and information and the means of exchange among member States via the WMO regional telecommunications system, which is the primary mechanism by which ACMAD will collect meteorological data and distribute its products, and to report to the Commission at its twenty-first session; 4. Decides that the role of the African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development is to improve the understanding of atmosphe­ ric and climatic processes over the continent; collect, analyse and dis­ seminate meteorological and hydrological information to serve as a watch or early warning system over Africa; and facilitate the training of African scientists and technicians in the applications of meteorology for development; 5. Appeals to the United Nations Sudano-Sahelian Office and the United Nations Development Programme to provide substantial financial sup­ port for the establishment and running of the Centre and to all interested bilateral and multilateral donors and financial institutions to supplement financial support for the Centre in its early phases of development. 241st meeting, 29 April 1985. 541 (XX). Role of trade and finance in alleviating Africa's social and economic crisis The Conference of Ministers, Recalling the provisions of the Lagos Plan of Action and the Final Act of Lagos concerning the vital role played by trade and finance in the socio-economic transformation of the African economies, Gravely concerned about the diminishing role which international trade and finance have played in dealing with the current economic and social crisis in the wake of an unfavourable international economic environment, more particularly the adverse decline in the prices of primary commodities, the drastic reduction in official development assistance (ODA), the persistently high interest rates in the developed countries and the negative impact of fluctuating exchange rates on the economies of the developing countries, Realizing the urgent need to adopt effective measures at the inter­
**Analysis**
The text appears to focus on the establishment of an African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development, which aims to improve understanding of atmospheric and climatic processes, collect and disseminate meteorological data, and provide training for African scientists and technicians. Additionally, it appeals for financial support for the Centre's establishment and running. The text also touches on the role of international trade and finance in alleviating Africa's social and economic crisis. Based on this, it seems likely that the text falls under the categories related to science, technology, and international cooperation.

**Category**
Natural resources and environment, International trade