Feel the world

World Meteorological Day 2010
60 years of service for your safety and well-being

23 March 2010

Each year, on 23 March, the World Meteorological Organization, its 189 Members and the worldwide meteorological community celebrate World Meteorological Day around a chosen theme. This day commemorates the entry into force, on that date in 1950, of the WMO Convention creating the Organization. Subsequently, in 1951, WMO was designated a specialized agency of the United Nations System.

This year, the theme is “60 years of service for your safety and well-being”.

As we celebrate today the 60th Anniversary of the World Meteorological Organization, I would like to pay tribute to the meteorological community worldwide working together continuously beyond all borders to save and protect people, their homes and their livelihoods. My recognition especially goes to all staff in the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and all volunteers who support our work with generosity and dedication.

I am convinced that WMO, together with its Members, will be even more relevant in serving humanity over decades to come. We owe this capability to successive generations of meteorologists and hydrologists from all countries. To all of them, we express our gratitude.

Michel Jarraud