Markus Repnik

Mr Repnik has led the creation and start-up of the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) Secretariat,  a specialized climate fund of the United Nations - co-created by WMO, UNDP and UNEP. SOFF supports developing countries in closing their basic weather and climate data gaps. Mr Repnik also developed of the Systematic Observation Impact Bond. For these achievements, he will be awarded by the European Meteorological Society with the Silver Medal 2026.

Prior to the launch of SOFF, he served as WMO Director of Development Partnerships where he led the creation of the Alliance for Hydromet Development. The Alliance brings together major international development and climate finance institutions to unite efforts on high-quality weather forecasts, early warning systems, and climate information.

Prior to joining WMO, Mr Repnik was Managing Director at the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) where he co-led the development of the Land Degradation Neutrality Fund, the first privately managed public-private investment fund on sustainable land use.

Mr Repnik worked for 15 years at the World Bank Group, including 10 years in managerial positions. He directed the Bank’s engagement with several African and European countries. As manager of the Bank Group’s Climate Policy unit he led the development of the Bank’s first approach to integrate climate and disaster risk management in all operations.

Mr Repnik holds a Master of Economics and Social Sciences and completed several executive development programs, including at Harvard Business School and Cambridge University.