Young innovators are invited to submit ideas that use science, technology, and traditional knowledge to strengthen early warning systems. Selected entries will be featured at the Global Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Early Warnings for All in Geneva, 2 - 3 June 2025.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), is calling on young innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs to showcase their work to advance early warning systems (EWS).
The call is part of a thematic session on science, technology, and innovation that will be hosted at the Global Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Early Warnings for All in Geneva, Switzerland (2 - 3 June 2025). The proposed youth-led solutions should harness the power of innovation, traditional knowledge, and frontier technologies to enhance early warning systems and disaster resilience. Selected entries will be showcased at the Forum, offering young people a global platform to share their contributions.
Why participate?
- Gain global visibility by presenting your work to policymakers, experts, and stakeholders.
- Network with practitioners in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and early warnings.
- Contribute to global efforts that highlight the role of youth in climate and disaster resilience.
Who can apply?
- Individuals, teams, or organizations led by young people aged 18 to 35.
- Applicants from all regions and backgrounds working on EWS, DRR, resilience or technology-based solutions.
- Submissions must be youth-led, with young people involved in the concept, design or implementation.
What are we looking for?
Submissions should focus on science, technology, and innovation in EWS, including but not limited to:
- Frontier technologies: Use of artificial intelligence, big data, Internet of Things, remote sensing or blockchain in early warnings.
- Traditional and local knowledge: Empowering Indigenous and local communities to understand and use technologies for EWS while integrating their traditional knowledge.
- Community-centred innovation: Grassroots innovations that promote accessibility and inclusiveness in early warnings and early action.
- Social innovation: Engaging vulnerable communities, especially youth, in preparedness and response.
Submission guidelines
- Submit a one-page visual poster (with images or infographics) or a two-minute video that explains your project, innovation or research.
- Clearly describe how your initiative contributes to early warnings and resilience.
- Submissions are accepted in English, French or Spanish, and may be accompanied by the original version if translated from other languages.
Selected entries will be displayed in a physical exhibition space at the Forum and featured in a virtual poster display. Please note that selection does not include financial support for travel. Participants whose work is selected are welcome to attend online or in person at their own expense. Register here .
How to submit
