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 focused on empowering young leaders to tackle climate change issues in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) and Arctic regions. The program, a collaboration between the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and the Arctic Circle, culminates in an in-person event in Reykjavik, Iceland, in October 2025, with all expenses covered.

A Unique Opportunity for Cross-Regional Collaboration

The forum aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing between young leaders from two of the world's most vulnerable regions to climate change: the HKH and the Arctic. Twelve individuals will be selected to participate in a year-long program that includes virtual meetings, webinars, and workshops, leading up to the intensive in-person session in Iceland.

The program is designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive impactful climate action within their communities and beyond. Participants will engage in cross-regional collaboration, sharing experiences and developing solutions to common challenges. This approach recognizes that while the HKH and Arctic regions face distinct challenges, many underlying issues related to climate change impacts, adaptation strategies, and community resilience are shared.

Program Benefits and Structure

The fully funded fellowship covers all costs associated with the in-person event in Reykjavik, including travel, accommodation, and participation fees. Beyond the financial support, participants will benefit from:

Capacity-building and training sessions led by climate experts from both 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 of the program. Membership in a network of HKH and Arctic youth leaders, activists, policymakers, and climate advocates.

Expert Perspective on Youth Engagement in Climate Action

"Engaging youth in climate action is not just about including them in conversations; it's about empowering them to be leaders and drivers of change," says Dr. Anya Sharma, a climate policy analyst specializing in youth engagement. "Programs like the Youth Leadership Forum in Iceland are crucial because they provide young people with the resources, networks, and platforms they need to develop and implement innovative solutions. Cross-regional collaboration is particularly valuable, as it allows participants to learn from diverse perspectives and adapt successful strategies to their own contexts."

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Youth Leadership Forum, applicants must:

Be aged 19–35 years. Be citizens 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. Have passport validity for minimum 6 months after October 2025.

How to Apply

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

Contact and personal information. Educational background details. Information about the youth-focused climate or environmental organization/program the applicant is a member of. A CV. A letter of endorsement. A short personal statement. A 2-minute video pitch. A copy of the passport’s personal information page.

Historical Context and Current Significance

The focus on youth leadership in addressing climate change has gained significant momentum in recent years. Historically, environmental movements have often been spearheaded by young activists, and their voices are increasingly being recognized in international climate negotiations. The Youth Leadership Forum builds upon this legacy by providing a structured platform for young people from vulnerable regions to contribute to global climate solutions. The collaboration between ICIMOD and the Arctic Circle is particularly relevant given the increasing interconnectedness of climate impacts across these regions, such as the accelerated melting of glaciers and permafrost.

Deadline

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

The Importance of Local Knowledge

According to Dr. Bjorn Olafsson, a researcher specializing in Arctic climate change impacts, "One of the most valuable aspects of programs like this is the emphasis on local knowledge. Young people from the HKH and Arctic regions possess unique insights into the specific challenges and opportunities within their communities. By amplifying these voices and facilitating knowledge sharing, we can develop more effective and sustainable climate solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of each region."