Open Monsoon Conference 2026 opens in Minhang

The Open Monsoon Conference 2026 was held from May 18 to 20 at the Grand NeoBay Sci-Tech Innovation Building in Minhang district, Shanghai, bringing together global experts to discuss monsoon science, climate risks and disaster reduction.

Co-organized by the World Meteorological Organization and the China Meteorological Administration, the conference attracted experts, meteorological professionals and representatives of international organizations from more than 40 countries and regions. The event also marked the launch of the Asia-Australia-Africa Monsoon International Big Science Program.

With global warming, monsoon systems are experiencing changes in stability and predictability, leading to an increase in extreme weather and climate events. The conference aimed to strengthen cooperation across monsoon research, observations, operations and services, while also supporting the United Nations initiative for Early Warnings for All.

Keynote speakers included Zhang Renhe, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and co-chief scientist of the monsoon program; Chris Davis, chair of the Scientific Steering Committee of the World Weather Research Program; and Christiane Textor, vice-chair of the Joint Scientific Committee of the World Climate Research Program.

Participants discussed six major topics, including multiscale monsoon variability and extreme events, climate change impacts, observation and simulation, forecasting, artificial intelligence applications, services and international cooperation.

Minhang's strong science and technology base also supported the event. Grand NeoBay has gathered universities, including Shanghai Jiao Tong University and East China Normal University, while the district is home to major aerospace research institutes and plays an important role in China's meteorological satellite development.

Experts attend the Open Monsoon Conference 2026 at the Grand NeoBay Sci-Tech Innovation Building in Minhang district, Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat ID: minhangnews]

[Photo/WeChat ID: minhangnews]