Results of the Survey on the Role and Functioning of Regional Associations - World Meteorological Organization
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World Meteorological Organization Cg-Ext.(2021)/INF. 2.2
WORLD METEOROLOGICAL CONGRESS Submitted by
Extraordinary Session Secretary-General
11 to 22 October 2021, Virtual Session 7.VII.2021
Results of the Survey on
the Role and Functioning of Regional Associations
RA Survey | Response Rate
OVERALL RESPONSE RATE RESPONSES BY REGION
40 38
31
22%
30 27 Every respondent
Submissions
22 answered
received
20
19 62% approx.
No submission
78%
received
10
72%
79%
12
100% 86% 87% of the
asked questions.
1 100%
0
150 responses in total N/A Region I Region II Region III Region IV Region V Region VI
• Conducted in March-April 2021
• Very rich qualitative data
• Members took the time to express in detail their views
• Multiple ideas and suggestions put forward
• WMO membership seems mobilized and committed to making RAs more efficient, responsive and focused
Q1: Effectiveness of the Regional Associations | Overall
The combination of quantitative and qualitative data shows that
n = 150
Members find RAs fairly effective and appreciate the mechanisms for
cooperation they provide.
Members would like to transform how RAs operate (processes and
cooperation mechanisms) and refocus to their original raison d’être: to
serve Members’ needs and support them in delivering services across
the value chain.
Room for improvement is particularly seen in terms of intra-regional
communication and opportunities for more intense cooperation at the
sub-regional level.
Considering Discussing Making Promoting the Members would like to see an emphasis on more tailored solutions,
matters brought matters of general recommendati execution of the no one-size-fit-all.
to their attention interest and ons to Congress resolutions of
by the Executive coordinating and the Congress and
Council meteorological Executive the Executive No major changes to RA governance are considered necessary, apart
and related Council on Council in their from aligning it with key regional priorities, defining certain functions
activities in their matters within respective
respective the purposes of Regions
more clearly and providing more delegation of authority for
Regions the representation at other bodies.
Organization
Many put forward the need for more monitoring and evaluation at the
regional level, diagnostics of Members’ capacity, and performance
assessment of the regional networks and facilities.
Q1: Effectiveness of the Regional Associations | RA I & II
RA I: Regional Association Effectiveness
Considering matters brought to their attention by the Executive Council
Discussing matters of general interest and coordinating meteorological and related activities in their respective
Regions
Making recommendations to Congress and the Executive Council on matters within the purposes of the Organization
Promoting the execution of the resolutions of Congress and the Executive Council in their respective Regions
• A large majority (50%-70%) in both Regions I and II have qualified RAs as effective to very effective.
• RA I sees room for improvement in the consideration of matters brought to their attention by EC and to promoting the
execution of Cg and EC resolutions.
• A third of respondents from RA II see room for improvement on all four parameters (i.e. RAs considered only slightly to
moderately effective).
RA II: Regional Association Effectiveness
Considering matters brought to their attention by the Executive Council
Discussing matters of general interest and coordinating meteorological and related activities in their respective
Regions
Making recommendations to Congress and the Executive Council on matters within the purposes of the Organization
Promoting the execution of the resolutions of Congress and the Executive Council in their respective Regions
Q1: Effectiveness of the Regional Associations | RA III & IV
RA III: Interaction with WMO Constituent Bodies
Considering matters brought to their attention by the Executive Council
Discussing matters of general interest and coordinating meteorological and related activities in their respective
Regions
Making recommendations to Congress and the Executive Council on matters within the purposes of the Organization
Promoting the execution of the resolutions of Congress and the Executive Council in their respective Regions
• Region III is more reserved in its appraisal, apart from highly valuing RAs as platforms for discussion and coordination
(75% effective to very effective). It assesses their role in promoting Cg/EC resolutions as average and sees room for
improvement in making recommendations to these constituent bodies and in considering EC matters.
• In Region IV a large majority (65%-79%) finds RAs effective to very effective. Their capacity to make recommendations to
Cg/EC is positively assessed (79% effective to very effective), while more could be done to enhance the consideration of
matters brought to their attention by EC and to strengthen the promotion of Cg/EC decisions.
RA IV: Interaction with WMO Constituent Bodies
Considering matters brought to their attention by the Executive Council
Discussing matters of general interest and coordinating meteorological and related activities in their respective
Regions
Making recommendations to Congress and the Executive Council on matters within the purposes of the Organization
Promoting the execution of the resolutions of Congress and the Executive Council in their respective Regions
Q1: Effectiveness of the Regional Associations | RA V & VI
RA V: Interaction with WMO Constituent Bodies
Considering matters brought to their attention by the Executive Council
Discussing matters of general interest and coordinating meteorological and related activities in their respective
Regions
Making recommendations to Congress and the Executive Council on matters within the purposes of the Organization
Promoting the execution of the resolutions of Congress and the Executive Council in their respective Regions
• Region V is slightly less praiseworthy of RAs effectiveness which is deemed average (moderately effective). Of all areas,
promoting the execution of Cg/EC decisions could be strengthened most.
