WMO faces the future, with action plan on Artificial Intelligence

WMO Charts a Course for the Future with Bold Action on Artificial Intelligence and Global Priorities

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Executive Council, meeting recently on 20 June 2025, laid out a strategic vision and approved a comprehensive action plan to navigate the complexities and opportunities of a rapidly evolving world. Central to these forward-looking decisions is a decisive plan to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) across WMO's operations and research, alongside accelerating crucial initiatives like Early Warnings for All.

Harnessing the Power of AI for Weather, Climate, and Water Services

Recognizing the revolutionary potential of Artificial Intelligence, the Executive Council approved the establishment of a new Joint Advisory Group on AI. This group is tasked with guiding WMO's activities related to the development and application of AI technologies in meteorology and hydrology. A core objective is to accelerate the integration of AI into WMO's foundational infrastructure, particularly the WMO Integrated Processing and Prediction System (WIPPS), which serves as the critical backbone for all forecasting activities.

The AI action plan emphasizes a collaborative approach, bringing together expertise from the public, private, and academic sectors. The goal is to leverage AI and machine learning to strengthen the entire value chain, from initial scientific understanding of weather, climate, and water systems to the delivery of vital services to the public. While embracing innovation, the Council underscored the necessity of adhering to rigorous scientific and ethical standards. Crucially, the plan reinforces the indispensable role of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) as the authoritative sources for public warnings, ensuring trust and reliability in the face of increasingly severe weather events.

"AI is rapidly reshaping how we work, creating a demand for new skills and increased adoption of AI Technology. We need to embrace this challenge, balancing short-term caution with long-term engagement with AI innovation and its expansion," stated WMO President Abdulla Al Mandous, highlighting the strategic importance of this initiative.

Driving Forward Global Priorities and Organizational Efficiency

Beyond the significant focus on AI, the Executive Council took decisive steps on several other key priorities:

• **Accelerating Early Warnings for All:** The Council agreed to expedite the global rollout of the Early Warnings for All initiative, reaffirming its status as WMO’s top overriding priority. This critical program aims to ensure everyone on Earth is protected by early warning systems against hazardous weather, water, and climate events by 2027.
• **Empowering Gender and Youth:** Overwhelming backing was given to dedicated action plans aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering youth within the meteorological and hydrological communities and beyond.
• **Advancing Research and Operations:** Future research and operational activities received endorsement, including crucial work on greenhouse gas monitoring, vital for understanding and addressing climate change.
• **Strengthening Global Engagement:** WMO reaffirmed its deep commitment to the global agenda, focusing on fortified partnerships and elevating the organization's profile within the United Nations system to maximize its impact on sustainable development and climate action.

The Council also adopted resolutions aimed at enhancing WMO's governance and administration. These measures are designed to boost effectiveness and ensure the organization can fulfill its mandate efficiently, particularly in an era marked by resource constraints and growing demands on its services. This includes strategic consideration of the location and resourcing of WMO’s regional offices to optimize support for Members.

A clear demonstration of the commitment to efficiency was the notable 40% reduction in the number of Executive Council documents. This streamlined approach allowed members to dedicate more time and focus to shaping concrete solutions and driving innovation rather than administrative processing.

Looking Ahead: Extraordinary Congress in October 2025

The Executive Council also established the agenda for an extraordinary World Meteorological Congress, scheduled for October 2025. This key event will place a sharp focus on two pivotal areas: the Early Warnings for All initiative and the strategic implementation of AI across WMO activities.

In conclusion, the recent WMO Executive Council meeting signals a robust commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology and enhancing organizational efficiency to address the pressing challenges of weather, climate, and water. By strategically embracing AI, accelerating critical warning systems, and streamlining operations, WMO is positioning itself and its Members to deliver even greater value and resilience in the face of a changing climate.