Reception on the Occasion of the 18th Congress of the WMO (12 June 2019)

2019/7/1

　On Wednesday 12 June, on the occasion of the 18th Congress of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Ambassador Junichi Ihara hosted a reception at the CICG.

　In his opening speech, Ambassador Ihara expressed his great appreciation for WMO’s contribution to and leadership in addressing important global issues such as countermeasures to the increasing risk of extreme weather associated with climate change. Ambassador Ihara also stated that Japan will continue to contribute to finding solutions to global challenges as a country with advanced knowledge and technology in the disaster risk reduction field.

　The reception featured a poster exhibit by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) on the international cooperation and support that Japan has been providing based on its expertise in the areas of early warning systems, public-private partnerships for work related to weather and disaster risk reduction, and knowledge and technology related to various weather conditions. Brochures on Japanese manufacturers of technologically advanced weather observation instruments were also distributed to participants.

　Almost 350 guests from the delegations of the Member States and the WMO Secretariat attended the event. Many of the attendees greatly appreciated Japan’s international contribution to the field of weather and disaster risk reduction, including its contributions to WMO, based on its abundant knowledge in the field. Participants also engaged in an active exchange of opinions on the future activities and direction of WMO.

　At the election of the WMO Executive Council held on Thursday 13 June, Japan’s candidate, Mr. Yasuo Sekita (Director-General of JMA), was elected as a member of the Council for a four-year term (until the next WMO Congress scheduled for 2023).

Opening speech by Ambassador Junichi Ihara