• Region VI values highly RAs (71%-83% rating of effective to very effective). It evaluates most positively the role of RAs in
making recommendations to Cg/EC (83%), whereas the promotion of execution of Cg/EC resolutions could be enhanced
(approx. 30% see it as slightly to moderately effective).
RA VI: Interaction with WMO Constituent Bodies
Considering matters brought to their attention by the Executive Council
Discussing matters of general interest and coordinating meteorological and related activities in their respective
Regions
Making recommendations to Congress and the Executive Council on matters within the purposes of the Organization
Promoting the execution of the resolutions of Congress and the Executive Council in their respective Regions
Q2: How can Regional Associations be improved? Recalibration of the primary role of RAs • Support Members in delivering services across the full value chain (GBON, WIGOS, MHEWS) • Stress the value of RAs as a strategy to achieve collectively what cannot be done individually (should be documented in the RA Reform draft) • Seek innovative, customized solutions that are tailored to the characteristics, issues and particularities of each region Intra-RA communications & knowledge • More consistent and clear communication • The Community Platform is underutilized as a communication forum and information repository for RAs • Dedicated pages for each region with information on regional centres, goals, activities, forums, etc. • A RA Bulletin (e.g. on a bi-monthly basis) • Calendars (annual, quarterly, monthly) with RA and Member meetings, including relevant global meetings • Use of social networks • Mapping of each Member’s strengths and needs, especially of those not represented in EC • Develop a good practices manual featuring typical difficulties experienced by PRs and Members and common solutions and strategies.
Q2: How can Regional Associations be improved? (cont’d) Sub-regional coordination • Organize along sub-regions with homogenous weather systems to discuss issues and challenges (e.g. Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia, Coast of Indian Ocean, Great Lakes). Particularly relevant for large regions with very different climates and conditions (e.g. RA I and RA II). • Develop a mechanism to better integrate these sub-regional or transregional structures into the work of the RAs or adapt their structures to such cooperation mechanisms. • Strengthen opportunities for bilateral and trilateral cooperation on areas of common interest • For RA I, a proposal for sub-regional sessions by economic grouping Inter-RA partnerships • RAs affected by the same weather systems on a global scale may meet for sharing good practice, facilitate technology transfer, and build capacity. • Implement the twinning concept between RAs. Not just joint RA meetings, but also mentoring and supporting the President and Vice-President, and partnering on projects/programmes • Staff exchange programmes across NMHSs where staff from one country spend a few days/weeks/months at another NMHS to learn/teach/share experiences. • Generally more exchange of technology, knowledge and talent. • RAs with greater capabilities and resources to provide support to those with fewer.
Q2: How can Regional Associations be improved? (cont’d) RA Governance • Form should follow function: align RA governance with delivering on key regional priorities • RA President, Management Group and chairs/leads of working structures: better clarity on their roles and responsibilities in the delivery of Congress, EC, TCs and RA resolutions and decisions • RA Vice President: provide more clarity of role and more weight as a way of alleviating the President’s role which has become more demanding following the WMO reform • Delegation: representation of a region in the TCs, RB or other bodies could be delegated to other RA members (beyond PRA) Management Groups • Ensure that all sub-regions are represented • Send regular information to Members on the subjects discussed and decisions taken • Actively seek opportunities to engage in regional political and economic groupings to raise awareness of the links with WMO activities on weather, climate and water initiatives. Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) • A set of monitoring indicators (region-specific and global) for measuring progress on RA work programme. Members to report to RAs and Management Groups to review regularly. • Carry out diagnostics along critical indicators designed to detect gaps (e.g. in service provision capacity, research, technology, etc.) as a basis for the identification of regional priorities. • Assess the performance of regional networks and facilities. • Evaluate the effectiveness of support to particular countries.
Q2: How can Regional Associations be improved? (cont’d) Focus on Members’ needs • More listening and more frequent inquiry on Members’ needs. • Special attention to bridging the gap and assisting less developed Members, particularly through strengthening the role of WMO global and regional centres in this respect. • Guidance from RAs to individual Members on how to adapt to new standards, technical requirements and innovations. • Guidance on the minimum size and staff profiles required of NMHS international affairs offices to be able to deal adequately with the global agenda and exigencies. Enhanced diversity/representation on WMO bodies, particularly of SIDS & LDCs • More representation and participation of LDCs/SIDS; support their NMHSs to fulfil their agenda. • Overwhelming amount of WMO information, bodies, events, processes and activities for smaller NMHS. • Develop mechanisms to actively seek out more women, experts from LDCs, early and mid-career scientists, academia and partners. • Options for more time-limited WMO activities that national experts can participate in, e.g. engage experts for ad-hoc consultations on WMO initiatives. This may encourage greater participation from smaller NMHSs that are unable to take on higher-commitment activities under the TCs and RB.
