document Cg-XIV/PINK 7.2(1), as paragraph 7.2.5, “standards” had been changed to amended, was approved. “systems” in the second line; in the penultimate line, The First Vice-President having pointed out “with the relevant standards” had been changed to that the contents of paragraph 7.2.5 (b) had been the “to the management system”. With respect to subject of lengthy discussions and that the first paragraph 7.2.7 (a), “technical” had been added after sentence contained a contradiction in the French “WMO”, and in paragraph 7.2.7 (b), “including quality version, the PRESIDENT gave assurances that the text control” had been added after “system(s)”. In would be aligned with the English version. The paragraph 7.2.9, (c), “of the quality management PRESIDENT OF THE COMMISSION FOR AERONAUTICAL system” had been added after “component”, and in METEOROLOGY, concurring with the First Vice- the last sentence of that paragraph, “management” President, suggested that the English version should had been added before “standards”. In the last line of be changed also to avoid ambiguity and proposed paragraph 7.2.10, “3.4.3.1” had been changed to the following: “For more than 60% of NMSs, aviation “3.4.3.12”. In the fifth line of paragraph 7.2.13, “a” was the most important national economic had been added before “quality”, and in the seventh application sector served.” The DELEGATE OF CHINA line, “supporting” had been added after “into”. In suggested that “more than 60%” be changed to addition, the DELEGATE OF THE BRITISH CARIBBEAN “about 60%”. The Secretariat having confirmed that TERRITORIES pointed out that the paragraph the figure was 63%, it was agreed, at the President’s numbering would have to be changed in line with proposal, to use “about 65%” in the modified 7.2(1), which was agreed. sentence. The draft text for inclusion in the general To reflect his intervention during the summary, as contained in the appendix to Document Committee meeting, the PRESIDENT OF THE Cg-XIV/PINK 7.2(2), as amended, was approved. COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY requested that the second line of paragraph 7.2.41 be amended from 48. Consolidated programme and budget “complementary work should be” to read “similar 2004–2007 (agenda item 8) (Cg-XIV/PINK 8) work was being”. Having submitted Cg-XIV/PINK 8, It was so agreed. MR T.W. SUTHERLAND, the co-chairperson of The draft text for inclusion in the general Committee A, wished to commend the Sub- summary, as contained in Appendix A to Document committee on Pogramme and Budget for the spirit of Cg-XIV/PINK 7.2(1), as amended, was approved. collaboration in preparing the difficult submission. The President, noting also the valuable contribution of Mr Gartner, the chairperson of the sub-committee, PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 65
requested that the appreciation be recorded in the the text; however, New Zealand wished to place on minutes. record that it did not wish to see any resulting Noting that any editorial amendments would significant reduction in the proposed expenditures on be inserted by the Secretariat, the PRESIDENT turned the scientific and technical programmes of the to the draft resolution in Appendix B, indicating the Organization, which it deemed as having the highest changes that had been agreed at the Working Paper priority, as given in Annex 1 to Draft Resolution 8/1 stage earlier in the day. Under FURTHER AUTHORIZES (Cg-XIV). (3), “activities” had been added after “which” in the The draft text for inclusion in the last line. In Annex 1 to the draft resolution, the general summary, as contained in Appendix A to figures in the first and third columns had been document Cg-XIV/PINK 8, as amended, was changed to “11 887.1” and 12 108.1”, respectively, approved. under part 3.5 and to “44 176.7” and “44 795.2”, respectively, under part 4. 49. Review of previous resolutions of To align Draft Resolution 8/1(Cg-XIV) with Congress (agenda item 11.4) (Cg-XIV/PINK the draft text in Appendix A following the intervention 11.4) of the DELEGATE OF THE UNITED STATES, it was agreed to change “starting point” to “reference base” MR W. GAMARRA, Rapporteur on Previous in the third line of AUTHORIZES (1). Resolutions, submitted document Cg-XIV/PINK 11.4. At the suggestion of the DELEGATE OF GERMANY, Draft Resolution 8/1(Cg-XIV), and the who noted that Congress had adopted a new annexes thereto, as contained in Appendix B to resolution with respect to the use of the Portuguese Document Cg-XIV/PINK 8, as amended, was language, it was agreed to delete Resolution 20 approved. (Cg-XIII) from DECIDES (1) in the draft resolution in Appendix B. Draft Resolution 8/2 (Cg-XIV), and the annexes thereto, as contained in Appendix C to Draft Resolution 11.4/1 (Cg-XIV), as Document Cg-XIV/PINK 8, was approved. contained in Appendix B to Document Cg-XIV/PINK 11.4, as amended, was approved. Turning to the draft text in Appendix A, the The draft text for inclusion in the general PRESIDENT indicated that “activities” had been added summary, as contained in Appendix A to Document after “which” in the fifth line of paragraph 8.6 at the Cg-XIV/PINK 11.4, was approved. Working Paper stage earlier in the day. With respect to the last sentence in paragraph 8.6, the 50. Approval of the minutes (agenda item 1.6) DELEGATE OF THE UNITED STATES suggested that (Cg-XIV/MIN.1, Cg-XIV/MIN.3, Cg-XIV/MIN.4 “starting point” be amended to “reference point”. and Cg-XIV/MIN.5) The chairperson of the sub-committee having raised no objection, the FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT agreed Congress having agreed to waive the 48- with the proposal, but questioned the meaning in hour rule for the approval of minutes 3, 4 and 5, the English, as in French “base de référence” was more PRESIDENT invited comments on Documents Cg- accurate. The DELEGATE OF THE UNITED STATES XIV/MIN.1, Cg-XIV/MIN.3, Cg-XIV/MIN.4 and concurred, as did the DELEGATE OF MAURITIUS, who Cg-XIV/MIN.5. The DELEGATES OF BRITISH had questioned the meaning of “référence de base” CARIBBEAN TERRITORIES, DJIBOUTI, EGYPT, and “reference base” in French and English, and it GERMANY, JAMAICA and UGANDA stated that their was agreed that “starting point” be amended to names should be added to the list of participants at “reference base”. the first plenary meeting. The DELEGATES OF COSTA With respect to paragraph 8.7, the DELEGATE RICA, GUINEA, ITALY, LIBYAN ARAB JAMAHIRIYA, OF NEW ZEALAND, noting the concerns that his MALDIVES, MEXICO, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, PORTUGAL, delegation had expressed during the Committee RUSSIAN FEDERATION, UGANDA, VIET NAM and stage, explained that the New Zealand delegation ZIMBABWE stated that their names should be added recognized that the financial management of the to the list of participants at the third plenary meeting. Secretariat needed to be strengthened in The DELEGATES OF MAURITANIA, MEXICO, MONGOLIA, accordance with the recommendation of the External PAPUA NEW GUINEA, UGANDA and ZIMBABWE stated Auditor and that, to address that issue, Congress that their names should be added to the list of agreed that an additional amount of SFR 1 million be participants at the fourth plenary meeting. The allocated for the financial management in the DELEGATES OF ITALY, MALDIVES, MALI, NEPAL, NIGER, Secretariat within the assessed contributions level of PAKISTAN, PARAGUAY AND UGANDA stated that their SFR 249.8 million. His delegation fully supported the names should be added to the list of participants at need to address the issues raised by the External the fifth plenary meeting. The DELEGATE OF THE Auditor and was also aware that the document was BRITISH CARIBBEAN TERRITORIES also would provide the result of a long and detailed discussion and the names of any Caribbean countries missing from represented the results of a compromise. His the list of participants at all the plenary meetings to delegation was therefore not proposing to change the Secretariat. The PRESIDENT, stating that the 66 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
