The World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) Secretariat is hosted by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations. WMO operates within the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the Specialized Agencies and therefore WCRP not subject to national data protection regulations.
Nevertheless, WCRP intends to treat personal data it receives with respect and will process it fairly and legitimately in accordance with its mandate of facilitating and coordinating international climate science. WCRP aims to ensure that it will only share personal data as necessary to carry out its core business. Personal data will be processed for specified purposes consistent with this mandate and will only be shared when necessary to carry out its core business.
WCRP will strive to ensure confidentiality and implement appropriate safeguards for any personal data held.
WCRP recognises that its International Project Offices and Support Units are subject to the data protection laws of their respective locations and will make every reasonable effort to accommodate these provisions in the application and processing of personal data.
- Introduction
The World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) is committed to ensuring responsible data management and protecting the privacy of all individuals engaging with its SharePoint workspace, databases, events, workshops, and websites. This policy outlines how data is collected, used, and stored, as well as the rights and responsibilities of users. For the purpose of this data policy, WCRP includes the WCRP Secretariat (Switzerland).
- Scope
This policy applies to all individuals who access and use the WCRP SharePoint workspace, internal databases, and related platforms, including members of all WCRP activities, international offices and the WCRP Secretariat.
Providing personal data to WCRP is optional. If you choose not to provide personal data, you may not be able to participate in the SharePoint Workspace, workshops and events, receive newsletters or email correspondence, or apply for membership positions or other opportunities.
- Data Collection
WCRP collects and processes personal and professional data necessary for collaboration and communication within its scientific community. This may include:
- Identifiers: This includes your family name, first name, mailing address, email address, second email, email to cc, city and country of residence, telephone number, and other similar identifiers.
- Professional Information: Liaison, affiliation, year of highest degree, professional address, research area, professional URL, and others.
- Protected Classification Characteristics: nationality and gender.
- Membership: Role in any WCRP body (i.e., committee).
- Participation: Contributions to events, reports, and shared documents.
- Data Use
Data held by WCRP is used to:
- Facilitate communication and collaboration among members.
- Provide access to relevant resources, working spaces, and event information.
- Purchase or book travel tickets or make logistical arrangements.
- Ensure proper representation and engagement in WCRP initiatives.
- Create or register an account or administer an account.
- Provide logistical support to research activities.
- Contact you – either in response to a query or suggestion, or to provide relevant information to you.
- Undertake statistical analysis to inform and improve our procedures.
- Your Content
In WCRP “Content” includes all information, data, and other content, in any form or medium, that is collected, downloaded, or otherwise received, directly or indirectly, from you (or on your behalf). You own and control the nature of any Content.
- Data Storage and Security
- All data is stored on WCRP-managed platforms, including SharePoint and Microsoft Teams (hosted in the European Union), which adhere to WMO security and compliance standards.
- Access to data is restricted based on roles and responsibilities within WCRP.
- Website hosting is by Infomaniak (hosted in Switzerland).
- Data Sharing
- Personal data will not be shared or sold with anyone outside WCRP without prior consent unless required by law or necessary for WCRP activities.
- Users are responsible for ensuring that any data they upload or share respects confidentiality and intellectual property rights.
- User Responsibilities
By using WCRP's SharePoint workspace and related platforms, users agree to:
- Keep their profile information accurate and updated.
- Use the platform responsibly, ensuring respectful and professional communication and adhering to the WCRP Code of Conduct.
- Avoid sharing confidential or sensitive data without proper authorization.
- Report any security concerns or unauthorized access immediately to the WCRP Secretariat.
- Data Retention and Deletion
- Data will be periodically reviewed to ensure relevance and accuracy.
- Users can request the correction or removal of their data by contacting the WCRP Secretariat.
- Inactive users or outdated information may be archived or deleted as part of data management procedures.
- Amendments and Contact Information
This policy may be updated as needed to reflect best practices and operational changes. Any significant changes will be communicated to users.
For any questions or concerns regarding data protection, please contact the WCRP Secretariat at
