Hindu Kush Himalaya - Arctic Youth Leadership Forum 2025
📖 About Hindu Kush Himalaya - Arctic Youth Leadership Forum
The Earth's cryosphere—its frozen water—is rapidly disappearing, dramatically changing life in two of the most climate-vulnerable regions: the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) and the Arctic. The HKH is warming at twice the global average, while the Arctic is warming nearly four times faster.
At the heart of this crisis are young people from these regions who are already experiencing the impacts on their homes, cultures, and futures. These youth are not just passive observers but custodians of ecological knowledge, stewards of biodiversity, and key stakeholders in building resilient futures.
The HKH-Arctic Youth Leadership Forum, facilitated by ICIMOD and Arctic Circle, aims to connect youth leaders from both regions to build solidarity and amplify local and mountain youth voices. Through a one-year fellowship, 12 youth champions (aged 19-35) will gain the knowledge, skills, and networks to lead from the frontlines, bringing local realities and experiences to global climate platforms.
🗓 Opportunity Details
- Date Published: July 22, 2025
- Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
- Category: Fully Funded, Training
- Opportunity Location: Reykjavik, Iceland
🛠 Responsibilities
Leadership Forum Participation
- Actively participate in the in-person/virtual Leadership Forum to be held in Reykjavik, Iceland, in October 2025.
Regional Representation
- Represent the region and organisation in monthly virtual meetings, webinars, and workshops.
Campaigns & Storytelling
- Lead and contribute to local, regional, and global joint campaigns, storytelling projects, and youth consultations focused on mountains, cryosphere, biodiversity, and climate issues.
Knowledge Sharing
- Develop and share climate knowledge and advocacy materials with regional and global platforms.
Youth–Policy Bridge
- Serve as a bridge between youth communities and decision-makers across both the HKH and Arctic regions.
Conference Opportunities
- If funding is available, there are potential opportunities to attend other HKH and Arctic-related conferences and events.
🎁 Benefits
Participants of the Hindu Kush Himalaya - Arctic Youth Leadership Forum will receive:
- Fully covered travel, accommodation, and participation costs for the Forum launch in Reykjavik, Iceland, October 2025.
- Capacity-building, training sessions, and mentorship with climate and mountain experts from HKH and Arctic regions.
- Regional and global visibility through content creation, youth reports, and participation in international forums.
- Access to a growing network of HKH and Arctic youth leaders, scientists, and policymakers.
- Opportunities to attend conferences and expand your professional network.
- Certification of participation and reference letters upon successful completion.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Between 19-35 years.
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of an HKH or Arctic country.
- Must be part of a youth-focused climate or environmental organisation or programme.
- Demonstrated interest in Arctic and/or HKH climate and environmental issues, especially cryosphere and biodiversity.
- Leadership potential and community involvement through volunteer work or climate-related activities.
- Willingness to collaborate with diverse stakeholders across youth climate networks.
- Commitment to gender equality and inclusive engagement.
- Strong public speaking and English language skills.
- Comfortable with social media and content creation.
- Ability to commit 4-7 hours per month for one year.
- Access to a laptop and reliable internet connection.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond October 2025.
Desirable Qualifications
- Familiarity with existing conventions and other intergovernmental processes on climate change.
- Prior participation in United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – Conferences of the Parties (COPs).
- Experience advocating gender-responsive climate solutions or participating in gender equality initiatives.
📝 Application Process
To apply, complete the form and upload the following documents:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae
- Letter of endorsement from organisation/faculty/supervisor
- Short personal statement in English (max 500 words)
- 2-minute video pitch in English
- Copy of passport's personal information page
📅 Application Deadline
July 31, 2025
🌐 Application Portal
- View details of Hindu Kush Himalaya - Arctic Youth Leadership Forum
- Apply for Hindu Kush Himalaya - Arctic Youth Leadership Forum
🏢 Sponsor Organisation
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)
This is a unique opportunity to connect with youth leaders, scientists, and policymakers from the HKH and Arctic regions while contributing to global climate solutions. Don't miss your chance to make an impact!
- Fully covered travel, accommodation, and participation costs for the Forum launch in Reykjavik, Iceland, October 2025.
- Capacity-building, training sessions, and mentorship with climate and mountain experts from HKH and Arctic regions.
- Regional and global visibility through content creation, youth reports, and participation in international forums.
- Access to a growing network of HKH and Arctic youth leaders, scientists, and policymakers.
- Opportunities to attend conferences and expand your professional network.
- Certification of participation and reference letters upon successful completion.