Q3: How can RA and related meetings be improved? More frequent thematic and technical meetings • A vast majority would like more thematic meetings on regional priorities. • Thematic meetings could provide inputs to WMO strategy at regular Cg sessions, whereas technical meetings could be focused on implementation of decisions and report to Cg-Ext. • A minority view: no more meetings needed as it is hard for Members to cover them all. More frequent virtual meetings • Preferred for their practicality (particularly by Region III) and for allowing more focused discussion; also allowing greater participation from developing countries. Challenges for some Members to attend, particularly from Region V. • Improve the procedures for online meetings to ensure transparency of decision making and optimize their format • Seek smart technological solutions to limitations experienced (e.g. virtual breakout rooms, virtual lounges for informal interaction, store documentation on cloud platforms, light bandwidth platforms). • Hybrid meetings: discuss most documents in advance at preparatory online sessions and then meet physically for shorter sessions to discuss only the critical or controversial ones Financial support for delegates to physical meetings • Many Members highlight their inability to assume the costs of attending WMO meetings Interpretation • Provide interpretation (not only at RA sessions)
Q3: How can RA and related meetings be improved? (cont’d) More frequent RA meetings • Some suggest biennial sessions with technical meetings in between; others annual meetings • Base the meetings on the WMO planning cycle (e.g. a meeting on planning, a meeting on implementation, a meeting on evaluation etc.). • Periodic coordination meetings to discuss progress on activities, latest developments, etc. • Use the saved resources and time for meetings of the RA subcommittees where the work gets coordinated among Members. The subcommittees could meet on the sides of the full RAs when all Members/Secretariat are already gathered with their respective experts. Timing of meetings • Schedule RA meetings prior to Cg to build consensus and speed up the discussions at Congress. Management Group (MG) meetings • More frequent virtual MG meetings • Precede sessions of TCC, PAC and EC and consider recommendations of subsidiary bodies • Establish platforms of engagements outside of Cg for benchmarking and collaboration purposes
Q3: How can RA and related meetings be improved? (cont’d) Agendas and documentation Pre-session • Make available well in advance, particularly for smaller NMHS and to allow time to build regional positions • Regular information sessions on key documents, presented by experts and allowing time for debate • Develop independent, unbiased ‘films’ by experts to provide the larger context and narrative. Agenda • Focused agendas: max. 2-3 agenda items for virtual meetings • Manage so that TCs can report on RAs priority issues and conversely for RAs to identify national or regional issues for the consideration of TCs. • Include an agenda item to consider the reports of subsidiary bodies. In-session • Start each meeting with a brief overview of the role of the RAs and provide context as to how the papers on the agenda contribute to this role. • Spend time within the RA meeting to familiarize PRs with their responsibilities and set the scene for the subsequent discussions.
Q4: Interaction between RAs and WMO constituent bodies | Overall
• The results show room for improvement in the
relationship between RAs and TCs.
• The Northern hemisphere seems more content
54%
57% 55% with the level and outcomes of this interaction
50%
(likely because they are better represented in
TCs).
28%
15% 14% 18%
22% 19%
15%
• The Southern hemisphere is less satisfied with the
12% 10%
6%
13% 9% extent to which their opinion and needs are taken
1% 1% 1%
into account (RA III) and with the level of support
RA requests are well RAs and technical RAs receive The opinion and needs (RA V).
received by the commissions have an adequate support of RAs are taken into
technical effective channel of from the technical account in decision
commissions communication commissions making and the reform
• The considerable portion of ’don’t knows’ (approx.
20%) could partially be attributed to the high
turnover of PRs and lack of experience with TCs.
However, it also speaks of communication issues
not only between constituent bodies but also
150 responses in total
within RAs (e.g. MGs and the rest of the
membership).Q4: Interaction between RAs and WMO constituent bodies | RA I & II
RA I: Interaction with WMO Constituent Bodies
RA requests are well received by the technical commissions
RAs and technical commissions have an effective channel of communication
RAs receive adequate support from the technical commissions
The opinion and needs of RAs are taken into account in decision making and the reform
• In Region I half of Members are generally happy with the interaction between RA and TCs. A fifth disapproved of the
effectiveness of communication and the level of support received. A sizeable share which ranges from 21%-34% could not
express an opinion on the matter.
• Region II has the highest level of satisfaction with its relationship with the TCs among all six regions. Between 77% and
89% of respondents were appreciative of the support received, the effectiveness of communications and the extent to
which their requests are addressed. The level of acquaintance is also the highest in RA II as evident from the low share of
‘don’t knows’.
