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Date: May 22-June 2, 2023
Location: International Conference Center Geneva, Switzerland
Main Participants
Japanese Government Delegation: Japan Meteorological Agency (Director General, Atmosphere and Ocean Department, International Office), Permanent Mission of Japan to the International Organizations in Geneva, JICA (Disaster Management Group, Global Environment Department)
Background and Objectives
JICA participated in the 19th General Assembly of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as a member of the Japanese delegation. The WMO General Assembly is held every four years. At this year’s meeting, the constituent member National Hydrometeorological Organizations of the world discussed important topics such as the decision on the next WMO Strategic Plan (2024-2027), services, infrastructure, scientific research, capacity building, and public-private partnerships in the field of meteorology and hydrology. Discussions were also held on the promotion of the early warning initiative “Early Warnings for All (EW4A: Early Warnings for All) 2023-2027”, for which the UN Secretary-General announced an action plan at COP 27 in November 2022.
Contents
In the agenda item on EW4A, Mr. Ryuichi Nomura, Director of the Atmospheric and Oceanic Division of the Japan Meteorological Agency, stated that strong commitment and ownership by national governments are essential for the establishment of early warning systems, and that Japan will support national efforts to promote EW4A through the WMO framework and JICA’s initiatives. Japan will support the efforts of each country to promote EW4A through the WMO framework and JICA’s initiatives.
Citing JICA’s longstanding support to national hydrometeorological organizations, particularly in the Asia and Pacific region, Japan emphasized the need for bilateral and multilateral development donors and various domestic and international stakeholders to work together.
At the reception hosted by the Japanese government, Mr. Masanori Obayashi, Director General of the Japan Meteorological Agency, introduced his experience as a Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer (JOCV) in the National Meteorological Service of the Dominican Republic (1992-1994) and expressed his commitment to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation. In the poster session, JICA and the JMA introduced their cooperation to the participants, including delegations from other countries and WMO officials.
JICA will continue to support developing countries in building early warning systems and creating societies resilient to climate change, drawing on Japan’s experience in disaster risk reduction.
Scene at the WMO General Assembly Remarks by the Japanese government delegation (Ryuichi Nomura, Director of the Atmospheric and Oceanic Division, Japan Meteorological Agency)
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