Secretariat would make the necessary amendments Officers and, in particular, the support staff. He to the final list of participants, declared that any expressed sadness to leave those who were outstanding minutes would be approved by attending their last Congress. Although he would correspondence. miss both the President and the Secretary-General, he would forever have good memories of them. The provisional minutes of the first, third, However, he saw a bright light for the future in the fourth and fifth plenary meetings, contained in newly appointed Secretary-General, Mr Jarraud, who Documents Cg-XIV/MIN.1, Cg-XIV/MIN.3, was well-known for his kindness, knowledge, hard Cg-XIV/MIN.4 and Cg-XIV/MIN.5, respectively, as work and modesty. He thought himself fortunate and amended, were approved. looked forward to working with the new Bureau and assured Congress that the Bureau would try its best 51. Closure of the session (agenda item 15) to be worthy of Congress’ confidence. He wished (Cg-XIV/PINK 15) everyone a safe trip home. The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION I, Subject to the insertion of the time of closure of the session, the text for inclusion in the general on behalf of the delegation of the United Republic of summary, contained in the appendix to Document Tanzania, the members of Regional Association I Cg-XIV/PINK 15, was approved. and his own, joined his colleagues in paying tribute to the Secretary-General and the President for their The FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT explained that, in service to the Organization. He congratulated 1995, he had been given the personal mission of Professor Obasi on his outstanding performance achieving an agreement on the limitation of the term during his 20 years of office as Secretary-General of office of the Secretary-General. He had and 35 years in WMO in various capacities, stating succeeded in fulfilling that mandate, gaining that he would be remembered for his great unanimous agreement on that proposal at Thirteenth contributions and achievements in the development Congress in 1999, when he had been elected First of meteorology, operational hydrology and related Vice-President, and he extended his appreciation sciences in the world at large. His relentless efforts and thanks for all the support he had received. had resulted in raising the profile of WMO and Although Fourteenth Congress had been less fruitful NMHSs by promoting improved management and than previous Congresses for him personally, he ensuring that the NMHSs contributed effectively to hoped that was not the case for other participants various sectors of the economy by improving and the Organization, and wished the incoming weather forecasts, seasonal predictions, mitigation of Bureau great success. He thanked the Executive natural disasters, including fires, droughts and Council for their trust, allowing him to chair the tropical cyclones. He also remarked that Professor Advisory Group on the Exchange of Meteorological Obasi had given his unflinching support to human and Related Data and Products in 1995. He felt that social development, capacity-building and he had been able to contribute his enthusiasm and modernization of NMHSs, particularly in developing determination to innovate, although that could have countries, to regional cooperation and the been considered both a quality and a flaw; he felt establishment of centres of excellence, such as that he had given his best in all that he had done, ACMAD and the Drought Monitoring Centres of never giving up on an issue until all opportunities for Nairobi and Harare. He noted that prior to joining convincing all concerned had been exhausted and a WMO in the 1970s, Professor Obasi had made a balanced compromise achieved. That had been a remarkable contribution as an academic, having rewarding, enriching experience for him personally taught a good number of meteorologists in the and, he hoped, for the Organization as well. He Training Centre in Nairobi, stating that for him and assured all that they could rely on his future devotion many of his colleagues Professor Obasi would and participation as a member of the Executive always be a teacher and that even those who had Council. not been taught by him had gained greatly from his The SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT revealed that charismatic and quality leadership. As an academic, he was both pleased and saddened to make his Professor Obasi had received several honorary closing remarks. He was pleased that after three degrees from various universities and as an weeks of intensive efforts Congress had successfully administrator and leader he had been honoured by finished its work. During the past four years, he had many cities and countries. He further mentioned the learned a great deal as a member of the Bureau, in many scientific articles that Professor Obasi had particular from the President, Secretary-General and written, and that his initiatives had succeeded in First Vice-President, and had appreciated working drawing world attention to a number of global issues with Messrs Beysson, Sonzini and Salahu. He also such as climate change, desertification, depletion of referred to the unforgettable work he carried out with the ozone layer and environmental degradation. All the Deputy Secretary-General and the Assistant the above demonstrated that the Secretary-General Secretary-General. He appreciated the efficient had been an able and exemplary leader, and he support of all the Secretariat staff, including the wished him well for the future. Directors, the Chiefs of Divisions, the Scientific PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 67
He also thanked and congratulated the appointment as Secretary-General, who with his President on the excellent manner in which he experience would direct wisely the future of WMO, conducted the business of the Organization, and wished him well for the future. The new Bureau expressing his pleasure and that of those around him would work harmoniously with the President and at being able to benefit from his experience by Secretary-General and he wished them success in reading his articles, especially those on the role and their new functions and delegates a safe return operation of NMHSs and alternative services delivery home. and economic benefits for meteorological services. On behalf of the delegation of Singapore and He expressed his admiration at the President’s the Members of Regional Association V, the patience and ability to solve deadlocks, noting that PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION V expressed his wisdom and experience had enabled him to thanks to the President, Vice-Presidents and the create harmony among Members even when there chairpersons of all the Committees and were divergent views on an issue. He stated that that Subcommittees for the success achieved during would be dearly missed and expressed his pleasure Congress. He expressed his appreciation for the that the President was to continue as a Member of able leadership of the President, Mr Zillman. He the Executive Council and that WMO would be able conveyed his appreciation to the Secretary-General, to continue to draw on the President’s experience the Deputy Secretary-General, the Assistant and wisdom in those meetings. Secretary-General and all the staff in the Secretariat He congratulated Mr Beysson on his for the efficient organization and management of the contribution and wished him well in the future and