RA II: Interaction with WMO Constituent Bodies
RA requests are well received by the technical commissions
RAs and technical commissions have an effective channel of communication
RAs receive adequate support from the technical commissions
The opinion and needs of RAs are taken into account in decision making and the reformQ4: Interaction between RAs and WMO constituent bodies | RA III & IV
RA III: Interaction with WMO Constituent Bodies
RA requests are well received by the technical commissions
RAs and technical commissions have an effective channel of communication
RAs receive adequate support from the technical commissions
The opinion and needs of RAs are taken into account in decision making and the reform
RA III is more critical of its relations with TCs. A third of Members believe that their opinion and needs are not taken into
account in decision making and the reform. Of these 17% feel strongly about it. Also about a third are discontent with the
channels of communication and the support received from TCs. Many cannot tell whether RA requests are well received and a
quarter believe they are not.
RA IV seems better connected to TCs and more knowledgeable of the relationship (i.e. lower share of ‘don’t knows’). The vast
majority of Members are happy with the level of communications (85%) and support (74%). They are equally satisfied with
extent to which their requests and opinion are taken into consideration.
RA IV: Interaction with WMO Constituent Bodies
RA requests are well received by the technical commissions
RAs and technical commissions have an effective channel of communication
RAs receive adequate support from the technical commissions
The opinion and needs of RAs are taken into account in decision making and the reformQ4: Interaction between RAs and WMO constituent bodies | RA V & VI
RA V: Interaction with WMO Constituent Bodies
RA requests are well received by the technical commissions
RAs and technical commissions have an effective channel of communication
RAs receive adequate support from the technical commissions
The opinion and needs of RAs are taken into account in decision making and the reform
RA V: The majority of Members (73%) feel that the opinion and needs of RAs are taken into account in decision making. Close to
70% are happy with the effectiveness of communications with TCs, though a quarter disagree. A third are dissatisfied with the
level of support received from TCs. A quarter of Members do not know how well RA requests are received and another quarter
believe they are not as welcome.
RA VI: 75% of Members are content with the effectiveness of the channels of communication with TCs. Over half are also satisfied
with the support received and believe that their needs and opinion are taken into account. A striking proportion (42%) are
unaware whether RA requests are well received. Many could not express an opinion on the other questions.
RA VI: Interaction with WMO Constituent Bodies
RA requests are well received by the technical commissions
RAs and technical commissions have an effective channel of communication
RAs receive adequate support from the technical commissions
The opinion and needs of RAs are taken into account in decision making and the reformQ5: How can interaction with other constituent bodies be improved? Better alignment of Members’ needs, TC/RAs and Members • Stronger vertical strategic alignment along the WMO strategic goals, the RAs and Members’ needs. • Realignment of the regional structures to the new TCs and regular engagement with PRs during this process. • Mechanisms to enable regional experts that are members of TC subsidiary bodies or RB to reach out across the regional membership to gather intelligence and receive feedback on the priority issues for the region to raise in the TC or RB. Sequencing of the SOP process / Regional planning & monitoring/ Focus on Members’ needs • Start the strategic and operational planning (SOP) process with RAs which are the voice of Members. Only after regional priorities, requirements and needs are identified should TCs and RB develop their operational plans. • Institutionalize and improve the process. • Develop regional strategic plans (in consultation with regional entities and aligned with the WMO Strategic Plan) which (a) outline actions for the short-, medium- and long-term, including regional projects, and (b) are monitored by the Management Group with RO assistance. • Better flow of hydrological matters/activities to the RA structure • Analysis of the context of each RA (unique needs related to weather/climate, geography, social capacity development, etc.).
Q5: How can interaction with other constituent bodies be improved? (cont’d)
Regional input to technical discussions
• Provide advance access to documents to be worked on at global meetings so that clear regional positions
could be established and alignment with the global objectives ensured.
• Establish joint work plans between RAs and the regional centers (climate, training, WIGOS, etc.).
• Consult with PRAs prior to designing regional activities.
Two-way communication between RAs and TCs
• TC participation in RA meetings (the participation of PTCs in the latest RA meetings was recognized as a
good practice that could be extended to other senior TC representatives).
• Likewise, inviting RA Presidents to attend TC and RB meetings ensures opportunities for communication
but requires high level of time and effort on behalf of PRAs unless they delegate to other RA members.
• Designate focal points in the RA task teams to follow and monitor the work of each TC working group.
• Conduct TC assessments of less developed NMHS to understand needs/gaps and provide assistance
• Other ideas:
– All serving RA experts of INFCOM and SERCOM SCs, SGs, etc. to meet and discuss their areas of
interest as a way of strengthening the linkages between TCs and RAs.
