WMO Adopts First-Ever Youth Action Plan to Empower Next Generation of Climate and Weather Leaders

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has taken a historic step toward fostering intergenerational collaboration and empowering young professionals in the fields of meteorology, hydrology, climate science, and oceanography with the adoption of its first-ever WMO Youth Action Plan. The plan marks a bold commitment to ensure that youth voices and innovation are systematically integrated into the organization's governance, scientific work, and global climate action agenda.

A Milestone for Youth Inclusion in Global Climate Governance

Adopted during a recent WMO Executive Council session, the Youth Action Plan represents the culmination of a year-long global consultation process involving over 200 young participants from across WMO's member states, technical commissions, and regional associations. The initiative aligns with the UN Youth2030 Strategy, the Pact for the Future, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), placing WMO among more than 50 UN agencies actively implementing a coordinated system-wide approach to youth empowerment and participation.

"Today's decision is about more than inclusion — it's about transformation," said Prof. Celeste Saulo, WMO Secretary-General. "We are opening the door for young professionals, scientists, and activists to shape the very systems that will define their future. It feels new, it feels necessary, and yes — it feels youthful."

Building a Global Platform for Young Scientists

The WMO Youth Action Plan aims to bridge the gap between experienced professionals and the next generation of climate leaders, fostering a culture of mentorship, innovation, and shared responsibility for the planet's future.

More than 90% of youth participants in the consultation process supported the creation of a WMO Youth Network, envisioned as a dynamic global platform for collaboration, advocacy, and professional growth. Meanwhile, over 70% of respondents highlighted the need for greater youth participation in policy-making and governance within WMO and its national member institutions.

The plan also introduces a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework to ensure that youth inclusion efforts remain accountable, transparent, and measurable, with regular progress reviews and performance reporting.

Four Pillars of the Youth Action Plan

The Youth Action Plan is structured around four strategic pillars, each addressing a key dimension of youth integration and empowerment within WMO's mission:

1. Governance – Institutionalizing youth engagement within WMO structures, advisory bodies, and global decision-making processes. This includes promoting youth representation on scientific panels and expert task forces.

2. Capacity Development – Expanding access to training, mentorships, and intergenerational learning opportunities that strengthen technical and leadership skills.

3. Human Resources – Enhancing career development pathways for young meteorologists, hydrologists, and data scientists, with a focus on equitable access and gender diversity.

4. Communication and Partnerships – Amplifying youth-led storytelling, outreach campaigns, and collaborations with educational institutions, NGOs, and the private sector.

An additional cross-cutting pillar on Monitoring and Evaluation will track progress and ensure accountability through indicators such as youth participation rates, career advancement metrics, and partnership outcomes.

From Consultation to Action

Among the plan's immediate priorities are:

• The establishment of a WMO Youth Network, a virtual and in-person platform linking young scientists, students, and practitioners worldwide.

• The launch of new training, fellowship, and mentorship programs connecting early-career experts with WMO technical divisions and national meteorological services.

• The creation of a youth-led communications initiative, promoting climate literacy, science communication, and digital storytelling from a youth perspective.

• Strengthening ties with universities, youth organizations, and research institutions, creating clear pathways for academic and professional engagement.

Spanning an initial two-year implementation period, the Youth Action Plan defines key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress — including increasing youth representation in WMO decision-making bodies, building a global resource library, and organizing annual youth consultations.

A New Generation of Climate Leadership

By formally adopting this framework, WMO is signaling a shift toward shared intergenerational responsibility in addressing global climate challenges. The initiative reflects growing recognition across the UN system that young people are not just beneficiaries of climate policies but co-creators of solutions.

"The WMO Youth Action Plan is not symbolic — it is structural," said a WMO statement. "It gives youth a permanent seat at the table in shaping the science, data, and policy frameworks that drive weather and climate resilience."

Global Collaboration and Next Steps

To kick-start implementation, WMO will convene a Youth Focal Point Coordination Meeting in Japan, bringing together youth representatives from regional meteorological associations, universities, and partner organizations. The meeting will develop a roadmap for the creation of the WMO Youth Network, set milestones for engagement, and identify opportunities for cross-regional collaboration.

The meeting will also explore how youth engagement can complement WMO's Early Warnings for All initiative, Global Greenhouse Gas Watch, and ongoing efforts to expand climate adaptation capacity in vulnerable regions.

Inspiring the Future of Science and Service

As the climate crisis accelerates, WMO's Youth Action Plan represents both a moral and practical imperative — ensuring that young scientists are equipped, empowered, and integrated into the systems that safeguard communities worldwide.

By institutionalizing youth participation and mentorship, WMO is paving the way for a new generation of meteorologists, hydrologists, and climate experts to contribute to the global effort for sustainable development, disaster resilience, and scientific innovation.

In the words of Prof. Saulo, "The future of weather, water, and climate services depends on young people — their creativity, their courage, and their commitment to humanity's shared future. The Youth Action Plan is how we make that future possible."