For the third consecutive year, WMO is pleased to launch the Global Integrated Flood and Drought Management Competition for Youth-Led Projects. This initiative funds innovative, youth-led solutions that enhance global resilience to water-related hazards and contribute to the Early Warnings for All initiative.
Young people are not only victims of climate change - they are also key contributors to climate action. They bring innovation and creativity to building climate resilience. However, despite their potential, youth remain underrepresented in climate action, policymaking, and decision-making. This year’s competition aims to engage youth in climate action and strengthen global resilience to flood and drought, aligning with the Early Warnings for All. The specific objectives are:
- Strengthen community resilience to floods and droughts by promoting youth-led initiatives in preparedness, response, and adaptation.
- Demonstrate the impact of youth-led projects in enhancing community resilience.
- Create long-term opportunities for youth to implement, scale, and sustain their projects, ensuring their initiatives gain visibility and contribute meaningfully to climate action.
How to submit your proposal
Deadline for proposals: 16 March 2025.
For more details and submission guidelines, visit the official competition page.
Youth-Led Projects Success stories
Over the years, this competition has supported projects that transformed communities and enhanced disaster resilience. Here are some highlights from previous winning projects:
- Water from a Rock – Developed a real-time risk and preparedness platform to map disasters and identify high-risk areas in South Africa.
- Collaborative Mapping for Flooding Resilience – Empowered local communities in Medellín, Colombia, by providing training in collaborative mapping and developing a comprehensive cartographic database for vulnerable areas.
- AWAKE – Focused on inclusive education and disaster preparedness, equipping children and people with disabilities in Indonesia with knowledge and skills to respond effectively to floods and droughts.
- YouthMappers Project – utilized GIS and open-source mapping tools in Tanzania to identify flood-prone areas, map evacuation routes, and strengthen early warning systems for at-risk communities.
The competition is organized by the Associated Programme on Flood Management (APFM) & Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP) – joint programmes of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and Global Water Partnership (GWP) in partnership with the Water Youth Network (WYN).
