HKH Arctic Youth Leadership Forum 2025 in Iceland (Fully Funded)
The HKH Arctic Youth Leadership Forum 2025, held in Reykjavik, Iceland, offers an exceptional, fully funded mentorship program for emerging youth leaders committed to climate action. This unique forum bridges the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) and Arctic regions, both undergoing rapid warming and facing serious environmental and socio‑cultural consequences. Participants will collaborate on strategy, advocacy, and action in a structured climate leadership platform, with all associated costs—travel, accommodation, and participation—fully covered.
Summary of Key Points
- Host country and location: Iceland, Reykjavik
- Organized by ICIMOD and Arctic Circle
- Dates: October 2025 (virtual sessions throughout one year)
- Number of participants: 12 youth delegates from HKH and Arctic regions
- Financial support: Fully funded (return airfare, lodging, forum costs)
- Eligibility: Ages 19–35, youth affiliation, climate interest, leadership experience
- Required documents: CV, recommendation letter, personal statement, video pitch, passport scan
- Application deadline: August 12, 2025
Description of HKH Arctic Youth Leadership Forum 2025
The HKH Arctic Youth Leadership Forum 2025 presents a structured youth leadership program uniting young leaders from HKH and Arctic regions. Considering the accelerated warming trends—nearly four times the global average in the Arctic and twice in HKH—the forum concentrates on collaborative climate solutions. Organized jointly by ICIMOD and the Arctic Circle, the initiative aims to enhance cross‑regional cooperation, facilitate climate advocacy, and empower youth to act effectively in environmental governance.
Participation encompasses a year‑long series of virtual training modules, culminating in an in‑person convening in Reykjavik in October 2025. Selected delegates will engage in workshops, mentorship sessions, and strategy dialogues on sustainability, community resilience, and climate justice.
Financial Benefits and Coverage
Selected participants receive comprehensive financial support, including:
- Round‑trip airfare to and from Iceland
- Accommodation during the Reykjavik forum
- Full coverage of all participation costs, including meals and workshop materials
This fully funded opportunity removes financial barriers, allowing devoted youth to focus entirely on climate leadership development and peer collaboration without personal cost.
Program Duration and Structure
The forum is structured across two phases:
- Virtual engagement over approximately one year, including monthly meetings (4–7 hours monthly), collaborative assignments, mentorship and peer support.
- A final in‑person forum in October 2025 in Reykjavik, featuring experiential learning, network building, and strategy workshops.
Participants commit to regular virtual participation and active collaboration throughout the year, culminating in a rich on-site leadership experience.
Eligible Countries and Regional Representation
The program will select 12 participants from designated countries representing both HKH and Arctic regions:
- Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan
- Arctic countries/territories: Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, United States (Alaska)
The selection aims to balance geographic representation and to foster intercultural exchange across high‑altitude and polar environments.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
Prospective applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Between 19 and 35 years old
- Citizenship: From one of the HKH or Arctic countries listed above
- Association: Active membership in a youth organization or climate/environmental program
- Interest: Demonstrated commitment to Arctic or HKH environmental issues
- Leadership & Engagement: Involvement in climate action, volunteer service, or community initiatives showcasing leadership potential
- Time Commitment: Availability for approximately 4–7 hours per month for virtual sessions over one year
- Technical Capability: Access to a laptop and reliable internet connection
- Passport Validity: Valid for at least six months beyond October 2025
- Affiliation Restrictions: No prior participation in this forum’s programs or equivalent youth leadership initiatives under ICIMOD/Arctic Circle
Required Application Documents
To apply, the following documents must be submitted online:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing education, experience, and climate‑related activities
- Endorsement letter from a youth or environmental organization
- Personal statement outlining motivation, goals, and relevance to climate leadership
- Video pitch (brief recorded presentation) explaining why the applicant should be selected
- Passport scan (valid for the required duration)
All materials must be prepared in clear, formal English, with attention to coherence and professional presentation.
Application Process
- Visit the official forum website (listed below) and complete the online application form.
- Prepare and upload all required documentation as specified.
- Submit before the application deadline on August 12, 2025.
- Shortlisted candidates typically move to an interview phase or receive further instructions via email.
- Successful applicants will be notified in advance of the virtual program commencement.
This careful selection process ensures that chosen delegates are committed to climate action and possess leadership potential aligned with the forum’s objectives.
Additional Preparation Recommendations
Prospective candidates should consider the following to strengthen their submissions:
- Prepare the video pitch in advance, highlighting leadership, motivation, and climate interests
- Request a formal endorsement letter from the affiliated youth or environmental organization early
- Ensure your CV and personal statement emphasize relevant experiences in climate advocacy, community projects, or environmental policy
- Confirm passport validity and technical readiness (internet access, reliable hardware) in time
- Review the forum’s thematic areas—such as adaptation, mitigation, policy, or sustainable development—and tailor your application accordingly
Conclusion
The HKH Arctic Youth Leadership Forum 2025 in Iceland is a rare and compelling opportunity for youth activists focused on climate change, environmental leadership, and advocacy. As a fully funded climate program, it covers all necessary travel and participation expenses and provides a year-long platform for professional development and network-building. Selected individuals will engage with peers from diverse contexts, develop strategic responses to Arctic and HKH warming, and emerge as empowered leaders. Interested applicants from eligible countries are strongly encouraged to apply before the August 12, 2025 deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (Optional)
Q: What is the participation format?
A: Virtual sessions monthly for one year, capped with an in-person forum in Reykjavik.
Q: How are candidates selected?
A: Based on eligibility, leadership demonstrated through CV and video pitch, and endorsement by a recognized organization.
Q: Is travel insurance included?
A: Official coverage typically includes flight and accommodation; applicants should confirm insurance provisions via the official forum website.
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