Voices of Support
Hear from partners, meteorological services and experts on why they support SOFF and the importance of closing the global weather and climate data gap.
SOFF Founders
“Through SOFF, we can generate and share the observational data needed for robust weather and climate forecasts, which are essential for early warning.”
Antonio Guterres
Secretary General, United Nations
“Climate action is hampered by a lack of basic observations and capacity to deliver useful climate services in developing countries. SOFF helps close that gap at speed and scale.”
Celeste Saulo
Secretary General, World Meteorological Organization
“As the planet hurtles toward 3°C, effective mitigation and adaptation must be underpinned by the best available science and data. SOFF is key to delivering that foundation.”
Inger Andersen
Executive Director, UN Environment Programme
“Closing the data gaps in developing countries must be a global priority as improved observations networks in one region strengthen forecast accuracy everywhere.”
Marcos Neto
Assistant Secretary General, United Nations Development Programme
SOFF Countries
“The SOFF role is crucial: it provides a strong network of meteorological observations, enables accurate forecasts, and ensures timely advice to our people.”
Dr. Aderito Aramuge
General Director, Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology
“Joining SOFF is a moral issue to do for every meteorologist, because it’s about saving lives and properties.”
Dr. Ladislaus Benedict Chang’a
Director General of the Tanzania Meteorological Authority
“The SOFF role is crucial: it provides a strong network of meteorological observations, enables accurate forecasts, and ensures timely advice to our people.”
Dr. Aderito Aramuge
General Director, Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology
“You cannot manage what you do not measure. For the first time, Bhutan is deploying advanced upper air observation systems, allowing us to contribute valuable data to the global network.”
H.E. Lyonchhen Dasho Tshering Tobgay
Prime Minister of Bhutan
SOFF Community
“As SOFF’s first funder, we firmly believe that early warnings are key for global climate adaptation and a way to save lives and livelihoods.”
Satu Santala
Managing Director, Nordic Development Fund
“SOFF fills an enormous need in the global effort to improve the quality, timeliness, and coverage of basic weather and climate observations.”
Sinead Walsh
Climate Director, Ireland Department of Foreign Affairs
“With SOFF support, SIDS benefit from better observations and contribute to the global observing system — creating co-benefits across the globe.”
H.E. Ilana Seid
Chair, Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)
“Observations improve the quality of weather forecasts, reduce errors, and contribute to global models that strengthen local climate action.”
Florian Pappenberger
Deputy Director General, ECMWF
“Today, 54% of surface weather stations and 71% of upper-air stations in Africa are unable to capture and report accurate climate information.”
Akinwumi Adesina
President, African Development Bank
“Climate analysis products are vitally important to people’s lives and to countries ability to build a safe future for all.”
Juergen Voegele
Vice President, World Development Bank
“Access to high-quality climate information is crucial for early action and to prepare, respond, and protect the lives and livelihoods of the most vulnerable.”
Dr. Bandar M.H. Hajjar
President, Islamic Development Bank
“Increased investments are needed in surface-based observation systems, especially in parts of Asia and the Pacific where data is sparse.”
Bruno Carrasco
Director General, Asian Development Bank
“Helping developing countries collect and share quality weather data could generate 5 billion USD in global benefits annually.”
Lord Nicholas Stern
Professor of Economics, London School of Economics
“High-quality weather forecasts are a cost-effective way to help millions of farmers in low and middle-income countries adapt to climate change and extreme weather.”
Michael Kremer
2019 Nobel prize for Economics
“We collaborate, share knowledge and ensure we take everybody along because no organization can do it all. We cannot leave any nation behind.”
Prof. Charles Afam Anosike
Director General of Nigerian Meteorological Agency
