Call for submissions: Youth-led Innovation in early warning systems

The Group on Earth Observations in partnership with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) 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 showcasing your innovation to policymakers, experts, and stakeholders at the Global Multi-Stakeholder Forum for Early Warning for All to be held in Geneva on 2-3 June 2025.
• Network with practitioners in EWS, disaster risk reduction, science, and technology.
• Contribute to the global conversation on how youth can drive innovation for EWS and disaster resilience.

Who can apply?

• Individuals, teams, or organizations of young people aged 18 to 35.
• Applicants from all regions, backgrounds, and disciplines working on early warning, disaster risk reduction, resilience building, and technology-based solutions.
• Innovations must be youth-led, meaning youth play a central role in concept development, design, and/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: How can Indigenous communities be empowered to understand and effectively use technologies for EWS while integrating their traditional knowledge?
• Community-centered solutions: Grassroots innovations aiming for accessible and inclusive early warnings and/or early action.
• Social innovation: Novel approaches to engaging vulnerable communities, particularly youth, in preparedness and response.

Submission guidelines

• Submit a one-page visual poster with visuals and images or a two-minute video explaining your project, innovation, or research.
• Clearly outline how your initiative contributes to EWS and resilience.
• Submissions can be in English, French or Spanish and may be accompanied by the original copy if translated from another language.
• Selected submissions will be showcased in the physical exhibition space at the Forum, complemented by a virtual poster display. Please note that acceptance of a submission does not include financial support for travel to Geneva. Participants whose work is selected are encouraged to attend the conference online, with registration available via https://globalplatform.undrr.org/. Those who wish to join in person are welcome to do so at their own expense.

How to submit?

Deadline for submission: 1 May 2025, through email to Ms Nathalie Estiévenart - nathalie.estievenart@undp.org

For inquiries, contact any of the session focal points:

• Ioana Creitaru: ioana.creitaru@undp.org
• Doris Maritza Delgado: dorismaritza.delgado@itu.int
• Rui Kotani: rkotani@geosec.org
• Muhibuddin Usamah: musamah@wmo.int