UNITED
NATIONS
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Message from H.E. Dr. Han Seung-soo
President of the General Assembly
On
World Meteorological Day
23 March 2002
During the last 10
years, the number of persons affected by hydro-meteorological disasters
averaged 211 million which accounts for seven times more than those affected
by conflict. The impacts of extreme weather and climate are far-reaching
and cause serious socio-economic problems including poverty and environmental
degradation.
In this context, I
applaud the theme for World Meteorological Day 2002 “Reducing vulnerability
to weather and climate extreme,” which the World Meteorological Organization
chose in order to create awareness about the dangers of weather and climate
extremes.
I am pleased to note
that currently three global and 25 Regional Specialized Meteorological
Centres provide weather forecasts and generate regionally focused phenomena
such as tropical cyclones, droughts and floods. Another encouraging development
is that an increasing number of countries are integrating their computers
and telecommunications facilities into the global infrastructure for monitoring
and early warning of weather and climate events likely to endanger life
and property.
In celebrating World
Meteorological Day this year, I remain convinced that natural disasters
due to extreme weather and climate can be eventually controlled through
shared information and strengthened cooperation among National Meteorological
and Hydrological Services(NHMHSs), the World Meteorological Organization(WMO),
other related institutions and decision makers responsible for community
welfare.