2024+
SOFF Action Report 2024
Weather and Climate Data for Resilience
SOFF operates at speed and scale
The Value of Systematic Observations
The Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) has rapidly become an important vehicle to improve the foundational data we use for weather forecasting and climate prediction. SOFF provides financing for essential basic weather and climate observations that are a critical but invisible ingredient for effective climate action, including the UN Secretary-General’s Early Warnings for All initiative.
Celeste Saulo
“Climate Action is hampered by a lack of basic observations and capacity to deliver useful climate services. SOFF is ingeniously supporting countries to address that.”
Prof. Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and SOFF Steering Committee co-chair.
The climate crisis is THE defining challenge that humanity faces. The WMO State of Climate report found that every climate indicator broke records. Climate-related disasters caused huge losses and damage worldwide. This is a red alert for all of us. But Climate Action is hampered by a lack of basic observations and capacity to deliver useful climate services for national mitigation and adaptation, and for early warning systems, especially in developing countries. The Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) is a new UN climate fund - co-created by WMO, UNDP and UNEP - that supports countries in closing today’s significant weather and climate data gaps – in an innovative manner, at speed and scale.
Sinead Walsh
“Basic observations are critical for climate adaptation, early warning systems and resilient development. We have already mobilized 12 initial funders, both bilateral and multilateral and will keep going.”
Dr. Sinead Walsh, Climate Director, Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and SOFF Steering Committee co-chair
SOFF fills an enormous need in the global effort to improve the quality, timeliness and coverage of basic weather and climate observations. These observations are critical for climate adaptation, early warning systems and resilient development. Already SOFF has generated strong support from partners. Within less than three years we have mobilized 12 initial funders, both bilateral and multilateral. The relevance of SOFF support and efficiency of its operations have been highly appreciated by countries. However, demand is exceeding available resources. Going forward, SOFF will step up resource mobilization and outreach that will enable it to fulfil its crucially important goals.
A new climate fund
2.5years in operation
IN DEMAND
101countries have requested
support
support
Responsive
60
countries in
Readiness phase
since March 2023
Readiness phase
since March 2023
18
Investment
funding requests
approved since
November 2023
funding requests
approved since
November 2023
USD
115
MILLION
approved
funding
funding
Inclusive
72partners under
one roof
one roof
Creating value
USD5
BILLIONannual benefits as a result of countries generating and internationally exchanging basic weather and climate data, enabled by SOFF
BILLIONannual benefits as a result of countries generating and internationally exchanging basic weather and climate data, enabled by SOFF
Data, the invisible but essential ingredient
Accurate weather and climate forecasts anywhere require surface-based observation data from everywhere
Basic surface-based observations are crucial for accurate forecasts, adaptation planning, and decision-making. Global observations, in particular from data sparse areas, are vital for international and national prediction systems to function effectively.
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Supporting countries to collect and share critical data for weather and climate prediction
193 Members of the World Meteorological Congress agreed to establish the Global Basic Observation Network (GBON), mandatory for all countries since January 2023. This global requirement for real time acquisition and international data exchange of surface-based weather and climate observations aims to improve forecast products as a global public good.
In many areas of the world, in particular in developing countries, there are large data gaps.
The need to systematically observe the Earth and close major data gaps is recognized by many international processes and institutions.
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) currently collect and share only 9% of surface data according to GBON requirements.
9%
The 39 Fragile and Conflict Affected States, home to 2.2 billion people by 2030, have 7 reporting surface stations.
39
The whole African continent has fewer reporting surface stations than Germany
GBON compliance baseline
Disclaimer: The map shows the GBON baseline June 2023 data ,for SIDS and LDCs, aggregated by geographic area.
WMO GBON global baseline of surface and upper-air stations for SIDS and LDCs. The colour indicates how much stations are reporting according to the GBON standard.
Source: SOFF Secretariat and WMO Global GBON Gap Analyisis, June 2023.
SOFF is specialized, innovative and long-term
SOFF leverages partners’ technical expertise and resources to maximize efficiency and impact. Countries drive the process with the support of Peer Advisors, Implementing Entities, WMO Technical Authority, and the Private Sector. SOFF support to countries is provided in three phases: the Readiness Phase, the Investment Phase and the Compliance Phase.
