Egypt Wins Seat on Executive Council of World Meteorological Organization (WMO) for 2023-2027 Period

Written by Mahmoud Abdel-Ghany

Friday, June 02, 2023 10:52 PM

In a new international achievement, in addition to the series of successes achieved by the civil aviation sector at the regional and international levels, Egypt – represented by the General Authority of Meteorology, one of the bodies affiliated to the Ministry of Civil Aviation – won a seat on the Executive Council of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), for a period of four years. From 2023 to 2027, during the elections held at the nineteenth session of the World Meteorological Congress, which is currently being held at the organization’s headquarters in the Swiss capital, Geneva, with the participation of 163 countries. This victory coincides with the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO-IMO). And also with the launch of the International Early Warning Initiative for All, which aims to preserve lives and property from the dangers of climate change.

Lieutenant General Mohamed Abbas Helmy, Minister of Civil Aviation, affirmed that this new international achievement is in addition to the achievements made by the Egyptian state under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi – President of the Republic, and in light of the state’s continuous efforts to support the civil aviation sector in various fields and at all levels. Congratulations to all the employees of the Meteorological Authority, headed by Navigator Hisham Tahoun – Chairman of the Board of Directors – for their effective role and great efforts, which had a great impact in achieving this new global achievement.

The minister explained that Egypt’s victory in this seat comes after the unremitting efforts made by the General Authority of Meteorology during the last period through fruitful cooperation and continuous coordination with the World Meteorological Organization, especially during the Conference of the Parties concerned with climate change (COP27), which was held recently in Sharm El-Sheikh, as well as after Mobilizing the support of member states during the meetings that took place in the League of Arab States last May, which confirms the pioneering role and distinguished position that Egypt enjoys at the regional and international levels in various fields, especially in the field of meteorology.

He pointed out that this victory is an important event for the Arab Republic of Egypt, as it allows it to participate in decision-making within the organization and guarantee Egypt’s strategic interests in the field of weather and water at the international level.

Among the most prominent efforts undertaken by the General Authority of Meteorology is the establishment of a museum of meteorology and climate change, which includes a unique collection of climate records dating back more than 200 years, as well as meteorological devices that were used in the field of weather measurements over time. The museum was praised and admired by the World Meteorological Organization, and it made a virtual tour of it available on its website, so that the rest of the world’s member countries follow suit.

It is worth noting that Egypt is one of the first countries to sign the agreement establishing the World Meteorological Organization.