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Women move mountains: High-level events to mark International Mountain Day

28.11.2022

International leaders and mountain champions will discuss the key role women play in environmental protection and social and economic sustainable development in mountain areas, during high-level celebrations of International Mountain Day (IMD) 2022 on Friday, 9 December and Monday, 12 December 2022.

The focus of this year’s IMD, “Women move mountains”, highlights how mountain women and girls, in particular in rural areas, have the potential to be major agents of change.

Women are often the primary managers of mountain resources, guardians of biodiversity, keepers of traditional knowledge, custodians of local culture and experts in traditional medicine. As farmers, businesswomen, artisans and community leaders, when they have equal opportunities, rural women become a driving force against hunger, malnutrition and rural poverty and are active in the development of mountain economies.

Fashion can play a significant role in empowering rural and marginalized women in mountain communities across the world, promoting their economic independence by receiving a sustainable source of income and seeing women as agents of change. A fashion show will be held at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Headquarters on 9 December at 12.30–13.55 CET to celebrate IMD. The event will feature high-level speakers and showcase a selection of different looks from the mountains by Mountain Partnership Goodwill Ambassador Stella Jean. The event will be broadcast on Zoom – details here.

On 12 December in Vatican City, the day-long conference “The message of the mountains” will feature a variety of mountain actors, including mountaineers, Mountain Partnership Goodwill Ambassadors, scientists, sustainable development experts, tourism operators, volunteers and sports enthusiasts. Hosted by the Department of Culture and Education of the Holy See together with the Mountain Partnership Secretariat, in collaboration with Giovane Montagna, the Italian Alpine Club and Guide Don Bosco 6000 - Peru, this event will offer a moment of reflection on the many aspects of mountain cultures and environments. The event will be broadcast on Zoom – details here.

What can you do to celebrate IMD?

• Raise awareness of mountains on 11 December by organizing safe, socially distanced activities, including virtual presentations and events, photo and art competitions, and hikes.
• Officially register your IMD event on the IMD website.
• Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #MountainsMatter and materials from the IMD Trello.

Read more about the high-level events
Learn more about IMD
Explore global IMD celebrations