1
WMO Technical Authority
“By providing financial support to LDCs and SIDS not only for capital investment but also for operations and maintenance, SOFF strikes at the heart of the problem and will ensure the benefits of investment and observation capacity are sustained”
Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica
SOFF Readiness:
Establishing the country baseline for action
26 countries have already completed the SOFF Readiness phase
All ODA-eligible countries can access technical assistance in the Readiness phase provided by SOFF peer advisors to undertake the GBON National Gap Analysis, develop the GBON National Contribution Plan and conduct Country Hydromet Diagnostics. These outputs provide a standardized baseline and tailored plan to achieve GBON compliance. In 2024, the Alliance for Hydromet Development summarized 20 countries’ diagnostics in a report. Key challenges identified included weak observational infrastructure, low data quality, availability as well as inadequate early warning systems.
SOFF Investment phase:
Closing the data gaps
SOFF Investments build human and institutional capacity, install and upgrade weather stations, enable data sharing, and support operations and maintenance.
18 countries already moved to the SOFF Investment phase. Once GBON compliance is achieved, these countries will share 20 times more data compared to levels before SOFF support.
SOFF is maximizing regional collaboration implementation
Regional workshops for the Pacific, Africa and South Asia brought together SOFF countries and operational and financial partners to share lessons learned and to identify opportunities for enhanced SOFF implementation and regional coordination.
Compliance phase: A
unique element of SOFF
The Compliance phase supports countries in the long-term with open-ended results-based grants and technical assistance
READINESS PHASE
INVESTMENT PHASE
COMPLIANCE PHASE
101 countries have already requested SOFF support
66 countries have been programmed for SOFF support. However, 35 country requests are unmet. Financial constraints are preventing SOFF from sustaining the rapid pace of implementation it has demonstrated so far.
101
Countries
The value of data
Basic weather and climate data inform decisions across all sectors
Basic weather and climate data are a public good, providing essential information for safety, planning, and decision-making, benefiting all people across the globe by enhancing disaster preparedness, efficient economic investment, and effective climate action.
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Studies show that surface-based observations are essential for improved forecasts
Real-time surface-based observations are essential to improve forecast accuracy, according to a recent European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts study. Space-based satellites offer extensive global coverage, however, this broader coverage comes with lower spatial resolution, making it challenging to capture localized weather details. Reducing surface data gaps in particularly in data sparce areas has a significant impact on forecast accuracy.
Accurate weather prediction provides economic, environmental, and social benefits
Better data better inform short-term warnings, medium-term forecasts, and long-term climate projections. Availability and use of weather and climate forecasts can reduce the impacts of weather variability on agricultural production by 10%-30%, depending on the country (Rathore & Chattopadhyay, 2016; MeteoSwiss & SENAMHI, 2015; Tarchiani et al., 2019; Cabot Venton et al., 2012; Meza et al., 2008). The benefits of Early Warning Systems have been shown to exceed costs by more than ten times (World Bank, 2010).
“In the new climate economy, weather data is economic data.“
Dr. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund
So much of our economics and other activity can be disrupted or damaged by unanticipated weather or climate events. Helping developing countries to comply with their commitment to collect and share minimum quality weather data could resolve in 5 billion USD in global benefits, annually.“
Lord Nicholas Stern. Professor of Economics at LSE, Former Chief Economist of the World Bank
Better data, better forecasts, better agriculture: safeguarding livelihoods of Chad’s communities
SOFF’s investment in weather stations in Chad is crucial for improving agricultural outcomes and supporting the World Food Programme’s (WFP) humanitarian efforts. Better weather data enable more accurate forecasts, helping farmers make informed decisions about planting and harvesting. These data also aid in predicting locust migrations, a significant threat to crops. For WFP, improved weather information allows for better planning of food distribution routes, especially during rainy seasons when access is limited. Ultimately, SOFF’s work strengthens Chad’s resilience to climate-related challenges and enhances food security.