session. Congress had brought to light the new expressed sincere thanks to the WMO Secretariat for challenges and opportunities that WMO faced, as the provision of excellent facilities for Congress, and well as new demands and higher expectations from the delegates for their hard work. He looked forward both governments and the public, and the to seeing the implementation of the resolutions made importance of working in partnership with others. He during Congress and to working with the new expressed his confidence in the new Bureau and the Secretary-General and the Bureau. He wished all a new Executive Council to handle the new challenges safe journey. effectively and efficiently, and looked forward to The ACTING PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL working with them. ASSOCIATION II, on behalf of the Members of The PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL ASSOCIATION VI, Regional Association II and his own, paid tribute to on behalf of the Members of Regional Association VI all the Regional Association II colleagues who had and his own, congratulated Professor Obasi and the been elected to the Executive Council. He expressed WMO Secretariat on the preparation of Congress his gratitude and thanks to Professor Obasi, Messrs and the preparation of the many important Zillman, Beysson and Noorian, who had maintained documents. He also congratulated Mr Zillman on his respect and cooperation. He also paid a special leadership that enabled Congress to adopt tribute to all the outgoing Members of the Executive documents and pave the way for future work. It had Council for their outstanding contributions. He been a good Congress, and had shown that the congratulated the new Secretary-General designate, community of meteorologists and hydrologists was the incoming President and Vice-Presidents and the one where acceptable solutions to difficult problems newly elected Members of the Executive Council could be found. He congratulated Mr Jarraud, the from the other regions. He conveyed his thanks to Secretary-General designate, and Mr Bedritsky, the the staff of the Secretariat and all others working President elect, as well as Mr Sutherland, on their behind the scenes, without which the work of new posts, and wished them success and expressed Congress would not have been completed in time. the desire that they would continue the high standard He wished all the Members great success in their of work of Mr Zillman and Professor Obasi. He future endeavours and wished all a bon voyage. wished all success. The ACTING PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL On behalf of all the delegations of the ASSOCIATION III expressed his satisfaction at the English-speaking Caribbean countries, namely agreements and achievements of Congress, where Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, respect and the in-depth nature of the debates British Caribbean Territories, Dominica, Guyana, facilitated the work. On behalf of Regional Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, the DELEGATE OF Association III, he congratulated the President, Vice- THE BRITISH CARIBBEAN TERRITORIES thanked the Presidents, Secretary-General and Deputy President and the Secretary-General for their truly Secretary-General and all who had worked on the outstanding contribution over a long period of time. It preparation of the items discussed, and also was especially difficult for him to bid them goodbye, congratulated the President, Mr Zillman, and the as their association dated back many years. On First Vice-President, Mr Beysson, on the conclusion behalf of all his colleagues, he wished them good of their mandates. He expressed his recognition of health and all the best in their future endeavours. Professor Obasi and his 20 years of office as Congress had elected a new leadership to build Secretary-General, warmly recognizing his upon the past and present, and he looked forward to achievements. He congratulated Mr Jarraud on his working with the new Secretary-General, President, 68 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
Vice-Presidents and Executive Council to carry out She stated that the role of WMO under the the wishes of the Members. He thanked all delegates leadership of Professor Obasi had been extremely for keeping up the WMO spirit of friendship and significant in the development of meteorology in collaboration, which resulted in quality work. He Botswana and expressed her recognition and expressed his thanks to all the Secretariat staff, in appreciation of the important role of WMO Members, particular to those who had worked with him. He including, among others, United Kingdom, United wished all the delegates a pleasant journey and States, Sweden and Canada, in helping Botswana good return to their countries. develop through bilateral arrangements. Without the The DELEGATE OF ALGERIA wished to support of the WMO Secretariat and the Secretary- express the gratitude of the Algerian delegation to General himself, who was responsible for the training Congress for all of the words of comfort and of meteorological staff, especially at the RMTC in sympathy expressed after the natural disaster in Nairobi, the Botswana Meteorological Service would Algeria. He very warmly congratulated all the newly not have evolved as well as it had. She hoped that elected Executive Council members, the new her small contribution had been worthy and, as a President, Mr Bedritsky, and the Secretary-General woman, wished to see more women in posts of designate, Mr Jarraud, providing his assurances that responsibility, especially as NMS Directors, and had the NMS of Algeria would, more than ever, multiply been pleased to see Congress adopt a resolution its effort at national, regional and subregional levels encouraging the participation of women in to contribute to the implementation of the resolutions meteorology and hydrology, which WMO itself had adopted and programmes approved by Congress. promoted and supported. The DELEGATE OF SOUTH AFRICA She expressed her personal and sincere complimented the President and the Vice-Presidents gratitude to the Secretary-General for his assistance for their leadership during Congress. On behalf of all and advice, expressed her appreciation of both him first-time attendees of Congress, he commended and the President, Mr Zillman, and welcomed the WMO and expressed his sincere gratitude to all new Bureau and Secretary-General designate. She Members of Congress for their valuable advice. He congratulated the newly elected Executive Council, expressed his admiration of, and appreciation to, hoping that they would surpass their predecessors. WMO for the depth of leadership, the foresight, the She expressed her anticipation of continued support measured and deliberate applications and respect from WMO and anticipation to see the concerns for agreed principles, not least the principle of raised in Congress come to fruition, especially consensus. He thanked Mr Zillman, Professor Obasi capacity-building and development of the NMSs of and the newly appointed Secretary-General, developing countries, so as to improve their visibility Mr Jarraud, for their visionary leadership, nobility, and bring meteorology and hydrology to the fore. In accessibility and dedication to WMO. He cited them closing, she reiterated her farewells to the President as examples truly worthy of emulation. He thanked and Secretary-General, extending her best wishes. each Member of WMO who had encouraged him to She hailed Professor Obasi as “the father of stand for, and the confidence placed in him at having meteorology in Africa” and looked forward to his elected him to, the Executive Council. He was continued support, advice and assistance. She bid committed to do his utmost to contribute to the bon