WMO Region VI launches Youth Network to strengthen early-career engagement in earth system sciences

The first WMO Region VI Youth Network Kickoff Meeting, held on 15 June 2026, officially launched a new regional platform connecting early-career professionals, researchers, and youth focal points working across meteorology, climatology, hydrology, and related Earth system disciplines in Europe and neighbouring countries. 

The meeting introduced the network’s structure, thematic engagement streams, and digital collaboration tools while opening a participatory discussion on expectations, opportunities, and barriers to youth engagement. 

Participants highlighted strong interest in training, mentoring, leadership opportunities, and greater involvement in decision-making processes, while identifying time and funding constraints as key challenges. 

The network will now move into a practical implementation phase focused on co-designing future activities, mapping regional needs, strengthening collaboration across National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), and ensuring youth perspectives contribute to shaping regional and global priorities under WMO.

This network is designed to transform youth engagement from participation into contribution—creating space for young professionals to collaborate, share experience, and help shape the future of weather, water and climate services in Region VI.