– Improve interaction through focusing on compliance with technical regulations of the WMO Members
– Direct contact of RA Management Groups with TCs.Q5: How can interaction with other constituent bodies be improved? (cont’d) Lower the barriers to entry • Open RAs to the participation of other actors to learn about and/or participate in debates on the provision of meteorological and hydrological services. • Consider participation of experts as observers (as a temporary step) to increase their knowledge base and self-confidence. A single repository of information and a space for virtual exchange • Experts consider their knowledge insufficient: easy access to available information (e.g. outcomes from different groups) would help raise awareness of ongoing activities. • Consolidate all materials and sources into a single repository structured by technical, operational, manuals, etc. Currently multiple WMO access pages. • Make available all reports, agendas, calendars and relevant documents online and provide easy search and filtering tools. • A Moodle platform or an app (generally a virtual space) where Members can exchange views on documents or various consultations could be held.
Q6-7: Informal Cooperation Mechanisms of RAs| Overall
Effectiveness of informal cooperation mechanisms on a
Informal cooperation mechanisms are seen as
scale of 1-5 (average per region)
moderately effective but the qualitative data points
to a perceived need to institutionalize them, while
allowing space for informal discussions.
They are particularly appreciated in RA III, RA IV and
3.42 Global average
RA VI.
Some see their existence as an indication of RAs not
functioning properly; others go as far as deeming
them threatening to RA effectiveness.
Proposals on how to reinvent them put forward the
need for more collaborative scientific meetings and a
N/A Region I Region II Region III Region IV Region V Region VI
stronger focus on common issues (e.g. impact-based
forecasting, climate impact assessment, early
warning systems, numerical weather prediction and
150 responses in total
data assimilation, etc.).Q6-7: Informal Cooperation Mechanisms | RA I, II, III and IV
RA I: Effectiveness of informal cooperation mechanisms RA II: Effectiveness of informal cooperation mechanisms
RA IV: Effectiveness of informal cooperation mechanisms
RA III: Effectiveness of informal cooperation mechanisms
RA III particularly appreciates the effectiveness of its informal cooperation mechanisms, such as the Conference
of Directors of Iberoamerican NMHS (CIMHET) and the Permanent Commission for the South Pacific. Half of
Members in RA II and RA IV find them effective to very effective. Their value is not as strong in RA I where they
are mostly seen as moderately effective.Q6-7: Informal Cooperation Mechanisms | RA V and VI
RA V: Effectiveness of informal cooperation mechanisms RA VI: Effectiveness of informal cooperation mechanisms
Similar to RA I, informal cooperation mechanisms are appraised as only moderately effective in RA V. They
are more highly appreciated in RA VI where roughly two-thirds of Members rate them as effective to very
effective (e.g. informal meetings of NMHS directors from Southeastern Europe, informal conference of
Central European Directors). The main issue identified in RA VI is how to involve non-EU Members in the
work and find common goals for the whole region. Doing more sub-regional is seen as a potential solution.
Some suggestions put forward for all regions include:
• Opening up existing mechanisms for more and wider participation, particularly by working more online;
• More sub-regional work;
• Merge around common topics;
• Intra- and inter-regional pilot projects, twinning initiatives, expert exchanges.Q8: Regional and Representative Offices | Overall
The Regional and Representative Offices (ROs) are
viewed as moderately effective.
There is a widespread desire to see them better
staffed, with more diverse expertise and in more
contact with Members through a wider variety of
communication modes.
Their strengths vary by region but ROs are mostly
appreciated for their support function to RAs,
engagement with regional partners, and contact
with Members.
Their weakest function across all regions is their
insufficient involvement in the preparation of
funding proposals. ROs are also less effective in
Facilitating the Facilitating the Identifying Identifying Involved in Maintaining Providing Representing
implement- implement- the capacity the technical the sufficient adequate WMO and operational functions: facilitating the
tation of tation of development requirements preparation contact with support to engaging implementation of technical regulations and Cg
congressional technical needs of of the regions of funding your country/ the RAs partners in
decisions regulations Members proposals territory the region decisions.
They are seen as moderately effective in their
analytical functions, such as diagnostics of
150 responses in total technical requirements and the identification of
capacity needs.Q8: Regional and Representative Offices | RA I & II
RA I: Effectiveness of Regional and Representative Offices
Facilitating the implementation of congressional decisions
Facilitating the implementation of technical regulations
Identifying the capacity development needs of Members
§ Identifying the technical requirements of the regions
Involved in the preparation of funding proposals
Maintaining sufficient contact with your country/ territory
Providing adequate support to the RAs
Representing WMO and engaging partners in the region
Similar to the global trend, RA I and RA II find the respective regional and representative offices most effective in their support
and representative functions, though a quarter of respondents in RA II believe more could be done to engage partners. Over 40%
of Members in both regions are unhappy with the extent to which ROs are involved in the preparation of funding proposals. Close
to a third of RA II Members would like ROs to be in more contact with them. A similar proportion of Members in RA I are
discontented with the effectiveness of ROs in facilitating the implementation of Cg decisions. A fifth of respondent in both regions
see room for improvement in the assistance with technical regulations.
