John Harding

John Harding is a seasoned professional in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, currently serving as the Head of the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) Secretariat at the World Meteorological Organization since July 2016. In this role, John manages a Financial Intermediary Fund of the World Bank aimed at enhancing early warning systems in Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States. John previously held key positions at UNDP as the Head of Unit a.i. Disaster Risk Reduction, at the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction in various capacities, including UN Relations and Coordination Officer, and at the Office of the United Nations Special Envoy for Haiti as a Political Advisor. John’s earlier experience includes a role as Team Leader for GFDRR at the World Bank and as an Associate Programme Officer at UNISDR. John’s educational background includes a BSc. Hons in Geology and Oceanography from the University of Southampton, a Master's in Hydrology and Hydrogeology from Birmingham University, and postgraduate studies in geological risks and water and sanitation emergency engineering.