Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Mountain Development

Mountain regions are essential for sustainable development, offering crucial services such as water, biodiversity, food, energy and other resources. Yet, they face significant threats from climate change and land degradation, particularly in developing countries. Effective management of mountain ecosystems is essential for mitigating disasters and increasing the resilience of mountain communities.

The Mountain Youth Hub has been established to empower youth in ensuring a more sustainable future for mountain communities across the world.

The Origin

The hub is backed by the Mountain Partnership (MP), a United Nations alliance hosted by FAO working together with the common goal of achieving sustainable mountain development around the world.

Recognizing the challenges of rural youth in mountainous regions, the MP selected “Mountains matter for Youth” as International Mountain Day's theme for 2019, advocating for education, diverse employment, and improved services to combat migration, land degradation, and cultural erosion.

In 2023, the MP targeted youth through its annual IPROMO training program, focusing on the theme "Youth and the future of mountain forests". Youth delegates attending the call to action, which led to the establishment of a hub to help implement the Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions 2023-2027 through youth action in mountainous regions worldwide.

The Five Years of Action initiative, declared by the United Nations General Assembly at the proposal of the Government of Kyrgyzstan, presents the opportunity to highlight challenges facing mountain ecosystems and communities. It aims to inspire governments to integrate mountain-specific policies into national sustainable development agendas and to engage various stakeholders in transforming the global narrative on mountains from inaction to action.

How does it work?

The hub provides a platform for youth to engage in dialogue, share best practices, and to participate in knowledge-sharing opportunities that promote sustainable development, resilience, and peace in mountain communities.

Am I eligible to Join?

Membership for the Mountain Youth Hub is open to youth between 15 to 35 years, residing or working in mountainous regions. Once you are over 35, you will become an alumni member of the Mountain Youth Hub.

How do I get involved?

Join the Mountain Youth Hub to make your mark in shaping a more sustainable future for mountain communities around the globe.