World Meteorological Organization

The WMO Regional Training Centers (RTCs) in RA VI (RTC Israel, RTC Italy, RTC Türkiye, RTC Russian Federation and RTC Spain). These centers play a vital role in supporting the WMO’s mission to enhance meteorological and hydrological services across Regional Association VI. These centers serve as key hubs for capacity development, offering specialized training programs designed to address the unique needs of their respective regions. By providing technical expertise, hands-on training, and fostering international collaboration, the RTCs help strengthen the capabilities of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs). They offer a wide range of courses in areas such as climate services, disaster risk reduction, agrometeorology, and forecasting, contributing significantly to the WMO's global initiatives in enhancing weather, climate, and water services to better serve society's needs. The RTCs also serve as platforms for knowledge exchange, sharing best practices and building partnerships across countries, thereby ensuring the continued development of regional meteorological and hydrological expertise.

Since their establishment, the Regional Training Centers (RTCs) in RA VI have been at the forefront of advancing meteorological and hydrological capacity across Europe and Asia. These centers were created to support the development of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and contribute to the broader goals of the WMO. They have played a critical role in offering specialized training, fostering regional collaboration, and providing expertise in areas such as climate services, disaster risk reduction, agrometeorology, and forecasting. The RTCs have become essential platforms for knowledge exchange, enabling countries within the region to share best practices and enhance their operational capabilities. By focusing on the specific needs of their regions, the RTCs have significantly contributed to improving the overall effectiveness of weather and climate services, ultimately benefiting the safety and well-being of the communities they serve.

The consultation meeting organized by the WMO Regional Office for Europe on June 17 marks a new initiative aimed at strengthening the support for the RA VI Management Group in overseeing and coordinating the activities of the Regional Training Centers (RTCs). This meeting serves as a platform to enhance collaboration between the Regional Office and RTCs, ensuring that training programs are more closely aligned with regional priorities and the evolving needs of Member States. By engaging RTCs in discussions about integrating gender, digital technologies, and competency-based approaches, the initiative seeks to improve the overall effectiveness of capacity development efforts across Europe and beyond it, addressing key challenges such as operational meteorology, climate services, and sustainable development. 

Looking forward, this initiative will continue to drive a more cohesive and targeted approach to capacity building in the region. The WMO Regional Office for Europe plans to facilitate regular consultations, promoting stronger ties between RTCs and the RA VI Management Group. The goal is to ensure that training activities remain responsive to the dynamic challenges faced by the region, while fostering greater inter-regional cooperation, the integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, and enhanced participant engagement. This initiative represents a significant step in ensuring that RTCs play a central role in advancing the WMO’s mission for capacity development and supporting Member States in achieving their meteorological and climate goals. Read more at WMO Regional Office for Europe Consultation Meeting with WMO Regional Training Centers in RA VI | World Meteorological Organization