The development and delivery of climate services depend not only on scientific advancements but also on meaningful user engagement. The Guidelines for User Interface Platforms (UIPs) in climate service value chains, developed by the WMO under the ClimSA Programme, provide a structured approach for building successful interactions between climate service providers, researchers and users to co-develop actionable climate information. These guidelines outline best practices for creating UIPs that facilitate trust, communication and collaboration, ensuring that climate data translates into effective decision-making. By incorporating diverse engagement methods - ranging from digital tools to interactive forums - the guidelines support more responsive and user-driven climate services. This resource is essential for organisations aiming to improve climate resilience through collaborative knowledge exchange.
As the challenges of climate variability and extreme weather increase, more accurate and practical responses are essential. The Guidelines for User Interface Platforms (UIPs) help achieve this by offering structured ways for climate service providers, researchers and end users to work together. Specifically, UIPs facilitate this collaboration by enhancing decision-making processes, building trust, strengthening collaboration and encouraging networking.
Key components of the Global Framework of Climate Services (GFCS). Adapted from the GFCS Implementation Plan (Hewitt et al. 2012; WMO 2014)
From its inception in 2020, the ClimSA Programme, funded by the 11th European Development Fund, has adopted UIPs to boost the engagement of its stakeholders. To effectively support this process, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) - acting as one of the ClimSA Technical Implementing Partners and informed by extensive consultations with participating OACPS regions - has spearheaded the development of these Guidelines. The Guidelines are operating within the internationally recognised Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS).
The Guidelines describe different engagement approaches, from passive information sharing through websites to active involvement in workshops and specialised forums. They provide solutions to effectively bridge the gap between climate science and decision-making. They emphasise the importance of trust-building, inclusivity and regularly using user feedback to refine and improve climate services to meet the evolving needs of diverse stakeholders.
Additionally, the Guidelines illustrate how UIPs work at regional and national levels, providing real-world case studies illustrating their successful implementation. Examples such as Regional Climate Outlook Forums (RCOFs) and National Climate Outlook Forums (NCOFs) demonstrate how structured engagement benefits climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture, water management, disaster risk reduction and public health. The document further addresses the balance between in-person and virtual engagements, acknowledging the growing role of online platforms in fostering inclusive and sustainable climate dialogues.
By following these Guidelines, climate service providers and policymakers can transform UIPs from simple information repositories into dynamic spaces where climate knowledge is co-produced to address societal needs. This practical resource is essential for anyone involved in sharing climate data, information and knowledge, offering practical insights into developing UIPs that enhance the usability and impact of climate services.
The Guidelines are being used by beneficiary organisations, resulting in the development and establishment of several UIPs and related events, including the African continental UIP for agriculture and disaster risk management in July 2024; the online user engagement training on agricultural season onset monitoring in Africa in September 2024.
The ClimSA partnership has widely used these Guidelines to develop and strengthened UIPs, fostering co-design, co-production and application of climate services in specific socio-economic sectors. Read more on UIPs for climate adaptation here.
Download the Guidelines for User Interface Platforms below.