RA VI Management Group Meeting - Highlights

The RA VI Management Group met with full participation, chaired by RA VI president, Dr Elena Mateescu, to review key WMO developments and advance preparations for RA VI-19 Phase II.

Members discussed strategic updates from recent WMO coordination bodies, including progress toward the 2028–2031 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes user-oriented services, resilient infrastructure, capacity development, and stronger partnerships. Significant concern was raised about financial constraints linked to non-payment of contributions by the United States (2024–2026), prompting ongoing WMO cost-saving measures and a prioritisation exercise (Tier 1–3 activities). The emerging “WMO Commons” financing mechanism was also presented as a potential complementary funding approach.

The meeting reviewed RA VI contributions to Early Warnings for All, highlighting regional initiatives such as MedEWSa and strengthened cooperation on multi-hazard forecasting, data exchange, and AI-enhanced systems.

Preparations for RA VI-19 Phase II are progressing, including programme finalisation, documentation planning, and logistics. The session will include a HydroSOS workshop, Hydrology Assembly, and the RA VI Regional Conference, designed as an interactive platform focused on innovation and implementation.

Members emphasized the need for concise, action-oriented documentation and stronger pre-session preparation. Additional capacity support was noted through a seconded expert joining the Regional Office for Europe.

Overall, the meeting confirmed steady progress on governance preparations, while highlighting financial pressures, prioritisation needs, and the importance of ensuring strong regional engagement in upcoming WMO processes.