voyage to all. continued growth and advancement of WMO, and he On behalf of the delegation of the Maldives, was certain that the other new Executive Council the DELEGATE OF THE MALDIVES stated that members shared that view. Lastly, he wished all the Fourteenth Congress was a memorable one. He was Members of Congress the very best. a survivor of four previous Congresses, and the The DELEGATE OF BOTSWANA evoked her 20 latest was special as Congress had concurred and years as head of the Botswana Meteorological prevailed throughout all of the difficulties Services, the first ever female Director of the encountered. He noted that WMO was at the Botswana Service and the first Permanent crossroads of its work, but was confident that the Representative of Botswana with WMO. She spoke Organization would rise to meet the challenges. He of her attendance at Ninth Congress in 1983 – her congratulated the newly appointed Secretary- first – where she had felt inexperienced compared General and the newly elected President, Vice- with the other participants who were of a very high Presidents and Executive Council members. He calibre and set a high standard. The Botswana expressed his appreciation to the President for his Meteorological Service had worked very hard to excellent leadership. He stated that the performance reach an acceptable standard, which had been made of the Secretary-General had been exemplary and possible only through the assistance of, and advice he was indeed a “meteorological phenomenon”. given by, the experienced NMS Directors and Lastly, he wished the outgoing President, Secretary- Permanent Representatives. She reiterated the General, Vice-Presidents and members of the challenges facing WMO, especially that of Executive Council good health, success and developing and least developed NMSs, such as that happiness in their future activities, as well as bon of Botswana, a country which was prone to drought, voyage to all. and where so many problems were unresolved. PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 69
The DELEGATE OF CHINA, on behalf of his strength to strength and meet the challenges of the delegation and his own, expressed his great respect future. He called on the WMO Secretariat to extend and congratulations to Mr Zillman on his successful them the same fruitful cooperation and dedicated conduct of Fourteenth Congress and his great service that had become the hallmark of the contribution to the Organization during his terms of Organization. Lastly, he declared that his delegation office as President. He also expressed his gratitude pledged its full support to WMO. to the Secretary-General, Professor Obasi, for his The DELEGATE OF VENEZUELA wished to be wisdom and energy over the last 20 years and his associated with the other delegates who had appreciation of the three Vice-Presidents for their congratulated the incoming and outgoing Presidents efforts and contributions, joining with the delegate of and Secretary-Generals. As Fourteenth Congress Botswana in expressing his desire to see Mr Zillman was to be his last, he wished to seize the opportunity and Professor Obasi continue to contribute their to point out to Congress that it was a historical wisdom and experience to WMO, despite their moment — Fourteenth Congress was the first of the departure from office. He noted that there were new century and the new millennium and the newly challenges and difficulties ahead for WMO, with the appointed Secretary-General and the newly elected rapid development in science and technology, and President, Vice-Presidents, and Executive Council problems of globalization, population increase, members would be first of the century and the new environmental degradation, desertification, natural millennium. Having been a member of the Executive disasters and extreme weather events. Those were Council, he expressed his appreciation for having challenges that WMO should take up, by putting in learned enormously from those with more more effort to expand meteorological and experience in the Organization. As he was attending hydrological activities. He congratulated the his last Congress, he expressed his thanks to incoming President, Secretary-General and Bureau, Congress for the considerable amount he had been and stated his belief that, under their leadership, the able to learn from the experience of the other Organization would seize the opportunity to take up participants, and suggested that they commemorate those challenges and move towards further the first Congress of the century and the millennium. progress. He noted that another challenge facing The DELEGATE OF MAURITIUS, on behalf of his WMO was the widening gap between the developed delegation, expressed his appreciation for the work and developing countries and expressed his hope carried out and contributions made in support of the that, under the new Secretary-General and global meteorological community by the outgoing President, WMO would take measures to promote Secretary-General and President. He was proud of the development of NMSs in both developed and having been one of Professor Obasi’s first students developing countries. He expressed his appreciation in Nairobi. He joined with the delegate of Venezuela of the trust placed in him by Congress in appointing in stating his pleasure at being at the first Congress him to the Executive Council and promised to work of the new century and at being able to start the new together with the other Executive Council members century with a new team. He expressed the hope to contribute to the healthy development of WMO. In that WMO would reach greater heights and that the conclusion, he promised the continued support of his new team would prove WMO to be an agency of Government to WMO activities, the Secretariat, the excellence within the United Nations system, adding Secretary-General designate and President elect that Mauritius was pleased to play its part with the and thanked the WMO Secretariat for its successful new team. He concluded by expressing his preparation and conduct of Congress. anticipation at seeing Madagascar represented at his On behalf of the Ghanaian delegation, the side at Fifteenth Congress. DELEGATE OF GHANA congratulated all the The DELEGATE OF NIGERIA joined the other delegations, the Secretariat and the Bureau for a delegates in expressing the satisfaction of the successful and momentous Congress. He was Nigerian delegation with the manner in which confident that the resolutions, decisions and Congress had been conducted, both in time conclusions reached at Congress would advance management as well as in the preparation of WMO in weather and climate as well as hydrology documents. He thanked the Secretariat for the and water resources. He expressed mixed feelings excellent performance under the able leadership of for the present and future because he saw the Professor Obasi. Nigeria was proud of Professor departure of two great and remarkable personalities, Obasi for his 35 years of service to WMO, and Mr Zillman and Professor Obasi, who had provided declared him a worthy ambassador. His delegation leadership to WMO over the past years. Their joint was delighted to have heard all of the kind words of steering of the affairs of the Organization placed it on praise expressed by the various delegations with a sound footing for the future and to adapt to respect to the Secretary-General, Professor Obasi, emerging trends. The delegation of Ghana saluted and the delegation of Nigeria wished to thank them. them and wished them well in future. As the He also congratulated the President and the Vice- competent and qualified Messrs Bedritsky and Presidents for their service to the Organization. He Jarraud stepped into their shoes, he was confident wished the new Secretary-General and his team all that WMO, under their leadership, would grow from the best for future and a safe journey to all. 70 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