Copyright: WFP, source: https://www.wfp.org/countries/chad
CHAD
Chad
Austria
World Food Programme’s (WFP)
SOFF promotes and integrates gender equality across all activities
The SOFF Gender Action Plan spans across all activities, including SOFF governance, partnerships, and implementation in countries. Targets have been largely achieved within SOFF governance and the SOFF Secretariat. However, SOFF relies on partners to apply gender policies. Peer Advisors and the WMO Technical Authority ensure gender balance in National Contribution Plans. SOFF tracks progress through the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund Gender Equality Marker but faces challenges, particularly in male-dominated technical roles within National Meteorological and Hydrological Services.
Data generated by SOFF Investments are becoming vital for AI
The data generated and internationally shared because of investments in SOFF are becoming increasingly vital for advancing machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) applications in weather and climate science. By providing good-quality, standardized data in real-time , robust ML models can be trained and in the near future may be initialised from these data. The volume of data generated, especially from data-sparce areas such as SIDS and LDCs, reduces errors in ML predictions and can even detect anomalies that may indicate the onset of extreme weather events. With the wealth and quality of data, historical climate patters can be analysed for better understanding of climate change adaptation, enhancing resilience of communities.
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Data into action
Improvements in data generated by SOFF drive improvements in downstream work
SOFF is an essential fund in the climate finance architecture, providing foundational support for successive steps in the hydrometeorological chain. It contributes deep, technically focused support to countries to achieve GBON compliance while linking laterally to partners including major climate finance institutions which provide complementary support to countries.
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Major climate funds commit to enhance and leverage systematic observation
At COP28, the Secretariats of SOFF, Adaptation Fund, Climate Investment Funds, Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems Initiative, Global Environment Facility and Green Climate Fund, signed a Framework for Collaboration to support countries in a coordinated manner across the meteorological value chain.
Under this framework, every dollar that SOFF injected so far to supporting countries in addressing their GBON gaps has unlocked approximately 5 times of climate finance from the multilateral climate funds for investments geared towards effective climate action.
Better data underpin early warning systems that protect lives and livelihoods
Multi-hazard early warning systems are dependent on effective weather forecasts and the detection and monitoring of impending hazards. Without weather observation data, no reliable forecast can be made. Therefore, SOFF plays a foundational element in the UN Early Warnings for All initiative, ensuring that everyone on Earth is protected from hazardous weather, water, and climate events by the end of 2027. LDCs and SIDS continue to bear a much larger share of disaster mortality. For example, the mortality ratio in LDCs is 2.5 times higher than the global average (Report on the Global Status of MHEWS 2024). Uganda is a successful example of how SOFF investments are leveraged throughout the value chain through the Water at the Heart of Climate Action initiative.
The SOFF and CREWS symbiotic partnership
SOFF and Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) play complementary roles and are mutually dependent for their success. SOFF supports countries in the first part of the meteorological value chain – generation and international exchange of basic weather and climate data, mandatory for all countries. CREWS investments build on and leverage these data and improved weather and climate prediction products. At the same time, achieving the SOFF goal of strengthened resilient development and climate adaptation requires initiatives such as CREWS. Working together, SOFF and CREWS cover the whole meteorological value chain and can more effectively reach the most vulnerable.
SOFF delivers sustainable impact at the required scale
SOFF will help all SIDS and LDCs over the next ten years to achieve and sustain the required standard of shared surface-based observations. The Scaling Community of Practice found in an independent study that SOFF’s approach is scalable to reach all developing countries and include other elements of the meteorological value chain and domains. This will bring users essential benefits for early warning, transport, energy, agriculture and more. The first independent External Review evaluated and recommended that a phased and carefully sequenced approach to potential SOFF expansion is required.
SOFF independent External Review Mainstreaming Scaling Initiative
Portfolio
Basic systematic observations across the globe
In the last 12 months, SOFF has programmed an additional four countries, for a total of 66 programmed countries within 2.5 years since SOFF opened its doors. Twelve countries have moved to the Investment phase in 2024, bringing them to a total of 18.
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SOFF PORTFOLIO overview
Overview of the evolution of the SOFF portfolio since the November 2022 Steering Committee. Each bar represents the number of countries at each phase. Additionally, the Investment phase bars include the amount approved in USD.
Milestones in the past 12 months
Journey
SOFF continues to move at speed and scale.
-
-
COP29
SOFF is featured at the Earth Information Day as an innovative financing model, the SOFF Action Report launched, and additional pledges to the SOFF UN fund announced.
