PROF. CELESTE SAULO

Prof. Celeste Saulo, the Director of Argentina’s National Meteorological Service, has been appointed as the first female Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). With her appointment, she will take charge of the organisation at the forefront of global efforts to monitor and deal with climate change and extreme weather events. Prof. Saulo will assume her role on January 1, 2024, succeeding Prof. Petteri Taalas.

Prof. Saulo aims to strengthen meteorological and hydrological services to protect populations and economies, provide timely and effective services, and establish early warning systems. She has emphasised the need to hear all Member countries equally, prioritising vulnerable populations and aligning actions with the specific needs of each Member.

Her career has revolved around academia, combining research, teaching and university management. She has been actively involved with WMO, serving as a member of various expert scientific panels and currently serving as the First Vice-President of WMO.

Prof. Saulo’s research has focused on the South American Monsoon System and interdisciplinary problems related to wind energy production, agricultural applications, and early warning systems. She has authored or co-authored more than 60 peer-reviewed scientific journal articles and book chapters.