The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has taken a major step in global water governance by entering into a groundbreaking partnership with the Republic of Korea. This alliance, formalized through two key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed on 14 May 2025, aims to boost international efforts in operational hydrology, flood forecasting, and sustainable water resource management, with a sharp focus on supporting Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Signed by WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo and representatives from the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Environment and the Korea Institute of Hydrological Survey (KIHS), these agreements reflect a united commitment to building water resilience in a rapidly changing climate.
A Longstanding Commitment to Operational Hydrology
For over 75 years, operational hydrology has remained at the core of WMO’s mission. As the United Nations’ specialized agency for weather, climate, and water, WMO supports its 193 Member States by delivering technical tools, scientific frameworks, and early warning systems essential to managing water risks and improving public safety.
The new partnership aligns closely with WMO’s global campaigns like “Early Warnings for All” (EW4All), which seeks to deliver timely and accurate alerts to vulnerable communities worldwide. These initiatives are increasingly crucial as climate-induced extreme weather events become more frequent and destructive.
Mobilizing Resources Through the Ministry of Environment
The first MoU, signed with Vice Minister Byounghwa Lee of the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Environment, focuses on enhancing operational hydrology in dozens of countries, especially those at high risk from climate-related water disasters.
The agreement outlines a strategy to mobilize both technical expertise and financial support. It promotes the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Twin systems into water resource management. Korea’s experience in open-source innovation and real-time water monitoring systems is expected to play a central role in closing the technology gap for under-resourced nations.
Technical Training and Research Through the Korea Institute of Hydrological Survey
The second MoU, signed between WMO and KIHS President Youngkee Lee, sets the stage for long-term collaboration in education, research, and field-based training. This agreement enhances opportunities for global hydrology professionals to engage in knowledge exchange programs, particularly on topics like hydrological modeling, flood risk forecasting, and data standardization.
It also supports the development of internationally recognized hydrological survey methods, allowing WMO Member States to strengthen their monitoring systems and disaster preparedness strategies through shared standards and methodologies.
Republic of Korea’s Leadership in Hydrology and Innovation
The Republic of Korea stands out as a global leader in water management technologies. Its Ministry of Environment and KIHS are internationally respected for their innovations in flood forecasting systems, AI-driven analytics, and advanced hydrological modeling. These competencies will now be channeled into global efforts to build resilient and adaptive water systems.
By joining forces with WMO, Korea brings its technological strengths to the global stage, contributing to smarter and more accessible hydrological services. The partnership is expected to lead to the rapid launch of collaborative projects, better data-sharing protocols, and expanded training efforts that empower countries to act decisively in the face of hydrological threats.
Equity-Focused Approach: Prioritizing LDCs and SIDS
Central to this partnership is the shared understanding that the most vulnerable nations must be at the forefront of global support. LDCs and SIDS often face the highest risks from water-related hazards, yet lack the infrastructure and tools needed for effective mitigation. This collaboration ensures that these nations receive targeted assistance, tailored technologies, and direct capacity-building support to manage their water challenges sustainably.
The agreements are also in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 6, which emphasizes clean water and sanitation for all, and Goal 13, which calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Charting a Water-Secure Future Through Global Partnerships
These new MoUs mark the beginning of a robust and far-reaching collaboration between WMO and the Republic of Korea. With climate pressures mounting, water resilience has become a global imperative. This partnership brings together science, technology, education, and international cooperation to address one of the most urgent challenges of our time.
As the WMO continues to strengthen its services, this alliance with Korea serves as a model for how nations can work together to build a safer, more sustainable, and more water-secure world one where no country, no matter how small or vulnerable, is left behind.