site.btaWorld Meteorological Organization President Al Mandous: Bulgarian Antarctic Institute Sets Standard for Global Scientific Collaboration

Collaboration with the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute exemplifies how countries can join forces to tackle global challenges, President of the World Meteorological Organization and Director General of the National Center of Meteorology (United Arab Emirates) Abdulla Al Mandous told BTA on Saturday.

Al Mandous was among the guests at the ceremony marking the departure of Bulgaria’s naval research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (RSV 421).

A scientific team from the United Arab Emirates will join the Bulgarian Antarctic expedition for the second year running. In 2024, the UAE’s first mission on the Ice Continent took place within the framework of the 33rd Bulgarian Antarctic expedition, when a seismologist and a meteorologist from the UAE deployed laboratory equipment for climate research. In May 2025, the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute signed a polar cooperation agreement with the National Center of Meteorology (UAE).

“The UAE’s participation for the second consecutive year in the 34th Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition reflects our commitment to advancing climate research in one of the most sensitive regions of the planet,” Al Mandous said in response to a BTA question about new scientific projects and expectations from the expedition.

The UAE team is working on several key projects under the country’s polar programme: establishing field laboratories, operating a meteorological station for monitoring climate and atmospheric dynamics, a sea level and wave monitoring system to study ice melt and provide early warning indicators for potential tsunami risks, Al Mandous explained. UAE scientists are also measuring methane emissions in various glacial layers and permafrost, contributing to the study of greenhouse gas behaviour in polar conditions.

“The scientific data we aim to collect will contribute to improving global climate prediction models and strengthening international understanding of climate change impacts in polar regions,” Al Mandous said.

The partnership with the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute is a strong model for international scientific collaboration, enabling last year’s successful installation and launch of the first Arab meteorological and seismological stations in Antarctica, Al Mandous noted. He added that this achievement reflects mutual trust and a shared goal to advance climate research.

“This partnership continues to grow through joint research, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building efforts, and it stands as a positive example of how countries can work together to address global challenges,” Al Mandous said.

On the eve of the 30th United Nations Climate Conference COP30, which opens on Monday, November 10, in Belem, Brazil, the World Meteorological Organization has released its preliminary findings on the global climate. The full data and forecast for achieving the Paris Agreement objectives will be presented Monday in Belem.

"The global climate is undergoing extremely rapid and unprecedented change," Al Mandous said, replying to a BTA question about the current state of the climate and his advice as a scientist to policymakers and humanity ahead of COP30.

Rising temperatures, accelerated ice melt, rising sea levels, and an increasing frequency of extreme events are already affecting communities and ecosystems worldwide, Al Mandous said. He added that, despite progress in global climate action, efforts still fall short of limiting warming in line with the Paris Agreement goals, and stronger, more coordinated science-based action is urgently needed.

According to him, policymakers must prioritize investment in climate observation systems, strengthen national meteorological and hydrological services, and expand early warning systems to ensure protection for all communities, especially the most vulnerable.

Societies also have a critical role in supporting sustainable practices, promoting environmental awareness, and empowering youth to participate in climate innovation. Collective responsibility and evidence-based decision-making remain the key to securing a safer and more resilient future for our planet, he concluded.