Hindu Kush Himalaya – Arctic Youth Leadership Forum: Empowering Youth Leaders at the Frontlines of Climate Change(Fully-funded)

Introduction

The Earth’s cryosphere—its frozen water systems—is disappearing rapidly, with severe impacts in two of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions: the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) and the Arctic. The HKH is warming at twice the global average, while the Arctic is heating nearly four times faster. For young people in these regions, this is not just a scientific issue but a lived crisis that affects their homes, cultures, and futures. Far from passive victims, these youth are vital knowledge holders, environmental stewards, and agents of change.

About the HKH–Arctic Youth Leadership Forum

Organized by ICIMOD and Arctic Circle, the fully funded HKH–Arctic Youth Leadership Forum is a one-year fellowship that connects young leaders (aged 19–35) from the HKH and Arctic regions. Through training, global exposure, and collaborative action, the Forum empowers 12 selected youth champions to lead climate solutions rooted in local and Indigenous knowledge.

The program is designed to amplify youth voices, promote mountain and polar collaboration, and equip participants with the tools, networks, and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to global climate dialogue and policy.

Program Overview

• 12 Youth Champions from HKH and Arctic countries

• One-year fully funded fellowship including travel, accommodation, and participation costs

• Ages 19–35

• Forum launch in Reykjavik, Iceland in October 2025

• Focus on climate leadership, cryosphere, and biodiversity

Program Goals

The HKH–Arctic Youth Leadership Forum seeks to become a sustainable, annual platform that nurtures a new generation of climate leaders from vulnerable mountain and polar regions. It aims to inform, empower, and support youth to shape inclusive climate solutions and decision-making, particularly around cryosphere and biodiversity issues.

ICIMOD is exploring partnerships to sustain the Forum as a multi-year initiative that continues to engage youth beyond the inaugural cohort.

Key Objectives

• Amplify Youth Voices: Create a platform for underrepresented youth to engage in science-policy discussions, lead campaigns, and influence change at multiple levels.

• Recognize Youth as Knowledge Holders: Equip participants to document and share Indigenous, scientific, and local knowledge within climate and biodiversity frameworks.

• Catalyze Local-to-Global Action: Support youth-led initiatives that connect grassroots realities to regional and international climate solutions.

• Position Youth in Global Forums: Prepare fellows to engage in platforms such as COP, UNFCCC, SBSTA, IPCC, and Arctic Council.

• Co-create Climate Solutions: Facilitate collaboration between youth, Indigenous leaders, elders, scientists, and policymakers for inclusive and culturally grounded climate responses.

Who Should Apply

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Aged between 19–35 years

• A citizen of a Hindu Kush Himalaya or Arctic country

• Affiliated with a youth-led or youth-focused climate/environmental organization

• Demonstrated interest in HKH and/or Arctic environmental issues

• Proven leadership and community engagement experience

• Willingness to collaborate across diverse youth networks

• Commitment to gender equality and inclusive participation

• Strong English and public speaking skills

• Social media and content creation familiarity

• Availability for 4–7 hours of engagement per month over one year

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months beyond October 2025)

• Reliable internet access and a personal laptop

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience participating in global climate processes, such as COP

• Familiarity with international environmental conventions

• Background in gender-responsive climate action or inclusion programs

Responsibilities

• Attend the in-person/virtual Leadership Forum in Iceland in October 2025

• Represent your region in virtual meetings and workshops

• Lead or contribute to climate campaigns, storytelling projects, and community consultations

• Share knowledge and advocacy materials with local and international audiences

• Bridge youth communities and policymakers in both the HKH and Arctic regions

• Potential to attend additional funded climate-related conferences and events

Fellowship Benefits

• All costs fully covered for travel, accommodation, and participation in the Iceland Forum

• Access to expert mentorship and professional training sessions

• Increased visibility through content creation, youth reports, and global forums

• Connection to a vibrant network of youth leaders, scientists, and climate advocates

• Opportunity to attend other regional and international events (based on funding)

• Certificate of participation and reference letters upon successful completion

How to Apply

Deadline: 31 July 2025

Submit the following through the nomination form:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae

• Letter of endorsement from your organization, faculty, or supervisor

• Short personal statement (maximum 500 words in English)

• 2-minute video pitch (in English)

• Copy of passport’s information page

APPLY NOW 

For inquiries, contact: hkharcticyouthchampions@icimod.org

Source: https://www.icimod.org/initiative/hindu-kush-himalaya-arctic-youth-leadership-forum/