Russian scientist elected president of World Meteorological Organization

The Thursday plenary session of the 14th World Meteorological Congress in Geneva elected head of the Russian Hydrometeorological Center Alexander Bedritsky President of the World Meteorological Organization, or the WMO. The election was held on a non-voting basis.

Bedritsky was elected on the presentation from the current WMO President, John Zillman of Australia.

The Russian Hydrometeorological Center has been an active participant in all WMO activities since the moment the international meteorological committee was set up in 1873, and is known for its contributions to the World Weather Information Service, the World Climate Program, the Program of Technical Cooperation, Education and Staff Training, and the Hydrological and Water Resources Program.

Late on Wednesday evening, Michel Jarraud of France, the WMO Deputy Secretary-General, was elected Secretary-General of this organization.