Congratulatory remarks on 72nd Anniversary Celebration of the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology and World Meteorological Day 2026

H.E. Assoc. Prof. Linkham Douangsavanh, the Minister of Agriculture and Environment,

Distinguished representatives from the ministries, international partner organizations,

Esteemed current and retired officials of DMH,

Colleagues from the United Nations family,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Sabaidee! It is a great honour and pleasure to be here today, on behalf of the United Nations in Lao PDR as co-chair of the Environment, Climate Change and Resilience Result Group of the UN cooperation Framework to celebrate the 72nd Anniversary of the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology and to mark World Meteorological Day 2026.

On this momentous occasion, I extend my warmest congratulations to the entire DMH family, past and present leadership, dedicated staff, and all who have contributed to building this institution over seventy-two remarkable years. 

Since its establishment in 1954, DMH has grown from modest beginnings into a vital national institution at the heart of Lao PDR’s efforts to protect lives, safeguard livelihoods, and build resilience against natural hazards.

Excellencies, 

World Meteorological Day, commemorated each year on 23 March, recognizes the vital role of meteorological and hydrological services in protecting lives, livelihoods and communities. This year’s World Meteorological Day carries the theme: “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow.”  This powerful theme celebrates the essential work of the meteorological community in observing our Earth to protect communities today and build resilience for tomorrow. 

This theme resonates deeply here in Lao PDR. The meteorologists, the hydrologists, the forecasters, and the technicians provide vital public service for the public good, observing today and protecting tomorrow.

Excellencies, 

The global climate crisis is intensifying at an alarming pace.  In Lao PDR, from 2000 to 2025, 6.2 million people have been affected by disasters, 440 people have lost their lives, and the estimated direct economic loss stands at 21.7 trillion kip. 

The role of DMH is more important than ever before. DMH’s mandate extends far beyond providing weather forecasts and early warning messages. At its core, DMH’s mission is about saving lives, reducing losses and damages caused by disasters.

I would like to acknowledge the leadership for major progress in hydrometeorological infrastructure, forecasting capacity, and early warning coverage over the past decade. Lately, the establishment of the Early Warning Center, the National Earthquake Information Center, and installation of new radar reflect the department’s strong commitment to evidence-based disaster risk management.

Excellencies, 

The United Nations remains a committed and steadfast partner to DMH and the Government of Lao PDR. Allow me to highlight some of our key ongoing UN support together with WMO, UNDRR, WFP, FAO, and UN-Habitat:

First, I want to particularly acknowledge the outstanding leadership of DMH in rolling out the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative in Lao PDR and its ongoing progressive implementation. UN has been supporting technically on this important initiative. 

Second, the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) Phase 2 project, a four-year project running from 2025 to 2029 supports strengthening multi-hazard early warning and early action systems. CREWS Phase I completed last year has strengthened forecasting and early warning capacities, piloting impact-based forecasting, developed risk profiles, improved community-based flood preparedness, inclusive early warning and early action, and seasonal forecasting.

Third, the Strengthening Agro-climatic Monitoring and Information Systems (SAMIS) project has been instrumental in developing critical tools such as the Lao Climate Services for Agriculture and the Climate (LaCSA) and Agro-climate Atlas. 

Fourth, support has been provided in strengthening inclusive early warning, disability-inclusive messaging and the rollout of LaCSA, while contributing to seasonal forecasting and rapid disaster assessments for food security risks.

Fifth, an ongoing project supports the installation of six new meteorological and hydrological stations and the upgrading of nine existing stations across six provinces. This includes trainings on station operations and climate information communication, as well as the development of a mobile application for local weather information and early warnings.

Excellencies, 

Looking ahead, there is much more to be done. We must collectively work to close the significant gaps that remain, in inclusive multi-hazard weather forecasts and early warning system. 

Our collective aim remains clear: to protect every person in Lao PDR through an inclusive, end-to-end, multi-hazard early warning and early action system. To achieve this, we must close the financing gap, deepen technical cooperation, and maintain a persistent focus on people, particularly those most at risk.

In closing, I once again congratulate the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology on this proud milestone of seventy-two years. I pay tribute to the retired officials who laid the foundation, and to the current team who carry the mission forward with professionalism and dedication every single day.

As we celebrate under the theme “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow,” let us recommit to working together; government, the United Nations, development partners, the private sector, and communities to ensure that Lao PDR is better prepared, better protected, and more resilient in the face of a changing climate.

Happy World Meteorological Day, and happy 72nd anniversary, DMH!