RA II: Effectiveness of Regional and Representative Offices
Facilitating the implementation of congressional decisions
Facilitating the implementation of technical regulations
Identifying the capacity development needs of Members
Identifying the technical requirements of the regions
Involved in the preparation of funding proposals
Maintaining sufficient contact with your country/ territory
Providing adequate support to the RAs
Representing WMO and engaging partners in the regionQ8: Regional and Representative Offices | RA III & IV
RA III: Effectiveness of Regional and Representative Offices
Facilitating the implementation of congressional decisions
Facilitating the implementation of technical regulations
Identifying the capacity development needs of Members
Identifying the technical requirements of the regions
Involved in the preparation of funding proposals
Maintaining sufficient contact with your country/ territory
Providing adequate support to the RAs
Re-presenting WMO and engaging partners in the region
Members in RA III and IV are happy with the level of support provided by the regional offices to the RAs. Apart from the need for
stronger involvement in the preparation of funding proposals, RA III would like to see enhanced support from ROs in the
identification of technical requirements and capacity needs of Members.
Among all six regions, the level of satisfaction is highest with the functions performed by the RO in RA IV. The assistance provided
with the implementation of technical regulations and Cg decisions could be improved, as evidenced by the more moderate
assessment of these two areas. The need for greater involvement in funding proposal equally resonates as in other regions.
RA IV: Effectiveness of Regional and Representative Offices
Facilitating the implementation of congressional decisions
Facilitating the implementation of technical regulations
Identifying the capacity development needs of Members
Identifying the technical requirements of the regions
Involved in the preparation of funding proposals
Maintaining sufficient contact with your country/ territory
Providing adequate support to the RAs
Re-presenting WMO and engaging partners in the regionQ8: Regional and Representative Offices | RA V & VI
RA V: Effectiveness of Regional and Representative Offices
Facilitating the implementation of congressional decisions
Facilitating the implementation of technical regulations
Identifying the capacity development needs of Members
Identifying the technical requirements of the regions
Involved in the preparation of funding proposals
Maintaining sufficient contact with your country/ territory
Providing adequate support to the RAs
Re-presenting WMO and engaging partners in the region
Though generally satisfied with the assistance received from ROs, the appraisal of RA V is slightly more toned-down, as illustrated
by the large share of average ratings. Over a quarter of Members in RA V would like to see strengthened support in a variety of
areas (from implementation of Cg decisions and tech regs to preparation of funding proposals and more contact).
The vast majority of Members in RA VI (77%) value highly the effectiveness of the RO in assisting the RA. Over half of Members
have rated as effective to very effective the support received in most areas, apart from the extent to which the RO has managed to
maintain contact. They also demand more in terms of representation and engagement with partners.
RA VI: Effectiveness of Regional and Representative Offices
Facilitating the implementation of congressional decisions
Facilitating the implementation of technical regulations
Identifying the capacity development needs of Members
Identifying the technical requirements of the regions
Involved in the preparation of funding proposals
Maintaining sufficient contact with your country/ territory
Providing adequate support to the RAs
Re-presenting WMO and engaging partners in the regionQ9: Role and function of Regional Offices Resources • Widespread belief that ROs are understaffed and, as a result, are not as proactive as they should be and not fully meeting expectations. More human resources are requested for the ROs. • More diversity in terms of staff expertise (e.g. international relations, management of scientific and technological projects, technology/infrastructure (GBON, WIGOS), meteorological and hydrological service provision, communication, etc.). • No one-size-fit-all resource arrangement; should be commensurate with the needs of the different regions. • Promote rotation mechanisms between ROs and the headquarters. Communication • More frequent newsfeed to Members and more regular communication to ensure engagement in regional priorities (not only via Community Platform, but also through emails, videos and other means). • Regular briefings to PRs on WMO programmes, activities and events (SG online briefings mentioned as a good practice). • Regularly update Members on WMO-wide developments (key info from other RA, RC or RB meetings) and progress on regional work programmes + seek feedback. Liaison with Geneva • Adapt common/generic templates provided by WMO to make them relevant and tailored to specific RA. • Work with the technical programmes to ensure Members priorities, needs and requirements are met.
Q9: Role and function of Regional Offices (cont’d) Engagement with regional entities • Engage with regional UN and intergovernmental bodies to help profile the relevance of the WMO community. • Plug into regional political bodies to better understand and support regional needs. Maintain the institutional memory of RAs • Keep historical records and ensure there is no information loss as a result of personnel changes • Improve the follow-up on intersessional agreements through the use of online tools. Coordination and support to PRAs • Take the lead on coordinating RA activities and follow up accordingly. Support to Members • Advocacy in demonstrating to governments the value of NMHS. • Resource mobilization and funding opportunities for projects. • More visits to countries by ROs to increase WMO visibility and understand better national realities. • More proactive efforts to work closely with the MG and Members to ensure timeliness in the delivery. • Regular meetings between the WMO communications team and those of NMHS to assist with messaging and key information to be transmitted to different actors (government, society, private sector). • Transparent mechanisms to ensure that project objectives respond to the needs of the RA and its Members.
