Election of the Kingdom as President of the Asia Region of the World Meteorological Organization

The members of the Second Regional Union (Asia) of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam, CEO of the National Center of Meteorology, were elected as the President of the Region, during the meetings of the eighteenth session, which is currently being held via video conferencing, with the participation of representatives of Asian member countries and regional and international organizations concerned with meteorological and climate affairs.

The election of Dr. Ghulam by acclamation came in light of the Kingdom's appreciation for the leading role it plays in the development of the meteorological system at the regional and international levels, and its qualitative achievements in the fields of meteorological monitoring, the employment of modern technologies, and the improvement of the quality of climate services.

In his speech after the election of the Kingdom, Dr. Ayman Ghulam expressed his thanks and appreciation to the member states for their trust in the Kingdom, stressing that this assignment is a great responsibility and an opportunity to enhance joint regional action, pointing out that the Kingdom has become at the heart of the international decision and is leading qualitative efforts through its regional and global organizations and centers, with the support of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Highness the Crown Prince - may God protect them - and based on the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 aimed at contributing Active in environmental and meteorological files, paying attention to climate issues and developing their various fields.

Dr. Ghulam affirmed the Kingdom's commitment to supporting the approved regional initiatives, providing opportunities for the exchange of technical and knowledge capabilities, and strengthening cooperation mechanisms between member states, in a way that contributes to the development of meteorological and climate services, and confronting accelerated environmental challenges.

He explained that the Kingdom will work to launch comprehensive training and qualification programs targeting technical cadres, in addition to strengthening the monitoring and forecasting infrastructure, and enabling member states to benefit from successful experiences and national capabilities, which will reflect positively on the safety of communities and achieving sustainable development in the region.

At the end of his speech, Dr. Ayman Ghulam expressed his confidence that the next phase will witness more integration between member states and fruitful cooperation with the World Meteorological Organization, which will contribute to a more ready and sustainable future for the Asian region, and enhance its global position within the international decision-making system.