It is with great pleasure and anticipation that I welcome you in Windhoek to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Eastern and Southern Africa (ESAF) Aeronautical Meteorological Workshop. This workshop brings together experts, regulators, meteorology service providers, regional partners and stakeholders in aviation meteorology to share knowledge, best practices, and the latest advancements in this ever-evolving field. Through collaboration and the exchange of ideas, we aim to enhance our understanding of weather phenomena, improve the accuracy of weather forecasts, and ultimately strengthen the safety and efficiency of air travel.
As we gather here it is essential to acknowledge some recent developments, notably Amendment 81 to the ICAO Annex 3. This amendment has brought about significant changes, shaping the future of meteorological services for international air navigation. Our discussions will explore the implications of this amendment, with a keen focus on operational meteorology (Opmet) unavailability, space weather requirements, and the integration of artificial intelligence in meteorology.
Amid our discussions on aviation meteorology, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the broader environmental challenges facing our SADC region and Africa, our continent. Namibia, like many countries in the region, is grappling with the harsh realities of drought and climate change. he challenges posed by dynamic weather patterns and climate change underscore th.
