HKH Arctic Youth Leadership Forum 2025 in Iceland: The Definitive Guide

The HKH Arctic Youth Leadership Forum 2025 (Hindu Kush Himalaya–Arctic Youth Leadership Forum) is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for passionate young climate leaders to connect across regions and spearhead climate solutions. Whether you’re a student, youth activist, or emerging professional from the HKH or Arctic regions, this exclusive forum in Reykjavik, Iceland, offers unmatched exposure, mentorship, and global advocacy skills.

Basic Information about the Scholarship

• Forum Name: HKH Arctic Youth Leadership Forum 2025
• Host Location: Reykjavik, Iceland
• Organizers: International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) & Arctic Circle
• Duration: One-year program (October 2025 launch with in-person and virtual engagements)
• Key Dates:
  • Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
  • In-Person Forum: October 2025
• Number of Selected Fellows: 12 (six from the HKH region, six from Arctic countries)
• Financial Coverage: FULLY FUNDED (travel, participation, and accommodation costs included; no participation fee).

University/Institution Details

• ICIMOD: A leading intergovernmental knowledge and learning center based in the Hindu Kush Himalaya, focusing on promoting sustainable mountain development.
• Arctic Circle: Renowned international organization and platform for dialogue and cooperation on Arctic affairs.
• Forum Venue: Reykjavik, Iceland—Europe’s most dynamic polar city, home to scientific, policy, and environmental innovation.

Study Areas (Available Program Names)

While the HKH Arctic Youth Leadership Forum is not a typical academic program, its core focus areas are:

• Climate Change Adaptation & Mitigation
• Cryosphere Science and Advocacy
• Environmental Leadership and Policy
• Biodiversity Conservation
• Sustainable Development in Mountain and Polar Regions
• Youth Engagement, Climate Communication & Storytelling
• Cross-Regional Environmental Solutions

Participants engage in online workshops, webinars, training sessions, and direct collaboration with climate and mountain experts. The program is designed to strengthen both academic and grassroots leadership.

Scholarship Benefits

Benefit	Details
Travel Coverage	International roundtrip airfare covered for selected fellows
Accommodation	Hotel/lodging in Reykjavik for forum event is fully funded
Participation Costs	All registration, materials, and session fees included
No Participation Fee	100% free for selected youth
Capacity-building	Access to mentorship, regional and global workshops, and hands-on training by renowned experts
Global Visibility	Opportunity to present your work, co-author reports, and showcase solutions at major international events
Certification	Official certificate and reference letters upon successful completion
Networking	Membership in an elite network of HKH and Arctic youth leaders, scientists, policymakers, and climate advocates

Additional perks include regional and global media exposure and preference for attendance at events like the Arctic Circle Assembly and UNFCCC COP summits.

Benefits NOT Included

• Personal Expenses: Daily spending outside of official program activities (food, leisure, shopping).
• Visa Fees: Application and issuance fees for the Icelandic visa are usually not covered.
• Dependent Support: Travel or accommodation funding for spouses/children is not included.
• Research or Conference Travel Outside Program: Additional, unplanned trips not part of program activities are self-funded.
• Insurance Coverage: Some travel and health insurance may need to be provided by the participant depending on national policies.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the HKH–Arctic Youth Leadership Forum, applicants must:

• Be aged between 19 and 35 at the time of application.
• Hold citizenship in an HKH (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan) or Arctic country/territory (Canada, Denmark—including Greenland/Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, United States—Alaska).
• Be affiliated with a youth-focused climate/environmental organization or active in youth-led climate activism.
• Demonstrate leadership potential and a clear interest in climate, biodiversity, and/or cryosphere science.
• Engage in or show willingness to participate in volunteer work or community activities.
• Have excellent English communication and public speaking skills.
• Show effective use of social media/content creation tools.
• Commit to participate online 4–7 hours/month over one year.
• Have access to a laptop with a stable internet connection.
• Hold a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond October 2025.

Required Documents for the Application

• Updated CV/Resume
• Letter of Endorsement from organization, faculty, or supervisor (attesting to your leadership and program suitability)
• Short Personal Statement (maximum 500 words in English) outlining your motivation, leadership experience, and climate/environmental focus
• 2-Minute Video Pitch (in English) summarizing your achievements, leadership motivation, and vision for climate youth action
• Copy of Passport’s Information Page (proving citizenship/validity)
• (Optional) Examples of previous youth or climate advocacy projects.

