Professor Celeste Saulo from Argentina assumes the role of the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) Secretary-General, marking the first time a woman and a South American has held this position.
Formerly the First Vice-President of WMO, Professor Saulo brings a wealth of experience, having served as the Director of Argentina’s National Meteorological Service since 2014.
Professor Saulo takes over the reins from Professor Petteri Taalas of Finland, who completed his two-term mandate. This historic appointment was officially announced on June 1, 2023, during the quadrennial World Meteorological Congress, the principal decision-making body of the 193-member WMO. Professor Saulo assumed her responsibilities on January 1, 2024.
Prof. Saulo is set to lead the WMO in realizing its vision for a world where all nations, particularly those most vulnerable, enhance their resilience to extreme weather, climate-related events, water issues, and other environmental challenges.
She will take the lead in mobilizing the WMO community to translate scientific advancements into optimal services for society. This involves reinforcing observations and facilitating data exchange crucial for accurate and accessible weather forecasts. Harnessing the progress in artificial intelligence and expanding Early Warning Services to safeguard global populations are also part of her agenda.
Prof. Saulo aims to strengthen WMO’s efforts in monitoring and researching climate change indicators and impacts. This information will be instrumental in guiding decisions related to mitigation and adaptation. A pioneering initiative, the Global Greenhouse Gas Watch, is envisioned to contribute significantly to this endeavor.
Highlighting climate change as the paramount global threat, Prof. Saulo underscores the exacerbating impacts caused by growing inequality.
“We just lived through the warmest year on record and 2024 may be even hotter and more extreme once the full impact of the ongoing El Niño plays out on temperatures and weather events,” she said in a statement.
Prof. Saulo asserted that human and industrial activities bear unequivocal responsibility for the current state of climate change. Coming from the Global South, she expresses a heightened awareness of the imperative to intensify efforts in prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable populations.
“I am highly motivated to help every National Meteorological and Hydrological Service achieve its mission to save lives and livelihoods. Most of these services have the experience, knowledge, and passion to fulfil their mandate, but many lack the resources to do so,” said Professor Saulo.
Prof. Saulo highlighted that even a modest increase in investment can yield substantial socio-economic benefits for communities. One of her main focuses will be enhancing WMO’s regional presence and empowering National Meteorological and Hydrological services through a “bottom-up approach.”
Additionally, she aims to reinforce geographical diversity within the WMO Secretariat.
Prof. Saulo is resolute in maintaining strong connections with the United Nations family, development agencies, and the private sector, particularly in initiatives like Early Warnings for All. She emphasizes that effective leadership and tangible outcomes hinge on robust partnerships.
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