The GCOS Surface Reference Network Lead Center will be hosted by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA).

The success of the implementation of a surface reference network strongly depends on the establishment of a Lead Centre sufficiently resourced and empowered to manage the rollout of such a global network. The Lead Centre will be responsible for managing the implementation and operation of GSRN, and will play an important role in the coordination, certification, monitoring and evaluation of observation stations.

GSRN Lead Center Virtual Kick-off Meeting:

On 23 May 2022, the inaugural ceremony for the establishment of the GCOS Surface Reference Network Lead Center was held as an online event.

Several members of China Meteorological Administration (CMA) participated to the meeting.

Yu Xinwen, Deputy Administrator of CMA, and Li Liangxu, Director of CMA Meteorological Observation Centre (MOC) gave statements expressing appreciation to the effort made by WMO and GCOS in effectively promoting weather and climate observations and confirming the commitment of CMA to work closely with WMO and GCOS in establishing the Lead Centre and in filling its responsibilities so that GSRN will achieve the expected goals.

Wenjian Zhang, WMO Assistant Secretary General, and Anthony Rea, Director of the WMO Infrastructure Department and GCOS Secretariat, both expressed their appreciation for the role CMA has taken up in the implementation of the GSRN and welcomed the beginning of this collaboration that will bring CMA and WMO closer.