NOVEMBER 2024
-
9th Steering Committee meeting
The 9th Steering Committee convened virtually. It welcomed the first SOFF Impact Report prepared by ECMWF as well as WMO’s stepped-up role in SOFF, encouraged further SOFF regional collaboration and partnerships, and requested the development of a Green Climate Fund – SOFF Fragile and Conflict Affected States Accelerator Programme.
OCTOBER 2024
-
Regional Workshops bringing together SOFF partners
From April to September 2024,more than 100 SOFF partners met on three occasions to coordinate regional support in the Pacific, South Asia and Africa.
Co-hosts were the Government of Fiji, the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology of the Royal Government of Bhutan and the African Development Bank.
The workshops brought together SOFF country representatives, SOFF operational partners, regional organizations, development and climate finance partners, WMO and SOFF Secretariat to discuss SOFF progress, identify regional opportunities, and leverage SOFF support with other initiatives to provide early warnings that make a difference locally.
SEPTEMBER 2024
-
Hydromet Gap Report 2024 shows how to provide support in a targeted manner
The Hydromet Gap Report 2024 was launched. It presents an analysis based on Country Hydromet Diagnostics assessing the hydrometeorological value chain in 20 Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States.
These Diagnostics were conducted by SOFF peer advisors together with the partner country. The Diagnostics are funded by SOFF and are a crucial output of the SOFF Readiness phase. The Report is issued by the Alliance for Hydromet Development of which the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a founding member.
JUNE 2024
Continued support and stepped-up action agreed at 8th Steering Committee meeting in ReykjavíkAt the 8th Steering Committee meeting in Reykjavík, Iceland, additional $14.7 million in contributions from Austria, Belgium, Iceland, and the Nordic Development Fund (NDF) were pledged, bringing SOFF’s resources to $94 million within the first two years of operation.
The Steering Committee approved $13.2 million in Investment funding for Chad and Uganda. Five additional requests were provisionally approved upon additional SOFF resource mobilization.
Niue, Cook Islands, Guinea and Sierra Leone programmed to receive SOFF support, in total already 66 countries to benefit from SOFF.
Dr. Sinead Walsh, Climate Director, Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, was appointed as Co-Chair of the SOFF Steering Committee.
Total countries programmed: 66
Total Readiness funding requests approved: 60
Total Investment funding requests approved: 13 (+ 5 conditionally approved: Madagascar, Timor Leste, Samoa, Nauru and Malawi)
-
7th Steering Committee meeting proves SOFF moves fast
The Steering Committee approved Investment funding requests for Bhutan, Cabo Verde, Ethiopia, Solomon Islands and Tanzania with a total budget of $35 million at its 7th meeting.
Additionally, the first SOFF Independent External review was endorsed. The findings were welcomed: with SOFF being considered as highly relevant, highly transparent, and highly effective; as the best viable option for countries to upgrade, maintain and operate their observation systems in a sustainable fashion; and as foundational for additional investments of other partners.
Total countries programmed: 62
Total Readiness funding requests approved: 60
Total Investment funding requests approved: 11 (+5)
MARCH 2024
-
2024
-
SOFF at COP28: Increased Recognition, Showcasing Action
COP28 increased global recognition of systematic observation and SOFF, including through the first Global Stocktake and the Earth Information Day 2023, where SOFF presented its progress for the first time.
Two SOFF high-level events, including one co-hosted with ECMWF, brought together a broad range of committed partners. Norway and Ireland pledged an additional $5.7 million in total.
The Secretariats of the Adaptation Fund, Climate Investment Funds, Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems Initiative, Global Environment Facility and Green Climate Fund signed the Framework for Collaboration with SOFF for enhanced collaboration.
December 2023
-
6TH Steering Committee meeting approves first six Investment phase funding requests and decides on phased and prioritized SOFF expansion
Big milestones include the first six countries moving into the SOFF Investment phase: Belize, Kiribati, Maldives, Mozambique, Rwanda and South Sudan. Additionally, Haiti’s Readiness phase funding requests were approved. Framework for collaboration for enhancing systematic observation with major climate funds was adopted, to be signed at COP28.
