The 1st WMO Youth Focal Point Coordination Meeting
The first World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Youth Focal Point Coordination Meeting was held from January 26 to 29, 2026, at Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) Headquarters in Tokyo. The gathering followed the adoption of the WMO Youth Action Plan at the extraordinary Congress in October 2025, seeking to enhance productive youth engagement in the activities of WMO and National Meteorological and Hydrological Services. The event served as a platform for discussions on concrete action toward the plan’s implementation.
Attendees included Youth Focal Points from each WMO Regional Association (RA), the Services Commission (SERCOM), the Infrastructure Commission (INFCOM), the Research Board and the Executive Council, and the WMO Secretariat staff. A JMA expert also represented RA II (Asia) in a Youth Focal Point of that region. In accordance with the meeting's objectives, a team of young JMA staff from various departments provided logistical support and took part in the discussions.
Attendees shared updates on the status of youth-related activities within their respective regions and organizations. JMA youth-related activities and operational insights (including initiatives led by young staff and youth-focused programs outside the organization) were highlighted, with actual examples of activities substantially contributing to discussions. The meeting also incorporated consideration of governance structure for the youth network, Terms of Reference for Youth Focal Points, the annual cycle of youth activities, and procedures for monitoring and reporting. An implementation roadmap for upcoming meetings and questionnaires for the following year was also set.
JMA was truly honored to host the meeting, which marked a significant step forward in institutionalizing youth engagement within the global meteorological and hydrological community.
