The world Meteorological organization (WMO) celebrates its fiftieth anniversary this year. A specialized agency of the United Nations that is devoted to weather, climate, water resources and related environmental issues, its activities cut across political boundaries and all human activities. 

The WMO Convention that was signed on 23 March 1950, called for the Organization to facilitate worldwide co-operation in the establishment of networks of stations for the making of meteorological observations as well as hydrological and other geophysical observations.

From weather prediction to climate change research and tropical storm forecasting, WMO co-ordinates global efforts to improve accurate weather information, warnings and services for the public, for private and commercial uses, including the airline and shipping industries, agriculture and water resources authorities, WMO's activities contribute to the safety of life and property, the protection of the environment and the sustainable development of nations.

WMO's anniversary will provide the opportunity to review the achievements in the past 50 years of the national Meteorological and hydrological services of the Organization's Members, which now number 185 countries. Furthermore, this anniversary should serve as a source of a reinvigorated commitment by the international community and citizens of Member countries to confront the environmental challenges facing our world at the start of a new millennium.