WMO calls on all PRs that have not had the opportunity to do so to join the next Induction Workshop.
The turnover rate in the Permanent Representatives (PR) to the WMO has been high over the last years. In 2024 alone, 31 new PRs were appointed. Thus, the importance of the WMO Induction Workshop for PRs is heightened. Through the workshops, PRs learn about the work of WMO, its benefits and impacts on their work, meet the WMO Executive team and key Directors that they may need to call on in the future and get acquainted with peers that share their challenges.
This year's workshop, held in Geneva from 29 to 31 October, attracted 17 participants - 16 PRs and 1 PR assistant - from across the six WMO regions. Special effort had been made to increase the participation of less represented regions, especially Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small-Island Developing States (SIDS), they represented 38% of the participants.
WMO Secretary-General Professor Celeste Saulo addressed the workshop in a video message that emphasized the role of PRs in mobilizing experts and liaising with partners and government. She encouraged the PRs to embrace new challenges and technology to advance meteorological and hydrological services and tackle climate change. WMO Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett outlined the role of PRs in the work of WMO, while WMO Assistant Secretary-General Thomas Asare joined them for a working lunch.
The workshop introduced the overarching WMO priorities, core values and long-term goals outlined in the WMO Strategic Plan 2024 to 2027 and highlighted how these contribute to the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals as well as the call for Early Warnings for All. The presentations also demonstrated how Members needs and priorities can be integrated into the Strategic Plan. The PRs were shown how WMO can assist in areas of concern for them such as resource mobilization and development partnerships, education and training, and operational challenges.
The PRs shared experiences, including on how national legislation has helped to ensure the autonomy of their services and enabled resource mobilization, cost recovery activities, and cooperation with private sector to generate revenues. Dynamic discussions gave rise to promising opportunities for collaboration and enhanced the overall effectiveness of the workshop.
WMO calls on all PRs that have not had the opportunity to do so to join the next Induction Workshop. It is being planned for the latter half of 2025, possibly back-to-back with the extraordinary Congress to encourage more PRs to participate.
