{"id":27934,"date":"2026-08-22T17:32:32","date_gmt":"2026-08-22T12:02:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=27934"},"modified":"2026-08-22T17:32:32","modified_gmt":"2026-08-22T12:02:32","slug":"world-meteorological-organization-wmo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/world-meteorological-organization-wmo\/","title":{"rendered":"World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Headquarters, Members"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <strong>World Meteorological Organization (WMO)<\/strong> is an intergovernmental organisation that promotes global cooperation in meteorology and related Earth-system sciences. Its work covers weather, climate, hydrology, environmental monitoring, forecasting, data exchange and early-warning systems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">WMO provides a common international framework that enables national meteorological and hydrological services to share observations, scientific knowledge and technical expertise. Through this cooperation, it supports better weather and climate services, strengthens disaster preparedness and helps countries respond to environmental risks. Its activities are particularly important for improving forecasting, protecting lives and property, and supporting climate-resilient development worldwide.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">WMO Full Form<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The full form of WMO is World Meteorological Organization. It is a specialised agency of the United Nations dealing with weather, climate, water and associated environmental sciences. The organisation became a <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/the-united-nations-un\/\" target=\"_blank\">United Nations (UN)<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> specialized agency in 1951, following the entry into force of its Convention in 1950.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">World Meteorological Organization (WMO) History<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The history of WMO is closely connected with the development of international cooperation in meteorology during the 19th century. Its institutional roots can be traced to the International Meteorological Organisation (IMO), established in the aftermath of the 1873 Vienna International Meteorological Congress.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Vienna Congress (1873): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The 1873 Vienna International Meteorological Congress called for an international mechanism to facilitate the exchange of weather information across national boundaries.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>IMO Formation (1879):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The Permanent Meteorological Committee completed the proposed rules and statutes at Utrecht in 1878, leading to IMO's establishment during the 1879 Rome Congress.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>International Meteorological Committee:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The Rome Congress established the International Meteorological Committee to promote international cooperation, meteorological research, uniform observations, reporting practices, and systematic data exchange.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>World Meteorological Organisation Established: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Following <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/world-war-2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>World War 2<\/strong><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, efforts intensified to establish a stronger intergovernmental framework. The WMO Convention entered into force on 23 March 1950, replacing IMO and strengthening global meteorological cooperation.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>UN Specialised Agency (1951):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> In 1951, WMO became a specialised agency of the United Nations, expanding international cooperation in meteorology, hydrology, and related geophysical sciences.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">World Meteorological Organization Headquarters<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The WMO headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland. Its Secretariat, which handles the organisation's technical and administrative work, is headquartered in Geneva. It has two key leadership positions:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>World Meteorological Organization Secretary-General:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Celeste Saulo heads the Geneva-based WMO Secretariat and oversees the organisation\u2019s administrative activities and technical programmes.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>World Meteorological Organization President:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Abdulla Al Mandous presides over the World Meteorological Congress and the Executive Council, providing overall strategic leadership to the organisation.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">World Meteorological Organization Members<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The World Meteorological Organization has 193 members, including 187 member states and 6 territories that manage their own weather services. These members work together globally on weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and water data. India has been a member of the WMO since 1950. It is a founding member of the organisation and takes an active role in its global weather, climate, and hydrological initiatives.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Objectives<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The objectives of WMO centre on strengthening international cooperation in Earth-system sciences and improving weather, climate and water services. Its mandate connects scientific cooperation with the protection of people, property and economic activity. Major objectives of the WMO include the following:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Improving weather forecasting:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Promote better observation, modelling and prediction of weather conditions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Strengthening climate services:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Support countries in monitoring climate variability and long-term climate change.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Enhancing hydrological services:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Improve understanding and management of water-related conditions and hazards.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Facilitating data exchange:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Encourage international sharing of meteorological, climatological and hydrological information<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Protecting lives and property:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Strengthen early-warning and disaster-risk reduction systems.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Promoting scientific research: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Support research and innovation in meteorology and related Earth-system sciences.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Building national capacity:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Help countries strengthen technical expertise, infrastructure and institutional capabilities.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Supporting sustainable development:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Make reliable environmental information available for agriculture, water management, health, transport and other sectors.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">World Meteorological Organization Governance Structure<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) governance structure is made up of five main bodies: the World Meteorological Congress, the Executive Council, Regional Associations, Technical Commissions, and the Secretariat.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">World Meteorological Congress<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The World Meteorological Congress is the <\/span><b>supreme decision-making body<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> of the WMO and comprises representatives of all its Members. It meets once every four years to determine the organisation's overall policies, approve strategic and long-term plans, adopt regulations, and elect key officials. It provides the overarching direction for international cooperation in weather, climate, water, and related sciences.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">WMO Executive Council<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Executive Council serves as the<\/span><b> executive body<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> responsible for implementing decisions adopted by the World Meteorological Congress. It generally meets annually in Geneva to review WMO programmes, coordinate their implementation, and oversee financial and administrative matters.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">WMO Regional Associations<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Regional Associations coordinate WMO activities according to the specific meteorological, hydrological, and climatic requirements of different geographical regions. There are <\/span><b>six Regional Associations<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, covering Africa, Asia, South America, North America, Central America and the Caribbean, Southwest Pacific, and Europe.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">WMO Secretariat<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The WMO Secretariat is the organization's permanent administrative, operational, and technical body, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It supports the work of the Congress, Executive Council, Regional Associations, and Technical Commissions. The Secretariat operates under the leadership of the WMO Secretary-General.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">WMO\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Technical Commissions<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Technical Commissions provide scientific and technical expertise to support WMO programmes and international cooperation. Major commissions include the Commission for Weather, Climate, Water and Related Environmental Services and Applications (SERCOM) and the Commission for Observation, Infrastructure and Information Systems (INFCOM).<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Projects<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The WMO projects programme focuses on strengthening the ability of members to provide weather, climate and water services. Projects are implemented at national and regional levels and are designed around specific needs and challenges.