Q9: Role and function of Regional Offices (cont’d) Enhance understanding of WMO • Provision of a WMO familiarization course for experts, not just PRs and their assistants. This could be used widely to communicate on specific issues with funders or governments. • Particular need to “educate” new PRs and their technical teams on WMO and its processes, mechanisms and priority activities. • Organize an attachment programme on a rotational basis for Members to “link/visit” ROs and update/improve their understanding of WMO governance and management. WMO Secretariat more generally • Be more “permeable” to input from the regions and adapt the agenda to regional priorities.
Q10: WMO Effectiveness on Flagship Initiatives
WMO is most appreciated for its effective support to
Members through education and training. It is also seen
as fairly effective in developing and improving MHEWS as
well as in promoting cooperation between NMS and NHS.
Regional differences exist on the ranking of all five
initiatives.
Efforts in promoting cooperation between NMHS and the
private sector are considered the least effective, though
this is considerably less the case in RA IV and RA VI
where only a fifth of Members are critical (as compared to
34%-49% in other regions).
RA I is the most disapproving of results achieved in
addressing gaps in Earth system observations.
RA III is the most vocal on the insufficient level of
effectiveness in developing and improving MHEWS. This is
in stark contrast to RA VI which found WMO’s work in this
area to be very effective.
A quarter of Members in RA I and RA V see room for
improvement in promoting NMS/NHS cooperation but
overall considered quite effective, particularly in RA IV
and VI.Q10: WMO Effectiveness on Flagship Initiatives | RA I & II
Members from RA I find WMO fairly RA I: WMO Effectiveness
effective, apart from its efforts to
promote cooperation with the private
sector which half of respondents see
as only slightly to not effective.
A third are also unimpressed by work
to address gaps in Earth system
observations.
It seems that the benefits of the WMO initiatives are still not fully felt in the
African region, judging by the share of rankings in the lower end of the
scale. The same is observed in RA V, which speaks of a need to strengthen
support for less developed Members, particularly LDCs and SIDS which are The responses of Members from RA II
predominantly located in these two regions. match the global average, with
initiatives in support of education and
RA II: WMO Effectiveness training and NMHS cooperation seen as
the most effective.
They also echo the global pattern on
the need to strengthen the promotion of
cooperation with the private sector,
which a third of RA II Members find less
effective. About 20% are critical of
advances in filling gaps in the Earth
observation system.Q10: WMO Effectiveness on Flagship Initiatives | RA III & IV
RA III: WMO Effectiveness
Members in RA III appreciate most
WMO effectiveness in promoting
cooperation between NMS and NHS,
followed by support on education and
training and, to a slightly lower extent,
on addressing gaps in Earth system
observations.
As mentioned earlier, RA III is
particularly critical of efforts on MHEWS
and cooperation with the private sector.
RA IV rated highly the effectiveness of
WMO’s education and training activities
and its efforts to promote NMS/NHS
cooperation.
RA IV: WMO Effectiveness
Initiatives to address gaps in Earth
system observations have only been
moderately effective in RA IV and have
considerable room for improvement
(only 32% effective to very effective).
The same is true for work on MHEWS,
though to a lesser degree.
A fifth of RA IV Members find WMO
efforts to promote cooperation with the
private sector only slightly effective.Q10: WMO Effectiveness on Flagship Initiatives | RA V & VI
The majority RA V Members are happy RA V: WMO Effectiveness
with WMO’s education and training
activities.
There is also considerable recognition of
initiatives to develop and improve
MHEWS (with room for improvement).
The effectiveness of initiatives to
promote cooperation with the private
sector is quite low (mostly moderately
effective and only 16% rating of
effective to very effective). The same
applies to efforts to address gaps in Together with RA I, RA V sees scope to improve work on promoting
Earth system observations, though to a cooperation between NMS and NHS.
lesser degree.
RA VI considers WMO to have been
most effective in its work on MHEWS.
RA VI: WMO Effectiveness It also appreciates efforts to support
Members through education and
training.
There is potential to improve work on
NMS/NHS cooperation, judging by the
level of moderate ratings.
Work with the private sector requires
the most attention in terms of
effectiveness, though it is rated quite
highly as compared to other regions.Q11: WMO Effectiveness in Gaining Recognition
Members are very praiseworthy of the extent to
which WMO has gained recognition on the
international arena.
This is the area rated most highly of all the areas
assessed in the survey overall.
RA VI and RA I are the most complimentary in their
ratings. RA III is the least, with a quarter of its
Members casting doubt on effectiveness in gaining
acknowledgement internationally.