The DELEGATE OF JAPAN wished to be trust and honour shown by his election as WMO associated with the previous speakers who had President and reassured Congress that he would expressed their appreciation to the outgoing work with the Secretary-General designate to President, Vice-Presidents and Secretary-General. strengthen the role of WMO in the world arena and He thanked them for their deep devotion not only fulfil the decisions of Fourteenth Congress. He during Congress but also throughout their terms of congratulated the newly elected Vice-Presidents and office and extended his congratulations to the the members of the Executive Council and incoming Bureau. He was pleased to announce, expressed his hope that the resolutions of especially to the Members in the region concerned, Fourteenth Congress would be successfully that, on 22 May, the Japan Meteorological Agency implementated. had successfully completed the switchover of the He stressed the importance of the roles of GMS-5 satellite to the GOES-9 satellite, at 155°E, for the presidents of regional associations and technical uninterrupted space meteorological observations to commissions and all NMHSs, stating that that unique serve all those in the region of the western Pacific system should be strengthened and maintained. He and eastern Asia, which would enable all Members promised to make great efforts to maintain the level to access hourly observations. The GMS-5 had been of activity set by his predecessor, Mr Zillman, whose operating for eight years beyond its life span, and he talent and ability for leading meetings was extended his appreciation to NOAA for its close exemplified in the success of Fourteenth Congress. collaboration to continue provision of observations in He expressed his particular thanks to Professor the area. His delegation was proud to have made Obasi, an outstanding meteorologist, for his work in that contribution to enhance WMO activities. In strengthening the work and authority of WMO and for thanking the outgoing Secretary-General, President his support of the work of all NMHSs, especially in and Bureau for accomplishing the work of Fourteenth developing countries, which was an important Congress, he wished them all the best and contribution to WMO. He thanked the WMO welcomed the incumbents. Secretariat for its professionalism and effectiveness On behalf of the Commission for Hydrology in carrying out the broad range of duties, and and the hydrological community and his fellow particularly for their work during Congress. In presidents of all the technical commissions, the closing, he presented Mr Zillman, the outgoing PRESIDENT OF THE COMMISSION FOR HYDROLOGY President, with a WMO poster signed by all the wished to add his voice to those who had delegates as a sign of their appreciation. congratulated the President for his exemplary The DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL reiterated leadership. He expressed his sincere gratitude to his thanks to Congress for the honour and Professor Obasi for his exceptional leadership and confidence bestowed on him in appointing him as the his great efforts in furthering the work of WMO and new Secretary-General and for the kind words of thanked him for his advice on hydrological matters. encouragement from all. Wishing to be associated He also extended his sincere appreciation to with those who had remarked on the exceptional Mr Jarraud for, among other things, his good contribution of Professor Obasi to WMO, he had had leadership of the HWRP. He wished both great the good fortune and honour of working with him as success in their new undertakings. He congratulated the Deputy Secretary-General, and expressed his the Secretary-General designate, Mr Jarraud, on his appreciation for the confidence the Secretary- appointment and looked forward to his leadership on General had placed in him. The experience which he all hydrological matters. Lastly, he expressed his had acquired working with Professor Obasi over the congratulations to the new President, Vice- past eight years would undoubtedly serve him well in Presidents and members of the Executive Council his future function. He congratulated Professor Obasi and looked forward to working with them to advance on the title of Secretary-General Emeritus which the cause of meteorology, hydrology and other Congress had bestowed on him, which was so well- related sciences. deserved for his unfailing dedication to WMO over The DELEGATE OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION the years, and he was certain that Professor Obasi noted the great step forward made by WMO at would continue to follow the progress of the Fourteenth Congress, not only in the increase in the Organization after his departure. number of Member countries, but also in the new The Deputy Secretary-General joined with concepts and strategies in the Long-term Plan, others in expressing appreciation to the President, perspectives, the adoption of disaster reduction and Mr Zillman, for his tremendous contribution to WMO space programmes and the important decisions and constant hard work towards strengthening the taken on performance indicators and the assessment services of NMHSs. The President had provided of results. He had no doubt that the international excellent leadership for both Thirteenth and community was paying due attention to WMO Fourteenth Congress and handled the most sensitive initiatives including the Third International Polar issues in a very effective manner, and as a member Year, the proposal to establish a Panel of Experts on of the Executive Council his contribution to Freshwater and support for higher quality of NMHS strengthening the objectives of the Organization and WMO products. He thanked Congress for the would continue. He thanked Messrs Beysson and PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 71
Noorian for the energy and passion they had shown institutions at the national, subregional, regional and as Vice-Presidents; their example and actions had international levels in multiple domains and across confirmed the importance of that role for the smooth various disciplines; consolidating the network of functioning of WMO. regional and subregional offices of WMO in order to The Deputy Secretary-General said that in realize the full benefit of the proximity to Members; its 53 years of existence, WMO had become a highly and ensuring that WMO’s contribution to the relevant respected United Nations agency, alerting the Conventions, such as those on protection of the international community of important subjects such ozone layer, climate change, the combat against as climate change, ozone depletion and water desertification, and biodiversity. Those challenges resources. Its strength was its highly specialized had to be met with constant creativity and innovation. scientific and technical mandate, and the support In that connection, Fourteenth Congress had from NMHSs of its Members, but above all its spirit identified many pathways and had indicated the way of cooperation. WMO’s mission had been greatly forward through the Long-term Plan and the detailed expanded and the development of its many programme activities for next financial period, taking applications and services attested to its considerable into account the evolving role of WMO in its planning progress, such as the more precise early warning process, the implementation and evaluation of systems that contributed to lessening the impact of programmes, resource mobilization, improved use of natural disasters, saving lives and minimizing their information technology as well as a review of