Total countries programmed: 62
Total Readiness funding requests approved: 60
Total Investment funding requests approved: 6
November 2023
-
1st intercessional Steering Committee decision approves additional Readiness Phase Funding Request
The Steering Committee approved additional Readiness Phase Funding Requests from 23 countries and one addendum to a prior funding request in the first intersessional.
Total countries programmed: 62
Total readiness phase funding requests approved: 59 (+23)
September 2023
-
5TH Steering Committee meeting in Copenhagen increases SOFF ambition
The fifth meeting decided to expand SOFF support to 62 countries, including all EW4All focus countries, approved 10 additional Readiness funding requests, and requested the SOFF Secretariat to analyse implications of a Middle-Income-Country expansion. Netherlands and Belgium joined as Funders and Steering Committee members.
Total countries programmed: 62 (+22)
Total readiness phase funding requests approved: 36 (+10)JUNE 2023
-
4TH Steering Committee meeting programs additional countries and approves first Readiness funding requests from 26 countries
The fourth SOFF Steering Committee meeting approved the Readiness Phase Funding Requests from 26 countries, programmed an additional 14 countries, and adopted the SOFF Risk Management Framework. Spain and US joined as Funders and Steering Committee members.
Total countries programmed: 40 (+14)
Total readiness phase funding requests approved: 26
MARCH 2023
-
2023
-
COP27 emphasizes need to address existing gaps in the global climate observing system and SBSTA appreciates SOFF progress
At COP27 the UN Early Warnings for All Executive (EW4All) Action Plan was launched, including SOFF as a delivery vehicle. The COP27 cover decision emphasized the need to address existing gaps in the global climate observing system and welcomed EW4All. SBSTA noted with appreciation the progress on systematic observation through SOFF.
NOVEMBER 2022
-
2nd and 3rd Steering Committee meeting
Decisions of the second SOFF Steering Committee meeting included the adoption of SOFF Operational manual and the endorsement of SOFF Resource Mobilization and Outreach Strategy.
The third meeting decided on the inclusion of the first 26 countries with a request to prepare Readiness funding requests, and adopted the SOFF Readiness phase Results Framework and the SOFF Gender Action Plan.
Total countries programmed: 26
OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2022
-
1st SOFF Steering Committee meeting in Helsinki opens SOFF doors for business
The first SOFF Steering Committee meeting comprised of seven initial funders (Austria, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, NDF, Norway) and stakeholder group representatives adopted the SOFF governance structure, the SOFF programming criteria, and the initial SOFF work programme.
JUNE 2022
-
First pledge to SOFF
The Nordic Development Fund pledged as first funder EUR 10 million to SOFF.
MARCH 2022
-
2022
-
Launch of SOFF Start-up phase and establishment of SOFF Secretariat
The Start-up phase was launched to establish the SOFF Secretariat administratively hosted by WMO, to fine-tune proposed governance arrangements, to prepare the First-year operational programme and budget and to prepare the first SOFF Steering Committee meeting.
JANUARY 2021
-
At COP26, WMO, UNDP and UNEP establish SOFF as a UN Fund
WMO, UNDP and UNEP signed the Memorandum of Understanding to legally establish SOFF as UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund.
NOVEMBER 2021
-
World Meteorological Congress endorses SOFF
Congress took landmark decisions by approving the new WMO Data Policy to enhance the free and unrestricted exchange of Earth System Data, passing the new GBON standard as the backbone for weather, climate and hydrological services, and endorsing SOFF as the new financing mechanism to support countries’ GBON compliance.
OCTOBER 2021
-
First to Fifth Funders Forum
A series of forums presented to potential funders the main advances for the establishment of SOFF, including expanding the value proposition and institutional and governance arrangements.
March 2021-April 2022
-
2020-2021
-
Alliance for Hydromet Development launched
At COP25, 12 international development, humanitarian and climate finance institutions collectively committed to scale up and unite efforts to close the hydromet capacity gap by 2030, with SOFF creation as a priority.
DECEMBER 2019
-
World Meteorological Congress establishes GBON concept
193 Member States and Territories of the World Meteorological Organization agreed to set global requirements for continuous real time international data exchange of basic weather and climate observation to improve forecast products.
