Ishaam Abader

Mr. Abader brings extensive expertise in managing complex, multi‑stakeholder environments at national, regional and global levels to WMO.

Prior to joining WMO, Mr Abader served as Chief Executive Officer of the South African Weather Service, where he led a national institution with over 470 staff across 23 offices and a commensurate annual budget. In this role, he oversaw the delivery of critical weather and climate services supporting aviation, disaster risk reduction, agriculture, and marine sectors, among others. He was the Permanent Representative of South Africa to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), serving on its Executive Council and contributing to global policy development and regional coordination across Africa and served South Africa in various international capacities as well.

Earlier in his career, Mr Abader held multiple executive roles within South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, including that of Acting Director‑General and Deputy Director‑General responsible for environmental policy and authorisations, compliance and enforcement, pollution and waste management, air quality, corporate services and legal affairs. These roles required strong inter- and intra‑governmental coordination, regulatory leadership and institutional reform management.

Trained as an attorney with the right of appearance in the High Court of South Africa, Mr Abader also served as a Senior State Attorney and as a Director and Chief Director of Legal Services within government. He holds a Masters in Business Administration, alongside his qualifications and training in law, project management, and executive leadership.

In his new role, Mr Abader's focus is on strengthening regional collaboration, alignment and partnerships to support effective coordination and service delivery across Member institutions and stakeholders.