RA V Management Group strengthens technical structures and takes key steps towards implementing regional initiatives at its twenty-eighth session
The Management Group of Regional Association V (South-West Pacific) convened its twenty-eighth session (RA V MG-28) on 5 March 2026 to review progress on regional implementation of WMO programmes and to strengthen its technical coordination mechanisms in support of Members across one of the world’s most diverse and climate vulnerable regions.
Chaired by Mr Laitia Fifita, President of RA V (P/RA V), the session underscored the continuing commitment of Members to advancing the WMO strategic priorities, particularly those linked to the UN Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative, improved data exchange, and enhanced capacity development for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
The Management Group (MG) welcomed the appointment of Mr Iuma Bani (Vanuatu) as the Regional Hydrological Adviser for RA V and Mr Agie Wandala Putra (Indonesia) as the Chair of the newly established RA V Task Team on Early Warnings for All.
Mr Ben Churchill, Director of the WMO Regional Office for Asia and the South-West Pacific (RAP), highlighted the essential role of the MG in translating global WMO decisions into practical regional outcomes and ensuring coherence across technical bodies at regional and sub-regional levels.
A major focus of the session was to approve the terms of reference (ToRs) for the Expert Teams under the Working Groups on Services (WG-S) and Infrastructure (WG-I). These approved ToRs are designed to enhance alignment with SERCOM, INFCOM and related WMO constituent bodies, and to strengthen regional coordination on climate services, observing systems, data management and service delivery.
The session agreed on a streamlined selection process for Expert Team membership, delegating the appointment of core and associate members to the Working Group Chairs and Vice-Chairs while MG retains approval for Leaders and Coleaders. This decision is expected to improve efficiency and ensure the timely mobilization of expertise across the Region.
The session also reviewed progress on the Regional Climate Centre Networks (RCCNs) for Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Following a series of technical assessments, the formal designation of these Networks is foreseen for mid-2027.
The next session, RA V MG-29, is tentatively planned for October/November 2026.
The Region continues to play a crucial role in advancing WMO’s mission to protect life, property and livelihoods through strengthened meteorological, hydrological and climate services.
- Region:
- Region V: South-West Pacific