Applications are open for the inaugural HKH-Arctic Youth Leadership Forum, a groundbreaking initiative jointly organized by ICIMOD and the Arctic Circle. This unique program is calling on passionate young changemakers, aged 19 to 35, from both the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) and Arctic regions to come together and confront the urgent climate challenges facing the planet’s frozen regions.

As the world’s cryosphere rapidly melts, life in the Arctic and HKH is undergoing dramatic transformation. The Arctic is heating nearly four times faster than the global rate, while the HKH is warming at double the average pace. These climate shifts pose major threats to ecosystems, water sources, and communities. In response, this new platform seeks to empower youth from the most affected areas to share their lived experiences, champion sustainable solutions, and lead cross-border climate dialogue.

Selected participants will travel to Reykjavík, Iceland in October 2025 for the forum’s launch event, where they will engage in immersive learning, leadership development, and mentorship with prominent voices in climate science and mountain advocacy. Through this experience, they will gain new tools to bridge the gap between policy, science, and Indigenous knowledge systems. Participants will also enjoy increased international visibility through storytelling, joint reports, and opportunities to speak at global events such as the Arctic Circle Assembly and COP30.

This is a chance for emerging leaders to stand up for their home regions, represent the voice of mountain and Arctic youth on the global stage, and foster collaboration across continents. Those selected will receive a formal certificate and letters of recommendation to support their future endeavors. The deadline to submit nominations is 31 July 2025.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity