Open-source software has become increasingly crucial for the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and its Members, particularly those in developing countries, Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The potential of open source can enable climate action for adaptation, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the current landscape of open-source development within the WMO.

Open-source solutions also play a pivotal role as accelerators for the implementation of Early Warnings for All, a key UN initiative in which WMO is playing a critical role, aimed at protecting every person on Earth with life-saving early warning systems by 2027. By providing accessible, customizable, and cost-effective tools, open-source software enables WMO Members to rapidly deploy and adapt early warning systems to their specific needs and contexts. This approach is particularly crucial for developing countries, LDCs and SIDS, where resource constraints often hinder the implementation of proprietary solutions.

Moreover, open-source initiatives serve as powerful catalysts in supporting WMO Members' efforts towards digital transformation. As National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) worldwide strive to modernize their operations and services, open-source tools offer a flexible and scalable foundation for innovation. They enable Members to leverage cutting-edge technologies, collaborate on development, and share best practices, thus accelerating their digital transformation journeys while optimizing resource utilization.

For many years, WMO has been actively involved in developing and supporting open-source software as a low-barrier, low-cost solution for its Members. These efforts, combined with comprehensive training and mentoring activities, have been met with enthusiasm and success.

This presentation will provide an overview of Open Source at WMO, its significant use, current status and future plans for increased development and use of Open Source software to help lower the implementation barrier to data exchange of weather/climate/water/environmental data.

Join us as we explore how WMO is transforming global weather, water, and climate data sharing, and discover how this initiative, along with FOSS4G tools, is fostering collaboration, innovation, and societal benefits on a global scale, with a particular focus on supporting Climate Action and Early Warning for All.