Fully Funded Youth Leadership Forum in Iceland to Address Climate Challenges

Applications are now open for the Youth Leadership Forum in Iceland 2025, a fully funded program designed to empower young leaders from the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) and Arctic regions to tackle pressing climate issues. The program, a collaboration between the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and the Arctic Circle, offers a unique platform for cross-regional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and leadership development.

Opportunity for Climate Leaders: Virtual Fellowship Culminating in Iceland Event

The selected participants will engage in a year-long virtual fellowship, participating in monthly online meetings, webinars, and workshops. The fellowship will culminate in an all-expenses-paid in-person event in Reykjavik, Iceland, in October 2025. The program aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to organize and lead local, regional, and global campaigns addressing climate change.

HKH-Arctic Youth Leadership Forum: Bridging Two Vulnerable Regions

The HKH-Arctic Youth Leadership Forum seeks to bridge the gap between two regions highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The program recognizes the critical role of youth in driving climate action and aims to provide them with the resources and support they need to become effective advocates and change-makers.

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:

Fully funded participation in the in-person event (travel, accommodation, and participation costs covered) No participation fees 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 Membership in a network of HKH and Arctic youth leaders, activists, policymakers, and climate advocates

Expert Perspective: Fostering Cross-Regional Collaboration

"The strength of this program lies in its focus on cross-regional collaboration," says Dr. Anya Sharma, a climate policy expert at the University of Oslo. "By bringing together young leaders from the HKH and Arctic regions, the forum facilitates the exchange of knowledge and experiences, allowing participants to develop innovative solutions that are tailored to the specific challenges faced by their communities. This kind of collaborative approach is essential for addressing the complex and interconnected nature of climate change."

Historical Context: The Growing Importance of Youth Engagement in Climate Action

The establishment of the Youth Leadership Forum reflects a growing recognition of the importance of youth engagement in addressing climate change. Over the past decade, young people around the world have been at the forefront of climate activism, demanding urgent action from governments and businesses. Programs like this forum aim to harness the passion and energy of young people and channel it into concrete action.

Eligibility Criteria:

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

Application Process:

Interested candidates can apply through the online nomination form. The application requires contact and personal information, details about educational background, membership in youth-focused climate or environmental organizations, supporting materials, and responses to additional information questions.

Required Documents:

CV Letter of endorsement Short personal statement 2-minute video pitch Copy of passport’s personal information page

Analyst Viewpoint: A Platform for Future Climate Leaders

"This forum is more than just a training program; it's an investment in the future of climate leadership," notes environmental policy analyst Kenji Tanaka. "By providing young people with the skills, knowledge, and networks they need to succeed, ICIMOD and the Arctic Circle are helping to build a cadre of climate leaders who will be equipped to tackle the challenges of the 21st century."

Deadline:

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

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