REGIONAL cooperation will be more important than ever in 2026 as demands for weather and climate services continue to grow while resources become increasingly constrained.
Director of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Regional Coordination Office, Ishaam Abader, made the statement during the opening of the 8th Pacific Meteorological Council (PMC) meeting in Nuku’alofa, Tonga.
Mr Abader said the meeting came at an important time for both the Pacific region and the global hydro-meteorological community.
“The Pacific region remains on the front line of climate variability and change,” he said.
“Extreme weather, tropical cyclones, coastal flooding, drought and sea level rise continues to pose significant challenges to Pacific communities, economies and ecosystems.”
Mr Abader said the work of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services had therefore never been more important.
He said this year’s theme, “Weather Ready for a Secure and Sustainable Pacific,” captured the challenge facing the region.
“The Pacific Island Meteorological Strategy 2027–2036 would provide an important pathway towards achieving that goal and a framework for implementing key WMO and regional association priorities at regional and national levels.
“These priorities include Early Warnings for All, strengthening the Global Pacific Observing Network, advancing initiatives, enhancing hydrological services, accelerating digital transformation, building capacity and preparing members to benefit from emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence.”
Mr Abader said the PMC had a critical role in advancing these priorities through regional coordination, collective leadership and shared expertise.
He said strong engagement at regional and national levels would help ensure Pacific priorities were reflected in international decision-making, while avoiding duplication of effort and maximizing limited resources.
“The free exchange of data, knowledge, and expertise remains the foundation of our collective success.”
Mr Abader said continued investment in observations, forecasting, climate monitoring and hydrological services was necessary as demands increased and resources became more constrained.
“Because without them, there can be no effective early warning systems, no climate-informed decision-making, and no resilient development.”
