Pacific Islands Climate Outlook Forum (PICOF) - 5

1. To discuss the 2019/20 Climate and Tropical Cyclone Outlook for the Pacific Islands
2. To compare the various seasonal climate forecast guidance for the Pacific region and discuss how these are produced in terms of accuracy, utility, weaknesses and strengths
3. To discuss how NMHSs are currently accessing and assessing the available guidance, making them nationally-relevant, tailoring them for specific end users, and disseminating them to users
4. To discuss how to effectively develop the seasonal forecast products to be relevant to agriculture sector and how NMS can work closely with this sector
    

The specific objectives of PICOF 5 include the following:

1. Discussion on ENSO and Tropical Cyclone outlook 2019-20 season
2. To build collaboration and partnerships among NMHSs and scientific institutions
3. To continue capacity building/human resource development activities for the Pacific region, particularly in seasonal prediction
4. To provide a platform for the NMHSs through the PICOF to share and exchange experiences and knowledge on tropical cyclone season and climate forecasting in the Pacific region
5. To further develop the ENSO definition for the Pacific f) To further develop the guidance for consensus forecast in the Pacific 

1. Improved understanding of climate models and how well they work for each country
2. Regional statement on climate and tropical cyclone outlook 2019/20
3. Guidance  to develop National statement on climate and  Tropical Cyclone outlook
4. Gaps and opportunities identified for improving engagement between agriculture sector and NMSs