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Important examples include:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Supports countries in strengthening early-warning and early-action capabilities.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Early Warnings for All (EW4All):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Supports the broader global objective of protecting people from hazardous weather, climate and water events through effective multi-hazard warning systems.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Extreme Heat initiatives:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Projects focus on improving preparedness and protection against extreme heat, including among vulnerable populations.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Climate services for health:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> WMO supports efforts to strengthen the use of climate information in health-related decision-making.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Anticipatory climate adaptation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Projects help vulnerable communities prepare for climate risks before disasters occur.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Reports<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The WMO reports and publications provide scientific assessments and regular updates on weather, climate, water and environmental conditions. They are widely used by governments, researchers, international organisations and policymakers. Major WMO reports include:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>State of the Global Climate:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> This flagship annual report assesses major climate indicators and developments in the global climate system. WMO has published annual statements on the global climate since 1993.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Greenhouse Gas Bulletin:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> This publication tracks atmospheric concentrations and trends of major long-lived greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>State of Global Water Resources:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> These reports provide assessments of global water resources and their changing conditions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Global Status of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> This series assesses progress in developing warning systems capable of addressing multiple hazards.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">WMO and India<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The relationship between the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and India is built on long-standing scientific cooperation, data exchange and joint efforts to strengthen weather forecasting, climate monitoring and disaster preparedness. India's Role in WMO;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Founding Member<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: India has been a WMO Member since the organisation's establishment in 1950, giving it a long-standing role in global meteorological cooperation.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Executive Board Participation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> An Indian representative has served on the WMO Executive Board for more than six decades, the longest such representation from the Asia-Pacific region.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>IMD as a Key Partner:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/india-meteorological-department-imd\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>India Meteorological Department<\/strong><\/a> (IMD) contributes to WMO activities in severe-weather forecasting, flash-flood warnings, seasonal climate outlooks, education and professional training.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Regional Centres:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> India hosts several WMO-designated regional facilities, including the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC), New Delhi Tropical Cyclone Centre, which supports cyclone-related forecasting and information services.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">WMO IMD's Vision 2047 and<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A major recent development in WMO\u2013India cooperation was the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the India Meteorological Department in January 2025. During the event, India's Vision 2047 for weather and climate services was unveiled, focusing on modernising meteorological systems and making India more weather-ready and climate-smart<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Challenges<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The challenges faced by WMO have become more complex as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of many weather and climate risks. At the same time, the organisation must maintain global scientific cooperation and strengthen services in countries with unequal technical and financial capacities.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Rising Climate Risks: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Increasing extreme heat, heavy rainfall, droughts, floods and other hazards are placing greater demands on meteorological and climate services.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Funding Constraints:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> WMO has highlighted the need for sustained and sustainable support to maintain its life-saving and standard-setting activities, with funding shortfalls posing a challenge to expanding these services.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Unequal Technical Capacity:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Developing and vulnerable countries may lack sufficient observation infrastructure, forecasting technology, skilled personnel and financial resources.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Data and Technology Gaps:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Effective forecasting requires high-quality observations, advanced computing, satellites and modern data systems. Uneven access to these capabilities can affect the quality of services.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Early Warning for All: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Currently, one-third of the world's population is not covered by multi-hazard warning systems. The World Meteorological Organization is working to close this gap by the end of 2027 in order to protect communities from extreme weather and climate events.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">WMO Way Forward<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The way forward for WMO should focus on combining scientific innovation with stronger international cooperation, inclusive capacity building and reliable financing.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Strengthen Early Warning Systems:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Expand multi-hazard early-warning coverage, particularly in vulnerable developing countries.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Improve Observation Infrastructure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Invest in weather stations, satellites, radar systems, ocean observations and other monitoring technologies.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Expand Digital and AI Capabilities:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Use <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/artificial-intelligence\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>artificial intelligence<\/strong><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, high-performance computing and advanced modelling to improve forecasting.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bridge the Technology Gap:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Increase technical assistance, training and knowledge transfer to countries with limited meteorological capacity.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Ensure Sustainable Financing:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Mobilise public and private-sector resources for long-term weather, climate and hydrological services.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Build Climate-Resilient Services:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Integrate climate information into agriculture, water management, health, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/disaster-management-notes\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>disaster management<\/strong><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and urbanization.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Deepen Multilateral Partnerships:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Strengthen cooperation with UN agencies, research institutions, national meteorological services and other stakeholders.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">World Meteorological Organization UPSC PYQs<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><b>Q1. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now is an initiative launched by: <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2018)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a) The Intergovernmental Panel on <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/climate-change\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Climate Change<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">b) The UNEP Secretariat<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">c) The UNFCCC Secretariat<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">d) The World Meteorological Organization<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (c)<\/b><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a UN agency promoting global cooperation in weather, climate and water sciences. Check more about WMO, Headquarters, Members, Objectives, Governance and Reports.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":27990,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[38,29],"tags":[40,639,1888],"class_list":["post-27934","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-upsc-notes","category-upsc-international-relations-and-institutions-notes","tag-quest","tag-upsc-international-relations-and-institutions-notes","tag-world-meteorological-organization"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27934","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27934"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27934\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27992,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27934\/revisions\/27992"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27990"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27934"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27934"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27934"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}