JUNE 2019
-
2019
2024+
NOVEMBER 2024
COP29
SOFF is featured at the Earth Information Day as an innovative financing model, the SOFF Action Report launched, and additional pledges to the SOFF UN fund announced.
OCTOBER 2024
9th Steering Committee meeting
The 9th Steering Committee convened virtually. It welcomed the first SOFF Impact Report prepared by ECMWF as well as WMO’s stepped-up role in SOFF, encouraged further SOFF regional collaboration and partnerships, and requested the development of a Green Climate Fund – SOFF Fragile and Conflict Affected States Accelerator Programme.
SEPTEMBER 2024
Regional Workshops bringing together SOFF partners
From April to September 2024,more than 100 SOFF partners met on three occasions to coordinate regional support in the Pacific, South Asia and Africa.
Co-hosts were the Government of Fiji, the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology of the Royal Government of Bhutan and the African Development Bank.
The workshops brought together SOFF country representatives, SOFF operational partners, regional organizations, development and climate finance partners, WMO and SOFF Secretariat to discuss SOFF progress, identify regional opportunities, and leverage SOFF support with other initiatives to provide early warnings that make a difference locally.
JUNE 2024
Hydromet Gap Report 2024 shows how to provide support in a targeted manner
The Hydromet Gap Report 2024 was launched. It presents an analysis based on Country Hydromet Diagnostics assessing the hydrometeorological value chain in 20 Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States.
These Diagnostics were conducted by SOFF peer advisors together with the partner country. The Diagnostics are funded by SOFF and are a crucial output of the SOFF Readiness phase. The Report is issued by the Alliance for Hydromet Development of which the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a founding member.
Continued support and stepped-up action agreed at 8th Steering Committee meeting in Reykjavík
At the 8th Steering Committee meeting in Reykjavík, Iceland, additional $14.7 million in contributions from Austria, Belgium, Iceland, and the Nordic Development Fund (NDF) were pledged, bringing SOFF’s resources to $94 million within the first two years of operation.
The Steering Committee approved $13.2 million in Investment funding for Chad and Uganda. Five additional requests were provisionally approved upon additional SOFF resource mobilization.
Niue, Cook Islands, Guinea and Sierra Leone programmed to receive SOFF support, in total already 66 countries to benefit from SOFF.
Dr. Sinead Walsh, Climate Director, Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, was appointed as Co-Chair of the SOFF Steering Committee.
Total countries programmed: 66
Total Readiness funding requests approved: 60
Total Investment funding requests approved: 13 (+ 5 conditionally approved: Madagascar, Timor Leste, Samoa, Nauru and Malawi)
MARCH 2024
7th Steering Committee meeting proves SOFF moves fast
The Steering Committee approved Investment funding requests for Bhutan, Cabo Verde, Ethiopia, Solomon Islands and Tanzania with a total budget of $35 million at its 7th meeting.
Additionally, the first SOFF Independent External review was endorsed. The findings were welcomed: with SOFF being considered as highly relevant, highly transparent, and highly effective; as the best viable option for countries to upgrade, maintain and operate their observation systems in a sustainable fashion; and as foundational for additional investments of other partners.
Total countries programmed: 62
Total Readiness funding requests approved: 60
Total Investment funding requests approved: 11 (+5)
2024
December 2023
SOFF at COP28: Increased Recognition, Showcasing Action
COP28 increased global recognition of systematic observation and SOFF, including through the first Global Stocktake and the Earth Information Day 2023, where SOFF presented its progress for the first time.
Two SOFF high-level events, including one co-hosted with ECMWF, brought together a broad range of committed partners. Norway and Ireland pledged an additional $5.7 million in total.
The Secretariats of the Adaptation Fund, Climate Investment Funds, Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems Initiative, Global Environment Facility and Green Climate Fund signed the Framework for Collaboration with SOFF for enhanced collaboration.
November 2023
6TH Steering Committee meeting approves first six Investment phase funding requests and decides on phased and prioritized SOFF expansion
Big milestones include the first six countries moving into the SOFF Investment phase: Belize, Kiribati, Maldives, Mozambique, Rwanda and South Sudan. Additionally, Haiti’s Readiness phase funding requests were approved. Framework for collaboration for enhancing systematic observation with major climate funds was adopted, to be signed at COP28.
