The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is one of the specialized agencies of the United Nations, it was founded in 1950, however it is considered as the continuation of the previous International Meteorological Organization (IMO), which was founded in 1873. It has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Article 2 of the Treaty establishing the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), dated September 22, 1947, provides that:
The purposes of the Organization will be:
a) Facilitate global cooperation in the establishment of networks of stations to make meteorological observations and other geophysical observations related to meteorology and to promote the establishment and maintenance of meteorological centers in charge of providing meteorological services;
b) Promote the establishment and maintenance of systems for the rapid exchange of meteorological information;
c) Promote the standardization of meteorological observations and ensure the uniform publication of observations and statistics;
d) Encourage the application of meteorology to aviation, navigation, agriculture, and other human activities; and
e) Encourage research and preparation in meteorology and contribute to the coordination of international aspects of such research and preparation.