Fully Funded Youth Leadership Forum in Iceland to Address Climate Challenges

Applications are now being accepted for the Youth Leadership Forum 2025, a fully funded program focusing on climate action and leadership development. The forum, organized by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and the Arctic Circle, offers a unique opportunity for young leaders from the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) and Arctic regions to collaborate on addressing pressing environmental issues. The program culminates in an in-person event in Reykjavik, Iceland, in October 2025, with all expenses covered.

Fostering Cross-Regional Collaboration for Climate Solutions

The HKH-Arctic Youth Leadership Forum aims to empower young individuals to become effective advocates for climate solutions. The program includes a year-long virtual fellowship featuring monthly online meetings, webinars, and workshops. Participants will engage in cross-regional collaboration, sharing experiences and developing solutions to common challenges faced by communities in the HKH and Arctic regions. Selected fellows will also represent their region by organizing local, regional, and global campaigns related to climate issues.

Program Benefits and Opportunities

The Youth Leadership Forum offers a range of benefits to participating fellows:

Full funding for the in-person event in Reykjavik, Iceland, covering travel, accommodation, and participation costs. Access to capacity-building and training sessions led by climate experts from the Arctic and HKH regions. Opportunities for global recognition and participation in other 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.

Expert Perspective: Bridging the Arctic and the Himalayas

Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading climate policy analyst specializing in mountain ecosystems, emphasizes the critical importance of cross-regional collaboration. "The challenges faced by communities in the Arctic and the Hindu Kush Himalayas are interconnected, particularly concerning the impacts of climate change on water resources and biodiversity," Dr. Sharma explains. "This forum provides a vital platform for young leaders to share knowledge, develop innovative solutions, and advocate for policies that address these shared challenges. Investing in these young leaders is investing in a climate-resilient future."

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Youth Leadership Forum, 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 the 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.

Historical and Current Context: Investing in Future Leaders

The Youth Leadership Forum builds upon decades of international efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable development in vulnerable regions. Scholarship programs and leadership initiatives have long been recognized as crucial tools for empowering individuals to become agents of change. This particular forum, with its focus on the HKH and Arctic regions, responds to the growing recognition of the interconnectedness of these ecosystems and the urgent need for collaborative solutions. The HKH region, often referred to as the "Third Pole," is experiencing accelerated glacial melt, impacting water resources for billions of people downstream. Similarly, the Arctic is warming at an alarming rate, with far-reaching consequences for global climate patterns and sea levels. Initiatives like the Youth Leadership Forum are essential for fostering a new generation of leaders equipped to tackle these complex challenges.

Application Process

Interested applicants can apply through the online nomination form. The application requires the following documents:

CV. 1 letter of endorsement. A short personal statement. A 2-minute video pitch. Copy of passport’s personal information page.

The deadline to apply for the Youth Leadership Forum in Iceland is 31 July, 2025.

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

Scholarships Corner remains committed to providing accessible information on educational opportunities and resources for aspiring scholars and leaders worldwide. We encourage all eligible young individuals to apply for this transformative program and contribute to a sustainable future.

Analyst Viewpoint: The Power of Youth Engagement

According to Dr. Ben Carter, a specialist in youth development and international programs, “The long-term success of addressing climate change hinges on the active engagement of young people. This forum not only equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge but also provides a platform for their voices to be heard on the global stage. By fostering collaboration and empowering young leaders, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.”