The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has made an exciting move to include young people in climate discussions. They’ve launched their first-ever WMO Youth Action Plan, which aims to give youth a real voice in meteorology, hydrology, climate science, and oceanography.
This plan comes from a year of conversations with over 200 young people from different countries, showing their interests and ideas. It supports the UN’s Youth2030 Strategy and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As WMO Secretary-General Prof. Celeste Saulo put it, this decision isn’t just about inclusion; it’s about real change. Young professionals will now have a say in shaping a future that directly affects their lives.
Aiming for Change
The Youth Action Plan wants to connect seasoned professionals with the new generation of climate leaders. Mentorship and innovation will be key focuses. A survey showed that 90% of young participants support creating a WMO Youth Network, designed for networking and growth. Meanwhile, over 70% believe they should have a bigger role in policy-making.
To track how well this plan works, there will be regular progress checks. This will ensure that youth engagement is effective and transparent.
Key Focus Areas
The plan outlines four main areas:
Governance: This means getting young people involved in decision-making within WMO and its committees.
Capacity Development: The goal here is to provide training and mentorship opportunities that build both technical and leadership skills.
Human Resources: This aims to support career development, emphasizing equal opportunities for all young professionals.
Communication and Partnerships: This area focuses on promoting youth-led initiatives and partnerships with schools and organizations.
An added layer includes monitoring progress with specific goals, like increasing youth representation in WMO and creating resources that everyone can access.
Getting Started
Immediate efforts will focus on:
- Launching the WMO Youth Network, a platform for young scientists and students.
- Introducing new training programs to connect early-career experts with established professionals.
- Kicking off a youth-led communication initiative to improve climate awareness using young perspectives.
- Building partnerships with universities and youth groups, crafting clear pathways for involvement.
The plan sets out two years for implementation, measuring success through various performance indicators such as more youth in WMO’s governing bodies and better communication strategies.
A Shift in Perspective
With the Youth Action Plan, WMO is embracing shared responsibility in tackling climate issues. This reflects a broader understanding among UN bodies that young people should not just be recipients of climate policies but active collaborators in crafting solutions.
WMO stated that this plan isn’t just symbolic; it’s a structural shift, ensuring that youth influence the science and policies that shape our climate.
Looking Ahead
WMO is set to hold a Youth Focal Point Coordination Meeting in Japan, where representatives will discuss the roadmap for the Youth Network, engagement milestones, and collaborative opportunities. This meeting will also explore how youth can enhance initiatives like WMO’s Early Warnings for All program.
As climate challenges grow, WMO’s Youth Action Plan is essential for preparing young scientists. It aims to foster a new generation ready to contribute to sustainable development and resilience against disasters.
“Investing in our youth today is crucial for the future of weather, water, and climate services,” notes Prof. Saulo. “They have the creativity and courage we need to build a better tomorrow.”
By pulling young voices into climate discussions, WMO is ensuring the future of our planet is in capable hands.
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WMO, Youth Action Plan, Climate Change, Meteorology, Hydrology, Ocean Science, Celeste Saulo, UN Youth2030, Sustainable Development Goals, Youth Empowerment, Climate Leadership, Global Governance, Education, Intergenerational Collaboration, Science and Innovation
