The Mission of the International
Activities Office (IAO) of the U.S. National Weather
Service is to promote the international interests of
the U.S. meteorological and hydrologic communities improving
the levels of science, technology, operations, and services
worldwide.
In
fulfilling this mission, the IAO focuses on the following
It represents the relevant interests
of the National Weather Service and other parts
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) in international activities, especially those
that advance short-term warning and forecast services.
It serves as the focal point
in the United States for national meteorological
and hydrologic services of other countries. The
Office administers assistance to other countries
in crisis with meteorological and hydrologic support
in line with this mission.
It seeks to improve international
observing and telecommunications networks and to
build national capabilities (through capacity building
and technology transfer) in developing countries
as a means to improve overall levels of products
and services.
The IAO participates actively
in the activities and meetings of the World Meteorological
Organization (WMO) and supports the Permanent Representative
to the WMO from the United States.