The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Executive Council has agreed an action plan on Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of a package of resolutions to seize opportunities and meet challenges in a rapidly changing world.
A new Joint Advisory Group on Artificial Intelligence will inform WMO activities in relation to the development and use of AI intelligence technologies in meteorology and hydrology. It will seek to accelerate integration of AI into the WMO infrastructure and research activities. There is a special focus on incorporating AI in the WMO Integrated Processing and Prediction System (WIPPS) - which is the backbone of all forecasting.
WMO will work collaboratively with the public, private and academic sectors in applying AI and machine learning technologies to strengthen the entire weather, climate, water science to services value cycle, according to the EC resolution. It recognizes the revolutionary potential of AI, whilst stressing the need to align with scientific and ethical standards and uphold the role of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services as the authoritative source of public warnings.
"AI is rapidly reshaping how we work, creating a demand for new skills and increased adoption of AI Technology. We need to embrace this challenge, balancing short-term caution with long-term engagement with AI innovation and its expansion," said WMO President Abdulla Al Mandous.
In other measures:
- EC agreed to accelerate the rollout of the Early Warnings for All initiative - WMO's top overriding priority.
- It gave its overwhelming backing to gender and youth action plans.
- It endorsed future research and operational activities, including on greenhouse gas monitoring.
- It reaffirmed its commitment to the global agenda, to strengthened partnerships and to raise the profile of WMO within the UN.
It agreed to resolutions to hone the governance and administration to ensure that WMO can maximize its effectiveness and achieve its mandate in an era of resource constraints and growing demands. This includes consideration to the location and resourcing of WMO's regional offices.
In reflection of the commitment to efficiency, the number of EC documents was reduced by 40% - ensuring that more time could be spent on shaping solutions and driving innovation.
EC established the agenda for an extraordinary World Meteorological Congress in October 2025, focusing on the Early Warnings for All initiative and AI.
