Introduction of WMO

World Meteorological Organization (WMO) was founded on 23 March, 1950.

The purpose of WMO are to facilitate international cooperation in the establishment of networks of stations for making meteorological, hydrological and other observations; and to promote the rapid exchange of meteorological observations and the uniform publication of observations and statistics. It also furthers the application of meteorology to aviation, shipping, water problems, agriculture and other human activities, promotes operational hydrology and encourages research and training in meteorology.

At present, there are 185 members of WMO.

WMO secretariat is located in Geneva, Switzerland and professor G. O. P. Obasi from Brazil is the Secretary-general. The World Meteorological Congress, which is the supreme body of WMO, meets every four years, and Doctor J.W. Zillman from Australia is the present chairman WMO has several publications including WMO Bulletin (quarterly) and World Climate News etc.

China's relations with WMO

China is one of the signatory states to the World Meteorological Convention of 1947. China resumed its legal seat in WMO on 24th February, 1972. and has been member of the Executive Council of WMO since 1973. Hongkong SAR and Macao SAR are member territories of WMO.

Mr. Zou Jingmeng, the ex Director- general of China Meteorological Administration was elected to be the chairman of the organization for twice, on the 10th and the 11th Word Meteorological Congress, respectively.

China has good relations with WMO. The former chairman and all Secretary-Generals had paid visits to China and were received by Chinese leaders. During the period of the 11th and the 12th World Meteorological Congress, Premier Li Peng sent congratulatory telegrams and expressed that the Chinese government would support and take active part in WMO activities, as always. By donations to WMO, China provides meteorological facilities to some countries as well as arranging meteorological officials from abroad to visit and study China.

In 1997, China invited 14 meteorological Director-generals from island countries in South Pacific Ocean and representative of WMO Secretary-general to pay a visit to China; and hence strengthened the relations on meteorological issues with the these countries. Also in 1997, through WMO, China offered aid valued 250,980 us $ to some countries, in various ways.

In 1998, China invited 9 meteorological Director-generals or senior officials from Arabian areas and the representative of WMO Secretary-general to pay a visit to China, and hence strengthened the relations on meteorological issues with these countries.

On 21st--30th April, 1998, China hosted the 4th international symposium on tropical cyclone that was cosponsored by WMO and the International Science Association, in HaiKou, Hainan province. 100 experts from all over the world participated the symposium.

When severe floods attacked the basins of Yantze river and Songhuajiang river in 1998,professor Obasi, the WMO Secretary-general made phone call to Chinese permanent representative to WMO and expressed his sympathy and solicitude for the loss of lives and properties left by the disaster.

The 13th World Meteorological Congress was held in Geneva on 2 to 26 May, 1999, and representatives from 170 countries and regions and 29 international organizations attended. The congress reviewed the implementation of scientific and technical programmes, education and training programmes, and technical cooperation programmes etc. in the past 4 years; discussed and authorized the programmes and budget in the next financial period (2000-2003); identified the priorities of every programmes; passed the 5th long-term plan (2000-2009) and proclaimed a Geneva Declaration concerning the role of national meteorological and hydrological departments. Chinese delegation headed by Mr. Wen kegang, who was the Director-general of China Meteorological Administration, took part in the congress. Mr. Wen was also elected the member of the Executive Council.

On June 2001,Mr. Qin Dahe, the present Director-general of was elected the acting member of the Executive Council on its 53rd meeting. Mr. Yan Hong, the deputy Director- general of China Meteorological Administration was appointed as the assistant Secretary-general of WMO.

For a long time China has not only took active part in WMO professional programmes and activities, but also actively supported and joined the technical cooperation programme, education and training programmes that the developing countries care about, e.g. the Voluntary Cooperation Programme (VCP). Till now, China has provided technical assistance and facility aids to over 50 developing countries through VCP. Besides, China has arranged mort than 30 multinational meteorological inspections to the country since 1976.