The African continent is especially vulnerable to climate change, which affects all sectors of activity, from agriculture to food security, public health and water resources management, and therefore poses serious threat to development. While it is up to African leaders to assess the situation and decide on ways to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect the population, African National Meteorological and Hydrological Services are the major players to provide critical information to decision-makers and main users.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), in partnership with the African Union and with the support of the Government of Kenya, is organizing the First Conference of Ministers Responsible for Meteorology in Africa, from 12 to 16 April 2010.

The first part of the Conference, from 12 to 14 April, will be a preparatory technical meeting of experts and partners of all sectors concerned, while the Conference of Ministers itself will take place on 15 and 16 April.

VENUE

The Conference will take place at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (K.I.C.C) in Nairobi, Kenya.

PRESS CONFERENCES

Journalists are formally invited to attend the following press conferences:

Wednesday 14 April, 12:00 a.m.

Speakers: Mr Michel Jarraud, WMO Secretary-General, accompanied by the Minister of Environment and Mineral Resources of Kenya

Friday 16 April, 1:00 pm

Speakers: Mr Michel Jarraud, WMO Secretary-General, accompanied by a Representative of the African Union and of the Government of Kenya

PROGRAMME OF THE AFRICAN MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE

All sessions will be open to journalists.

MEDIA ACCREDITATION

Representatives of the mass media — press, photo, radio and television — will need to be accredited for the coverage of the Conference. All journalists applying for accreditation must submit proof that they represent a bona fide media organization [formally registered as a media organization in a country recognized by the United Nations General Assembly] as follows:

• Letter of assignment on official letterhead of a media organization from the Publisher/Assignment Editor or Bureau Chief. It should specify the name and functional title of the journalist and the period for which accreditation is sought at the United Nations.
• Print media representatives are required to submit two recent issues of the publication. Radio and TV media representatives must submit recordings of two recent reports.
• Independent TV production companies are required to provide a letter from a broadcast organization which intends to air their work.
• Photographers are required to submit original tear sheets or photos with credits of the issuing organization.
• Journalists must also present a valid ID.

Correspondents must submit their request by email on their media's organization's letterhead to the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, Public Communications Division:

Mr Mulei Muia, Head, E-mail : mmuia@environment.go.ke

Mr Geoffrey M. Bittok, E-mail :gmaryos@yahoo.com

WMO AND MEDIA 21 WORKSHOP

In parallel to the African Ministerial Conference, WMO and Media 21 are co-organizing a workshop for journalists on climate and food security in Africa.

Contact:

Mr Daniel Wermus, Media 21, Tel: +41 22 901 33 31,

E-mail: dwermus@media21geneva.org

In Nairobi, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, Public Communications Division:

Mr Mulei Muia, Head, Cell phone: +254-722-516 610, E-mail : mmuia@environment.go.ke

Mr Geoffrey M. Bittok, Cellphone :+254-722-218 504, E-mail :gmaryos@yahoo.com