WMO is seen as slightly less successful in gaining
recognition at the regional level, though appreciation
is still quite high. RA I and RA II are the regions
where such work is most recognized. The large share
of responses indicating moderate success regionally
speaks of potential room for improvement.
The degree of gaining recognition at the national
level is deemed only as moderate, particularly in RA
V. A third of RA III Members provided a low rating (1-
2) on the degree of success, followed by Members
from RA VI and RA IV (28%).Q12: How can WMO better connect to political processes?
• The qualitative data collected supports the positive appraisal of the extent to which WMO has increased its
visibility in the past years. Work in promoting sub-regional cooperation in Southeastern Europe and in
liaising with ESCAP is particularly appreciated and considered effective.
• Further endeavour is needed in connecting to political processes, particularly in the climate change domain.
A proposal worth highlighting is for WMO to issue technical standards or guidelines on generating climate
change scenarios as input for national adaptation plans and to incorporate such information in technical
standards, among others.
• Less developed Members call for more targeted communication and interaction at the ministerial level as
well as to raise awareness of the important role of PRs. They encourage WMO officials to participate in
significant NMHS events.
• There is wide agreement to seek greater involvement of the permanent missions with the UN in Geneva and
ministries of foreign affairs. The latter could be used to inform/remind governments of international
agreements and commitments and to highlight the need to empower NMHS to be able to meet them.
• Respondents would also like to see strengthened links with regional organizations (ECLAC, UNESCAP, ASC-
AEC, etc.) and regional political bodies (e.g. ASEAN). Some believe that the Management Groups could play
a bigger role in engaging with regional political and economic groupings. Others suggest that WMO exploit
opportunities for tapping the regional presence of other international organizations (e.g. ICAO, WHO, FAO).
• Region VI would like WMO to establish closer relations with bodies of the European Union, particularly the
European Commission, and to lobby for the interests of NMHS from the earliest stages of legislative work.
Closer contact is recommended with regional structures, such as EUMETNET, ECMWF, ICWED, ICCED, etc.Q13: How can PRs and national experts participate more actively?
• No clear pattern.
• WMO has been successful in engaging national experts in the work of the Organization but not PRs.
• A widespread belief that partially due to their high turnover PRs are not sufficiently informed about WMO
work and their role and responsibilities.
• Provide basic training to new PRs to understand their role and responsibilities as country representatives
(as opposed to NMHS representatives) and strengthen their knowledge of RAs and WMO work. They
would otherwise be unable to effectively communicate it to those above and beneath.
• Provide assistance with advocacy and strategic planning: communicate to policy makers (1) the value
that PR participation in WMO activities brings to the nation and (2) the value of hydrometeorology as a
way of obtaining more funding and resources for NMHS.Q14: Additional comments
Respondents stressed the need for:
o Increased capacity building, staff exchanges, opportunities for secondments in WMO headquarters and the
regional offices, fellowships, etc.
o Dedicated effort to attract young people to study meteorology and hydrology
o Strengthened support to NMHS facing decreased levels of resources (both human and financial) and to
small NMHS (e.g. of small countries/territories and SIDS)
o Raised awareness among national governments and policy makers on the important role of NMHS
o Assistance with socio-economic benefit analysis to demonstrate the potential for return on investment to
governments
o Infrastructure modernization and assistance with data management (instrumentation, data management,
effective maintenance procedure, and financial mechanisms for the maintenance of the observation stations
and equipment).
o Technology transfer (e.g. AI technologies in hydrometeorological observation, guidance with QA/QC data)
o Provide access of less developed Members to global forecasting models (e.g. ECMWF)
o Interpretation at meetings to facilitate the participation of experts regardless of their proficiency in English
o An effort to accommodate the English-speaking minority in RA III and the French-speaking minority in RA
IV in terms of correspondence and exchanges which are mostly in the language of the majority (Spanish
and English, respectively).Q14: Additional comments
Other comments which do not represent a majority view but could prove useful include:
o The need for concerted efforts and assistance with the open data policy.
o Continued and increased focus on the polar regions, including closer contact with the Arctic community
and the Arctic Council.
o Discrepancy in the level of knowledge between Members represented in EC and those not represented; a
similar disparity is noted between Members participating in the technical commissions and those that do
not participate in their structures and activities.
o Encourage more active participation of national experts through strengthening regional and sub-regional
weather, climate and water fora specifically for experts to make presentations of scientific works which
contribute to WMO strategic goals (e.g. to establish a window in Regional Climate Outlook Fora (RCOF)
and a modality to escalate the recommendations).
o Further support to accelerate implementation of Resolution 54 (Cg-18) and its recommendations to
assist NMHSs of Members, especially SIDS and LDCs, with incorporating Space-based Weather and
Climate Extremes Monitoring (SWCEM) operational products into national observation systems, and in
this way strengthening MHEWS.You can also read
