From 18th to 20th December 2024, the Rwanda Meteorology Agency, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) Link Rwanda project, organized a Stakeholders' engagement workshop on weather observations, data exchange to support weather and climate services and products. 

The three-day workshop brings together key stakeholders from various sectors, including meteorological agencies, climate scientists, water resource managers, and technology providers, representing both public and private institutions. The event provided a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing aimed at enhancing the quality, accessibility, and integration of weather and climate services into national decision-making processes.

The main objectives of the workshop were to Enhance understanding of the critical role of weather observations and data exchange in supporting weather, climate, and water services, Foster collaboration among meteorological service providers, water resource managers, climate scientists, and other key stakeholders involved in the collection, analysis, and use of weather and climate data, to explore mechanisms for improving data sharing and interoperability to ensure that climate and weather data are accessible, reliable, and effectively utilized across sectors, and to identify best practices for leveraging weather and climate information to support decision-making in areas such as climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and water resource management.

Participants expressed their appreciation to METEO RWANDA and its partners for organizing what they described as a highly productive and insightful workshop. They highlighted that the sessions enhanced their understanding of the importance of climate data and its integration into daily decision-making processes. They also committed to applying and promoting the skills gained within their respective sectors to strengthen climate resilience and sustainable development.

In his closing the workshop, Director General of METEO RWANDA expressed gratitude to UNDP, SOFF, and other partners for their continued collaboration and support in strengthening the agency’s capacity to deliver effective weather and climate services. He encouraged participants to integrate climate services into their daily operations and decision-making processes, underscoring the vital role of meteorological information in supporting communities and fostering sustainable development.