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

The Group on Earth Observations, in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), invites young innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs to showcase their work in advancing early warning systems (EWS).

This call is part of a thematic session on science, technology, and innovation at the Global Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Early Warnings for All, to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, from June 2-3, 2025. Youth-led solutions should leverage innovation, traditional knowledge, and frontier technologies to enhance early warning systems and disaster resilience. Selected entries will be presented at the Forum, providing young people with a global platform to share their contributions.

Why Participate?

Global Visibility: Showcase your innovation to policymakers, experts, and stakeholders at the Global Multi-Stakeholder Forum for Early Warnings for All in Geneva on June 2-3, 2025.
Networking: Connect with practitioners in EWS, disaster risk reduction, science, and technology.
Contribution: Engage in the global conversation on how youth can drive innovation for EWS and disaster resilience.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility: Individuals, teams, or organizations of young people aged 18 to 35.
Diversity: Applicants from all regions, backgrounds, and disciplines working on early warning, disaster risk reduction, resilience building, and technology-based solutions.
Youth-Led Innovations: Youth must 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: Empowering Indigenous communities 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

Format: Submit a one-page visual poster with visuals and images or a two-minute video explaining your project, innovation, or research.
Content: Clearly outline how your initiative contributes to EWS and resilience.
Languages: Submissions can be in English, French, or Spanish and may be accompanied by the original copy if translated from another language.
Showcase: Selected submissions will be showcased in the physical exhibition space at the Forum, complemented by a virtual poster display. 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 this link. Those who wish to join in person are welcome to do so at their own expense.

How to Submit?

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

For Inquiries, Contact:

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

Closing date

Thursday, 01 May 2025

Opportunity type

All government (local, provincial and national) activities

Ocean / coastal fishing and fish farming

Research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering

Waste reuse, recycling, recovery, treatment and disposal

Website Link

https://earthobservations.org/news/call-submissions-youth-led-innovation-early-warning-systems

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