the socio-economic impact. The legacy of the previous fundamental charter, structure and mode of Secretary-Generals, in particular Professor Obasi, operation of WMO. A number of new major initiatives allowed WMO to face the future with optimism. had been approved, among others, with respect to Among the many challenges were the ever- natural disasters, LDCs, creation of a space increasing human and socio-economic costs related programme as well as new projects such as the to natural disasters that were a major obstacle to Observing System Research and Predictability sustainable development; the increasing competition Experiment (THORPEX). for access to dwindling water resources; the growing The Secretariat would have a crucial role to gap between developed and developing countries, play. The very high standard of the Secretariat and especially in the availability and use of newer its highly dedicated and competent staff had to be technologies; the consequences of climate change; maintained and strengthened; its multicultural environmental degradation; and the decrease in the aspect, reflecting the diversity of WMO Members, availability of resources for NMHSs to carry out even was an asset that should be harnessed. It was also their most basic functions. Those challenges had important to strengthen the role of the Secretariat for affected most of the WMO Members to varying Members in an increasing range of domains and to degrees, but were most critical to developing and reinforce the dialogue, communication and team least developing countries. WMO must, and would, spirit across various programmes. Much progress confront those challenges and opportunities. had been made and he seeked the support of all to Congress had taken a number of important enhance that progress. Finally, Congress showed decisions which were of particular importance to that the Organization had a vision, and had identified strengthening NMHSs and to meeting the challenges tasks and ways to address them. WMO could be of sustainable development, including: the instrumental in changing the world for the better. strengthening of observation networks, taking into He heartily congratulated the newly elected account the changes in technologies, including the officers, Messrs Bedritsky, Noorian, Sutherland and increasing role of satellites; ensuring that WMO Rabiolo, and he looked forward to working closely stayed at the forefront for the prevention of natural with them in the next financial period, as well as with disasters; strengthening of capacity-building the presidents of regional associations and technical activities, in particular education, training and commissions and to benefiting from their individual technical cooperation; promoting the role of science; and collective wisdom. There was the great will to encouraging the development of services and succeed. Congress had given guidance and applications, taking advantage of scientific progress, resources and he pledged once again to work with with particular emphasis on contributing against all, individually and collectively, and to build with their poverty and ensuring food security and sustainable support the synergy that would enable WMO to development. Increasing the visibility and realize its goals, objectives and vision and to ensure appreciation of the relevance and usefulness of its leadership in the areas of its mandate. WMO and NMHSs was crucial, in particular through The SECRETARY-GENERAL expressed his stronger links with the media and through putting satisfaction at the close of another Congress, more effort into encouraging studies of the socio- expressing his appreciation to the President, Mr economic benefits of WMO and NMHS activities; Zillman, for the manner in which he had conducted developing new partnerships with non-governmental the affairs of Congress, especially the plenary organizations (NGOs), civil society and the private meetings. He observed that, as in the past, the work sector; encouraging the further development of of Congress was carried out in a spirit of cooperation cooperation among NMHSs and other relevant – the hallmark of WMO, and a legacy from its 72 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
predecessor, the International Meteorological personal capacity would work together to ensure that Organization, founded in 1873 – with highly the Organization met with the ever-increasing and professional, policy-related and collegial discussions new challenges in a highly effective and successful leading to timely conclusions of deliberations in manner. He would be remiss if he did not thank all which, over the past three weeks, over 800 the dedicated people around the world who quietly delegates from 171 Member countries and 36 supported WMO as they fulfilled their responsibilities international organizations had worked very hard to every day all year round, regardless of weather, reach important decisions on the way forward. He climate and hydrological conditions. He thanked the expressed his confidence in the Members that the Swiss and Geneva authorities for their continued decisions would be implemented effectively. support in providing Congress with excellent facilities It had been a privilege for Congress to have and the suitable conditions for building the new as distinguished guests the Prime Minister of Tonga WMO Headquarters. He also thanked the and Ministers and high-level governmental officials, interpreters and support staff who had ensured the whose addresses on diverse issues had been success of Congress. He noted that Fourteenth embodied in Congress decisions, and the Secretary- Congress was a bridge between the twentieth and General extended his thanks to them for their twenty-first centuries, and that the “torch had been attendance. He also expressed his thanks to the passed on” to the new generation of leaders whose various observers who had participated, stating that challenge it was to keep it burning brightly. WMO looked forward to their continued collaboration Having had the rare privilege of serving in areas of common interest. WMO for more than two decades, the time had come He observed that, as in the past, Congress to say goodbye to Congress and he thanked the had reaffirmed the Member Countries’ commitment Members for their cooperation and expressed his to the ideals of WMO with the adoption of the Sixth fulfilment and gratitude at having been able to work WMO Long-term Plan and the agreement on the with everyone and at having been warmly received programme and budget for the next financial period, on his visits. He observed that all clouds were both confirming the determination of Congress to pursue, bright and dark and that his career had not been in a forward-looking manner, activities relevant to the different; however, the diligence and energy with sustainable socio-economic development of all which the Member countries had committed countries of the world. Congress had also provided themselves to WMO had meant that there had been guidance on scientific and technical programmes more bright spots. He reiterated the humility he had and agreed on new strategic programmes related to expressed at the time of his first appointment as Space, LDCs and disaster mitigation as well as on a Secretary-General in 1983, for the trust, confidence number of issues that would strengthen the capacity and responsibility with which he had been entrusted of NMHSs as well as their visibility and the and once again thanked everyone for their support, recognition of their role in support of sustainable cooperation and dedication, and requested that the development, giving high priority, in particular, to same support be extended to his successor in the training and capacity-building especially for NMHSs future. in developing countries. He