Fully Funded Youth Leadership Forum in Iceland 2025 Announced

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. Organized by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and the Arctic Circle, the forum offers a unique opportunity for participants to engage in virtual collaboration and attend an in-person event in Reykjavik, Iceland, in October 2025. The program aims to foster cross-regional understanding and develop solutions to pressing climate challenges.

Opportunity Overview

The HKH-Arctic Youth Leadership Forum will select 12 youth leaders to participate in a year-long fellowship. This includes monthly online meetings, webinars, and workshops. The highlight of the program is the fully funded in-person event in Iceland, where participants will network, collaborate, and enhance their leadership skills. All expenses related to travel, accommodation, and participation will be covered. The forum is designed to equip young leaders with the knowledge and skills to address climate-related issues in their respective regions and beyond.

Program Details

Key Benefits

Fully funded participation, covering travel and accommodation for the in-person event in Reykjavik. No participation fees. Capacity-building and training sessions led by climate experts from the Arctic and HKH regions. Global recognition and opportunities to participate in other international forums and conferences. Certification of participation and reference letters upon successful completion. Networking opportunities with HKH and Arctic youth leaders, activists, policymakers, and climate advocates.

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 possess 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. Applicants must have 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 minimum 6 months after October 2025.

Application Process

Apply through the online nomination form. Fill in your contact and personal information. Select your educational degree programs. Mention the youth-focused climate or environmental organization/program you are a member of. Attach all required supporting materials. Fill in the additional information questions. Click ‘submit form’ to submit your application form.

Required Documents

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

Deadline The application deadline is 31 July, 2025.

Expert Perspective

Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading researcher in climate policy and youth engagement at the University of Oslo, emphasizes the importance of such initiatives. "The HKH and Arctic regions are particularly vulnerable to climate change, making it crucial to empower young leaders from these areas. This forum provides a vital platform for them to share their experiences, develop innovative solutions, and advocate for effective climate action. The fully funded aspect removes financial barriers, ensuring that talented individuals from diverse backgrounds can participate."

Historical and Current Context

Scholarship programs and leadership forums focused on climate action have seen a significant rise in recent years, reflecting the growing urgency to address environmental challenges. Historically, opportunities for young people in the HKH and Arctic regions to engage in international climate discussions have been limited. This forum builds upon previous efforts to bridge the gap between these regions, recognizing the interconnectedness of their climate challenges. The partnership between ICIMOD and the Arctic Circle highlights the importance of cross-regional collaboration in addressing global issues.

The Significance of Youth Leadership

"Investing in youth leadership is not just about the future; it's about the present," says Professor Kenji Tanaka, an expert in sustainable development at Kyoto University. "Young people bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a strong sense of urgency to the climate conversation. By providing them with the resources and platforms they need, we can accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient future. Programs like the Youth Leadership Forum in Iceland are essential for fostering the next generation of climate leaders."

The Youth Leadership Forum in Iceland 2025 represents a significant investment in the future of climate action. By empowering young leaders from the HKH and Arctic regions, the program aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and effective solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Aspiring applicants are encouraged to apply before the deadline on July 31, 2025, and seize this opportunity to make a meaningful impact.