Glaciers play a vital role in regulating the global climate and supplying freshwater to over 2 billion people. Their accelerated retreat due to rising temperatures threatens water availability, food production and livelihoods in mountain regions and beyond. Melting glaciers and thawing permafrost increase the risk of floods, glacier lake outburst floods and landslides, endangering downstream populations and critical infrastructure. For many communities, vanishing glaciers also represent a loss of cultural identity, spiritual heritage and tourism. 

Mountain communities, especially youth and Indigenous Peoples, are on the frontlines of this crisis and are also key actors in developing innovative solutions and adaptation efforts.  

In celebration of International Mountain Day 2025, which contributes to the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) invites institutions, established organizations and individuals over the age of 18 to submit proposals for transformative projects that build resilience to glacier-related impacts and strengthen sustainable mountain economies and livelihoods, for a chance to win the 2025 Mountain Future Award. 

Around 350 proposals from 78 countries were judged by a panel of experts from FAO and the Mountain Partnership and key partners. The Mountain Future Award ceremony was held at the official International Mountain Day event on 11 December at the FAO headquarters. The three winners are: 

Internet Society Kyrgyzstan Chapter - category of Innovation 

Cumbres Blancas  - category of Adaptation 

The Gulmit Educational & Social Welfare Society - category of Youth 

The winners received a cash prize to support their projects’ implementation, sponsored by Forte di Bard, Polo Museale - Sapienza University of Rome and Slow Food Italia.