Geneva: Today, as the world commemorates Meteorological Day, experts are joining hands to address the current gap in early warning systems aimed at reducing deaths and losses associated with dangerous weather phenomena. This year’s commemoration also coincides with the 75th anniversary of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), recognized as the United Nations’ authoritative voice on weather, climate, and water.

According to Lao News Agency, WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized in a message for the celebrations that the organization has contributed billions of dollars in added value to the global economy over the years. Furthermore, the WMO’s efforts have led to saving billions of dollars in economic losses from weather, climate, and water-related hazards, as well as hundreds of thousands of lives.

Saulo highlighted the importance of the unrestricted exchange of weather-related data, products, and services, considering it vital for the security of countries and climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, aviation, shipping, energy, water management, and health. She urged governments worldwide to increase investments in National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, viewing them as essential for both domestic and global socioeconomic development.