Programme of the Conference

	Opening and closing sessions	Formal addresses and elaboration of the vision and objectives for the Conference; adoption of the Conference Declaration
	Plenary sessions	Introduce the challenges and opportunities for various economic sectors and society at large to use climate predictions and information to adapt their activities to climate variability and change and manage the associated risks.
	Working sessions (user focus)	Consist of two presentations: one on climate service needs and one on capabilities within the identified applications areas.
	Working sessions (scientific focus)	Focus on needs and capabilities in specific scientific rather than application areas.
	Forums	Provide an opportunity for individuals, groups and institutions, who may be outside the specific scientific and user communities organizing WCC-3, to enrich the Conference outcomes.
	Workshop on Implementing climate services	Focuses on the demonstration of the best practices in delivery and application of climate services.
	Round-table discussions	Focus on the processes and issues in the application and communication of climate information and services.
	Poster sessions	Organized to communicate scientific findings and other climate information to Conference participants. Posters are invited from interested university scientists and graduate students, scientists at government agencies and research laboratories and from other interested individuals or groups (e.g. non-governmental organizations).
	High-level Segment programme	The goal of the High-level Segment is to allow policy-makers to establish the Global Framework for Climate Services in order to enhance availability of relevant, accurate and easy-to-understand climate information in the timeframe ranging from seasons to decades to decision-makers in politics, aid organizations, business, industry and others, ensure timely delivery of such tailor-made climate information and strengthen integration of climate information into the decision-making process. The Framework requires the collaboration of people from various countries, as well as sectors and institutions, and support from the highest level is vital for coordinating the efforts. The High-Level Segment will culminate in a Declaration to guide future actions.