By NECJOGHA Report
At its 78th Executive Council (EC-78) session, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) acknowledged the critical role of youth in addressing global challenges related to weather, water, climate, and the environment. In response, the organization has introduced its inaugural Youth Action Plan, aimed at fostering meaningful and sustained youth participation across its operations.
According to WMO, the plan was developed following an extensive consultation process conducted between August and December 2024. The organization confirmed that input was gathered from Members, constituent bodies, external partners, and young staff to ensure broad scientific representation. In a statement, WMO emphasized that the resulting framework reflects this diversity and is designed to be inclusive and actionable.
The agency also highlighted its ongoing collaboration with the United Nations Youth Office, noting that the initiative aligns with Youth2030—the UN’s system-wide strategy for youth engagement. WMO reiterated its commitment to leaving no one behind, stressing that youth participation is not symbolic but essential for effective decision-making and institutional trust.
“The Youth Action Plan is guided by principles of meaningful engagement,” the organization explained, “and seeks to empower young people to shape the future of weather, climate, and water services.”
WMO Adopts First-Ever Youth Action Plan to Strengthen Climate Engagement
Structured around four strategic pillars—Governance; Capacity Development; Human Resources; and Communication, Outreach and Partnerships—the plan assigns specific responsibilities to the WMO Secretariat, Members, and constituent bodies. The report outlined clear objectives, key performance indicators (KPIs), and monitoring mechanisms to track progress and ensure accountability.
WMO argued that the plan represents a transformative step toward institutionalizing youth involvement at global, regional, and national levels. It further claimed that the initiative will enhance transparency, build intergenerational trust, and improve the quality of climate-related services.
