```html Fully Funded Youth Leadership Forum in Iceland to Address Climate Challenges

Applications are now open for the Youth Leadership Forum 2025, a fully funded program offering young leaders a unique opportunity to engage with critical climate issues and develop leadership skills. The program, a collaboration between the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and Arctic Circle, culminates in an in-person event in Reykjavik, Iceland, in October 2025, with all expenses covered.

The forum aims to connect youth from the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region and the Arctic, fostering cross-regional collaboration and the exchange of knowledge to address shared environmental challenges. Twelve selected youth leaders will participate in a year-long virtual fellowship, including monthly online meetings, webinars, and workshops, leading up to the Iceland event.

A Platform for Climate Action and Leadership Development

The HKH-Arctic Youth Leadership Forum provides a platform for young leaders to amplify their voices and contribute to climate solutions. Participants will engage in local, regional, and global campaigns, sharing experiences and developing solutions to common challenges. The program aims to empower and support youth, enhance their leadership skills, and facilitate the sharing of perspectives with policymakers and other stakeholders.

"This forum is crucial because it directly addresses the need for youth involvement in climate action," says Dr. Anya Sharma, a climate policy expert at the Global Environment Institute. "Bringing together young leaders from these two geographically distinct but climatically interconnected regions allows for a unique exchange of knowledge and strategies, fostering innovative solutions that are grounded in local realities."

Key Program Details:

Host Country: Iceland Host Organizations: ICIMOD and Arctic Circle Location of In-Person Event: Reykjavik, Iceland Duration: 1-year virtual fellowship with an in-person event in October 2025

Benefits of Participation:

Fully funded participation in the in-person event in Iceland (travel, accommodation, and participation costs covered) Access to capacity-building and training sessions led by climate experts Global recognition and opportunities to participate in international forums and conferences Certification of participation and reference letters upon successful completion of the program Membership in a network of HKH and Arctic youth leaders, activists, policymakers, and climate advocates

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Youth Leadership Forum 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be aged 19–35 years. Be a citizen of an HKH or Arctic country. Be part of a youth organization or program related to climate or environment. Demonstrate interest in Arctic and/or HKH environmental and climate issues. Possess leadership potential and be involved in volunteer work or climate-related activities. Be ready to collaborate with other youth climate networks. Demonstrate dedication to gender equality and inclusive engagement. Possess excellent English language and public speaking skills. Be comfortable with content creation and social media. Be available for 4–7 hours per month for 1 year. Have a laptop and good internet connection. Possess passport validity for a minimum of 6 months after October 2025.

The Importance of Regional Collaboration: A Historical Perspective

The focus on the HKH and Arctic regions is particularly relevant given their vulnerability to climate change. The HKH region, often referred to as the "Third Pole," is experiencing rapid glacial melt, impacting water resources for billions of people downstream. The Arctic, on the other hand, is warming at twice the global average, leading to sea ice loss and significant ecosystem changes. Connecting youth from these regions allows for a shared understanding of challenges and the development of context-specific solutions.

"Historically, international climate initiatives have often overlooked the specific needs and perspectives of communities in the HKH and Arctic regions," notes Professor Ben Carter, a specialist in Arctic studies at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. "This forum provides a crucial platform to elevate the voices of young people from these areas, ensuring that their experiences and insights inform global climate policy and action."

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply through the online nomination form. The application requires:

Contact and personal information Educational degree programs Details of the youth-focused climate or environmental organization/program you are a member of Supporting materials (CV, letter of endorsement, short personal statement, 2-minute video pitch, copy of passport’s personal information page) Answers to additional information questions

Application Deadline: July 31, 2025

For more information and to apply, visit the official link provided by ICIMOD and Arctic Circle.

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