On 27 November 2025, the Diplomatic Club of Geneva hosted a special commemorative event marking the 75th anniversary of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The gathering brought together ambassadors, international organisations, and members of the Geneva community to celebrate the WMO’s legacy and its enduring mandate: harnessing science and international cooperation to address the escalating global climate challenge.

The event opened with a welcome by Charlotte Warakaulle, Vice-President of the Geneva Diplomatic Club, followed by a keynote address from Prof. Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the WMO, who reflected on the evolution of WMO’s mandate and its central role in advancing global cooperation on weather, climate, and water.

Later in the programme, Patrick Odier, Chair of Building Bridges, contributed the private finance perspective. He spoke alongside Ambassadors Anna Ifkovits Horner (Switzerland), Claire Thuaudet (France), Mxolisi Nkosi (South Africa), Matthew Anthony Wilson (Barbados / SIDS), and Cecília Kiku Ishitani (Brazil), highlighting the importance of reliable climate data, global early warning systems, and sustained investment in climate-resilient development.

The discussion emphasized the urgent need for reliable climate data, vital for infrastructure planning, aviation safety, and broader decision-making. Speakers highlighted that forecasting, early warning systems, and global data exchange are essential yet still underfunded. They called for strengthened trust in science, greater collective action, and increased investment in adaptation and innovation. Marking its 75th anniversary, the WMO reaffirmed its commitment to cooperation, openness, and scientific rigor in safeguarding global public goods.

Building Bridges was proud to join this milestone event and looks forward to continued support and collaboration with the WMO and other key actors in International Geneva to help deliver trusted data to the world.

Learn more about the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) here.