Total countries programmed: 62
Total Readiness funding requests approved: 60
Total Investment funding requests approved: 6
September 2023
1st intercessional Steering Committee decision approves additional Readiness Phase Funding Request
The Steering Committee approved additional Readiness Phase Funding Requests from 23 countries and one addendum to a prior funding request in the first intersessional.
Total countries programmed: 62
Total readiness phase funding requests approved: 59 (+23)
JUNE 2023
5TH Steering Committee meeting in Copenhagen increases SOFF ambition
The fifth meeting decided to expand SOFF support to 62 countries, including all EW4All focus countries, approved 10 additional Readiness funding requests, and requested the SOFF Secretariat to analyse implications of a Middle-Income-Country expansion. Netherlands and Belgium joined as Funders and Steering Committee members.
Total countries programmed: 62 (+22)
Total readiness phase funding requests approved: 36 (+10)
MARCH 2023
4TH Steering Committee meeting programs additional countries and approves first Readiness funding requests from 26 countries
The fourth SOFF Steering Committee meeting approved the Readiness Phase Funding Requests from 26 countries, programmed an additional 14 countries, and adopted the SOFF Risk Management Framework. Spain and US joined as Funders and Steering Committee members.
Total countries programmed: 40 (+14)
Total readiness phase funding requests approved: 26
2023
NOVEMBER 2022
COP27 emphasizes need to address existing gaps in the global climate observing system and SBSTA appreciates SOFF progress
At COP27 the UN Early Warnings for All Executive (EW4All) Action Plan was launched, including SOFF as a delivery vehicle. The COP27 cover decision emphasized the need to address existing gaps in the global climate observing system and welcomed EW4All. SBSTA noted with appreciation the progress on systematic observation through SOFF.
OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2022
2nd and 3rd Steering Committee meeting
Decisions of the second SOFF Steering Committee meeting included the adoption of SOFF Operational manual and the endorsement of SOFF Resource Mobilization and Outreach Strategy.
The third meeting decided on the inclusion of the first 26 countries with a request to prepare Readiness funding requests, and adopted the SOFF Readiness phase Results Framework and the SOFF Gender Action Plan.
Total countries programmed: 26
JUNE 2022
1st SOFF Steering Committee meeting in Helsinki opens SOFF doors for business
The first SOFF Steering Committee meeting comprised of seven initial funders (Austria, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, NDF, Norway) and stakeholder group representatives adopted the SOFF governance structure, the SOFF programming criteria, and the initial SOFF work programme.
MARCH 2022
First pledge to SOFF
The Nordic Development Fund pledged as first funder EUR 10 million to SOFF.
2022
JANUARY 2021
Launch of SOFF Start-up phase and establishment of SOFF Secretariat
The Start-up phase was launched to establish the SOFF Secretariat administratively hosted by WMO, to fine-tune proposed governance arrangements, to prepare the First-year operational programme and budget and to prepare the first SOFF Steering Committee meeting.
NOVEMBER 2021
At COP26, WMO, UNDP and UNEP establish SOFF as a UN Fund
WMO, UNDP and UNEP signed the Memorandum of Understanding to legally establish SOFF as UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund.
OCTOBER 2021
World Meteorological Congress endorses SOFF
Congress took landmark decisions by approving the new WMO Data Policy to enhance the free and unrestricted exchange of Earth System Data, passing the new GBON standard as the backbone for weather, climate and hydrological services, and endorsing SOFF as the new financing mechanism to support countries’ GBON compliance.
March 2021-April 2022
First to Fifth Funders Forum
A series of forums presented to potential funders the main advances for the establishment of SOFF, including expanding the value proposition and institutional and governance arrangements.
2020-2021
DECEMBER 2019
Alliance for Hydromet Development launched
At COP25, 12 international development, humanitarian and climate finance institutions collectively committed to scale up and unite efforts to close the hydromet capacity gap by 2030, with SOFF creation as a priority.
JUNE 2019
World Meteorological Congress establishes GBON concept
193 Member States and Territories of the World Meteorological Organization agreed to set global requirements for continuous real time international data exchange of basic weather and climate observation to improve forecast products.
2019
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