expressed his pleasure He expressed his appreciation to all those that consensus had been reached on even the most who had advised and assisted him over the years complex issues, reiterating that the cooperative spirit and was particularly thankful to the successive was the hallmark and overriding strength of WMO, presidents of the Organization, Messrs Kintanar of and thanked all those who had served in various the Philippines, Zou Jingmeng of China and Zillman capacities for their hard work which had contributed of Australia, with whom he had worked closely, and to the success of Congress. He congratulated the who had provided their collective wisdom when the new President, Mr Bedritsky, and the new Secretary- Organization needed to respond to numerous General, Mr Jarraud, expressing his anticipation at challenges. He thanked all the Vice-Presidents and working closely with them to ensure a smooth members of the Executive Council, and the transition. He believed that the President elect and presidents of the regional associations and technical Secretary-General designate had shown their commissions, who had worked ceaselessly for the qualities over the years and that, without a doubt, success of the Organization. Fifteenth Congress would affirm their many good He wished to express his indebtedness to qualities. his close collaborators. First, he paid tribute to the The Secretary-General expressed his thanks Second Secretary-General of WMO, the late Sir to Congress for having been accorded the honorary Arthur Davies, whom he had highly valued and who title of Secretary-General Emeritus. He warmly had been responsible for laying a solid foundation for congratulated and thanked the new Vice-Presidents, all the achievements from which WMO now Messrs Noorian, Sutherland and Rabiolo, whom he benefited. He further expressed his appreciation to was certain would serve in a commendable manner, Messrs List (Canada), Smith (Canada), Bruce and the elected members of the Executive Council (Canada), Axford (United Kingdom) and Jarraud for offering their services. He was convinced that all (France) for their assistance and loyalty as Deputy members of the Executive Council elected in their Secretary-Generals, the successive Assistant PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS 73
Secretary-Generals, Messrs Czelnai (Hungary), in the power of international cooperation to do good Zaitsev (Russian Federation) and Yan Hong (China), in the world, and he quickly learned from them that his other colleagues and the staff of the WMO WMO was really one great tightly-knit global family. Secretariat, men and women who were of great Just as he was captivated by the clarity of the value to humanity and who had made WMO what it mountains, his eyes were opened to the enormous was and would enable it to continue to grow potential of international cooperation to enhance the unabated in the future. WMO was a vibrant quality and value of meteorological and hydrological Organization capable of facing diverse issues and, services, and he began to see more clearly how the despite their diversity, its Members were able to find structure that the founding fathers had built could harmony and unity and had come to a realization of serve as a foundation for even greater contributions their shared, but differentiated, responsibility with to a better world. respect to the Organization. That inherited sense of vision, and the The Secretary-General was confident that friendship and support of all those too numerous to WMO would continue to grow and further develop in mention who had shared and strengthened it over the future under the new, able leadership and the nearly three decades of his involvement with become more appreciated as an international WMO, had sustained his belief that the scientific and technical organization, contributing meteorological community was the most privileged, greatly to present and future generations. He would most united and most effective international always cherish his experience with WMO and community in the world. On the first weekend of reiterated the promise he had made in 1983 to Fourteenth Congress, he went once more to the continue to promote WMO in whatever capacity he mountains as he had 28 years earlier, and as the would have in the future. In closing, he thanked his day wore on the more distant peaks faded from view. wife and his children for their unqualified support So it was with science and with life. He did not see over the years. as clearly as he once thought he did the detail of the The PRESIDENT thanked Professor Obasi for vast panorama of opportunities ahead but he took his eloquent and noble final address. In reiterating great satisfaction in the knowledge that there were the numerous comments of appreciation that had many others at Congress who did, and who would. In been expressed, the President concluded that it had his closing remarks at Thirteenth Congress and at been a harmonious, constructive and successful the annual sessions of the Executive Council, he had Congress due to the tremendous contributions of all tried to take stock of how deliberations during the the delegates, and he wished to add his sincere sessions had changed the course of WMO and to thanks to the Vice-Presidents Messrs Beysson and present a new vision for the challenges ahead. He Noorian for their support and loyalty throughout was pleased that that responsibility and privilege had Congress and over the last four years, all the now been passed to the new President and members of the outgoing Executive Council, the Secretary-General and their team. His best wishes Secretary-General, the Deputy Secretary-General were with them and he would do his utmost to and the Assistant Secretary-General, whom he support them in the realization of their vision for the congratulated for a job well done at his first future of WMO. Congress in that role. He also thanked the To the Secretary-General Emeritus and all committee secretaries and all the other staff who had those who were attending a Congress for the last supported the various meetings, from the Directors time, he extended the thanks of the entire global to the support staff. He thanked the 64 interpreters meteorological and hydrological community for the and the 90 translators, typists, proofreaders and print individual and collective wisdom that they would be shop staff who often worked overnight as well as leaving behind as inspiration for those to whom the some 16 staff working to provide supporting torch had been passed, and whose great challenges conference services. The success of Congress was would be to ensure that that torch shined ever more due also to the tremendous support behind the brightly to light up the way ahead. His own scenes, and he invited the delegates to express their overwhelming emotion was one of gratitude appreciation to the Secretariat staff who had made it for the trust and support of so many in the WMO possible. He also expressed his appreciation for the family over the last eight years. His admiration kind and generous words spoken about him and affection for the magnificent people in the personally and was touched by the lovely gesture of Secretariat knew no bounds and he would be very the poster and signatures presented to him earlier at sad to leave the community. He would have liked to the plenary. His final words as President of WMO find ways to stay longer, but he hoped that his would be simple, brief and somewhat personal. judgement was still good enough to know when it Having first come to WMO 30 years was the right time to leave, and he did so in the previously, he reminisced about his first Congress in knowledge that he had been part of an extremely 1975, during which he visited the mountains with exciting and enjoyable period in the development of some of the great figures of the formative years of meteorology. He was deeply grateful to all in the WMO, who were bound closely together in friendship WMO community for their companionship and by their common love of meteorology and their belief friendship along the tortuous path of progress over 74 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
