The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has opened submissions for its Global Integrated Flood and Drought Management Competition for Youth Led Projects 2026–27, seeking innovative ideas that can strengthen disaster resilience and advance early warning systems.
The initiative comes as floods and droughts become more frequent and severe in many parts of the world threatening lives, food and water security and putting additional pressure on vulnerable communities. The programme aims to give young people a greater role in developing practical solutions to these challenges.
Two Projects to Receive CHF 3,000 Each
The competition will select two youth led initiatives, with each winning project receiving a prize of CHF 3,000. Selected project leaders will have nine months to implement their initiatives with guidance and technical support from experts working on flood and drought management.
Projects must be led by students or young professionals aged 18 to 35 and should demonstrate meaningful participation by young people below the age of 35. Proposals are expected to have clear objectives, timelines and practical outcomes.
The projects should contribute directly to improving community resilience to floods or droughts and produce tangible results. They must also be capable of being scaled up and sustained beyond the project period.
Deadline for Applications Is August 31
WMO is encouraging applicants to include an innovative element in their proposals. This could involve combining Indigenous and scientific knowledge, developing new community engagement approaches, using low cost climate adaptation methods or strengthening women’s participation in disaster resilience.
The competition is being conducted under the Associated Programme on Flood Management and the Integrated Drought Management Programme, joint initiatives of WMO and the Global Water Partnership.
Applications can be submitted in English or Spanish. Participants are required to read the submission guidelines before completing the relevant application form, and each proposal can be submitted only once and in one language.
The deadline for submissions is August 31, 2026.
The initiative is intended not only to fund individual ideas but also to demonstrate how young people can contribute to disaster risk reduction, preparedness and response while helping communities become more resilient to increasingly challenging flood and drought risks.