Scholarship Application Process (Step-By-Step Guide)

1. Review Eligibility: Ensure you meet all published criteria and have all required documents ready.
2. Prepare Documents: Compile your CV, endorsement letter, personal statement, video pitch, and passport scan.
3. Online Application: Complete the online nomination form provided by ICIMOD/Arctic Circle.
4. Answer Questions: Fill in personal, academic, organizational, and project information as required.
5. Upload Supporting Materials: Attach all necessary documents to the application portal.
6. Submit: Double-check your application and submit before July 31, 2025.
7. Receive Confirmation: You will get an acknowledgment email; selection is typically announced about two months before the event.
8. Interview (if shortlisted): Some applicants may be invited for an online interview or further evaluation.
9. Visa Application: Upon selection, apply for an Icelandic visa (with support as required).
10. Prepare for the Forum: Attend pre-event virtual sessions/orientations and participate actively throughout the year.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Show Impact: Tailor your personal statement to demonstrate measurable impact in climate or youth advocacy.
• Be Authentic: Share personal stories and specific challenges you’ve addressed.
• Highlight Teamwork: Prove your experience in working across diverse cultures, communities, or disciplines.
• Demonstrate Commitment: Articulate your availability and readiness for both the Reykjavik forum and sustained online sessions.
• Polish Communication: Produce a clear, engaging, and professional 2-minute video pitch.
• Leverage Recommendations: Secure a strong endorsement reflecting your leadership qualities.
• Meet Deadline: Submit everything at least a week before July 31, 2025, to avoid technical or last-minute issues.

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Iceland (USD)

Living in Reykjavik as a student/fellow is comfortable but expensive. Here’s a breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost ($USD)
Accommodation/Rent	800–1,200
Food/Groceries	400–600
Transport	80–150
Utilities/Internet	120–250
Personal/Misc.	100–200
Total	1,500–2,200

• Source: Recent student surveys and university cost guides in Iceland (2025).
• Note: All in-person forum costs are covered, but additional stay or sightseeing not part of the official program are self-funded.

Why Choose This Scholarship? (Top 5+ Reasons)

1. Fully Funded Experience: All costs—travel, accommodation, participation—are covered, removing financial barriers for young leaders.
2. Global Networking: Collaborate with elite youth leaders, scientists, and policymakers from two of the planet’s most climate-vulnerable regions.
3. Capacity Building: Access hands-on training, mentorship, and high-visibility leadership forums.
4. Visibility & Advocacy: Present at leading events, communicate across global platforms, and gain recognition for your ideas.
5. Long-term Engagement: One-year mentorship connects you to a lifetime network of change-makers.
6. Influence on Policy: Directly contribute to reports, policy recommendations, and media that shape the mountain/arctic climate discourse.

Frequently Asked Questions about the HKH–Arctic Youth Leadership Forum

Q1. Who can apply for the forum?
A: Youth aged 19–35, holding citizenship in eligible HKH or Arctic countries, and active in environmental/climate organizations.

Q2. Do I need to pay anything to participate?
A: No, all participation, travel, and accommodation costs for the forum are covered for selected fellows.

Q3. What are my obligations as a fellow?
A: Attend the in-person forum in Reykjavik (October 2025), participate in monthly online meetings (4–7 hours/month for one year), contribute to campaigns, and complete required assignments.

Q4. How competitive is the selection?
A: Extremely! Only 12 fellows are chosen (6 from HKH, 6 from Arctic regions), but strong leadership, regional engagement, and communication skills boost your chances.

Q5. What happens after the program?
A: You join an exclusive alumni network, receive a certificate/reference, and gain preference for future events and further climate opportunities.

Q6. Will I require an Icelandic visa?
A: Yes, and you must have a passport valid at least six months beyond October 2025. Organizers support the process but visa fees may not be covered.

Q7. Can I stay in Iceland longer for sightseeing?
A: Only official program days are included; additional days or personal travel are self-funded.

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The HKH Arctic Youth Leadership Forum 2025 in Iceland is more than a trip—it’s a launchpad for tomorrow’s climate leaders. Apply now and bring your ideas to Reykjavik, where the world’s mountain and polar changemakers unite!.

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