the past 30 years. He had reached the end of his would have foregone for all the material rewards in personal journey with a sense of satisfaction the world. It was a global family and its ties of trust knowing that WMO had survived through some and friendship would continue to bind tightly extraordinarily difficult times and he had a profoundly across the barriers of race, religion, culture and positive view of what the Organization would achieve social and economic conditions to contribute in a in the 21st century. small but significant way to the highest ideals and In summary, as WMO’s custodianship aspirations that every generation held for the future passed to another generation, he considered of humanity. meteorology to be one of the most exciting, Before closing Fourteenth Congress, he wished to challenging and practically useful fields of natural once again thank Congress as well as his colleagues science with a future that promised both steady on the podium, the Secretariat and the interpreters, progress and occasional giant leaps forward as and endorsed the thanks and good wishes extended spectacular as any that had been achieved in the to all by Messrs Bedritsky and Jarraud and Professor past in any field. It was a profession that was as Obasi. noble, inspiring and all-consuming as any there was and one that could give to those who were fortunate The President declared the Fourteenth enough to stumble on it in their youth a lifetime of World Meteorological Congress closed at 5.56 p.m. satisfaction that few, if any, in retirement
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ABEDA Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa ACMAD African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development AgMP Agricultural Meteorology Programme AGRHYMET Regional Training Centre for Agrometeorology and Operational Hydrology and their Applications ALADIN Atmospheric Laser Doppler Instrument AMDAR Aircraft Meteorological Delay Relay AMESD African Monitoring of the Environment for Sustainable Development AMP Applications of Meteorology Programme AOC-HYCOS West and Central Africa Hydrological Cycle Observing System AREP Atmospheric Research and Environment Programme ASEAN Association of South-East Asian Nations ASECNA Agency for Air Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar ASMC ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Centre AWS Automatic Weather Station
BSH (Programme on) Basic Systems in Hydrology BOOS Baltic Ocean Observing System
CAeM Commission for Aeronautical Meteorology CAgM Commission for Agricultural Meteorology CAS Commission for Atmospheric Sciences CBH (Programme on) Capacity Building in Hydrology CCl Commission for Climatology CILSS Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel CIMO Commission for Instruments and Methods of Observation CLICOM Climate Computing CLIPS Climate Information and Prediction Services
EAMAC African School of Meteorology and Civil Aviation EC Executive Council ECMWF European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts ECOWAS Economic Community of West African States EDMS Electronic Document Management System ERA Emergency Response Activities ESCAP United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific ETRP Education and Training Programme EUMETSAT European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites
FAH (Programme on) Forecasting and Application in Hydrology FINAC Financial Advisory Committee FWIS Future WMO Information System
GAW Global Atmosphere Watch GCOS Global Climate Observing System GDPS Global Data-processing System GIS Geographical Information System GOES Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites GOOS Global Ocean Observing System GOS Global Observing System GTS Global Telecommunication System 76 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS
HOMS Hydrological Operational Multipurpose System HWRP Hydrology and Water Resources Programme HYDRONIGER Hydrological Forecasting System in the River Niger Basin
IABM International Association of Broadcast Meteorology IAF International Astronautical Federation ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization ICRISAT International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics ICSU International Council for Science ICT Information and Communication Technology IGOS Integrated Global Observing Strategy IMO International Meteorological Organization IMOP Instruments and Methods of Observation Programme IOC Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission IOGOOS Indian Ocean GOOS IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ISDR International Strategy for Disaster Reduction ISO International Organization for Standardization
JCOMM Joint WMO/IOC Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology JCOMMOPS JCOMM In Situ Observing Platform Support Centre
LDC Least Developed Country
MMAOAP Marine Meteorology and Associated Oceanographic Activities Programme
NBA Niger Basin Authority NGO Non-governmental organization NHS National Hydrological Service NIMET Nigerian Meteorological Agency NMC National Meteorological Centre NMHS National Meteorological and Hydrological Service NMS National Meteorological or Hydrometeorological Service NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NWP Numerical Weather Prediction
PACIFIC-HYCOS Pacific Hydrological Observing System PCCWMR (Programme on) Physics and Chemistry of Clouds and Weather PIREM Platform for Regional Institutions for the Environment and Meteorology PUMA Preparation for the Use of Meteosat Second Generation in Africa PWSP Public Weather Services Programme
RA Regional Association RANET Radio and Internet RBB Results-based Budgeting RBSN Regional Basic Synoptic Network RCC Regional Climate Centre RETIM Réseau européen de transmission d’information météorologique (par satellite) RMDCN Regional Meteorological Data Communication Network RMTC Regional Meteorological Training Centre RMTN Regional Meteorological Telecommunication Network RSMC Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre
6LTP Sixth WMO Long-term Plan SADC Southern African Development Community SDTL Staff Development, Training and Learning SDW (Programme on) Sustainable Development of Water Resources SIDS Small Island Developing States SOPAC South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission SPREP South Pacific Regional Environment Programme
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS 77
TCC Tropical Cyclone Committee TCOP Technical Cooperation Programme TCP Tropical Cyclone Programme THORPEX The Observing System Research and Predictability Experiment TMRP Tropical Meteorology Research Programme
UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNEP United Nations Environment Programme UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
VCP Voluntary Cooperation Programme
WAFS World Area Forecast System WCASP World Climate Applications and Services Programme WCDMP World Climate Data and Monitoring Programme WCIRP World Climate Impact Assessment and Response Strategies Programme WCP World Climate Programme WCRP World Climate Research Programme WHYCOS World Hydrological Cycle Observing System WMC World Meteorological Centre WMO World Meteorological Organization WSIS World Summit on the Information Society WSSD World Summit on Sustainable Development WWRP World Weather Research Programme WWW World Weather Watch WWWDMP World Weather Watch Data Management Programme