©Мария Наскидашвили
Recognizing the vital role of mountain youth in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030, the Mountain Youth Hub (MYH) of the Mountain Partnership of the United Nations, with support from EvK2-CNR organized its second side event "From knowledge to action: Mountain youths’ role in advancing the global mountain agenda", during the 2025 ECOSOC Youth Forum. Building on the momentum of last year's Youth Forum, where the MYH hosted the first-ever side event dedicated to mountains and youth within the context of Agenda 2030, MYH hosted its second side event at the 2025 ECOSOC Youth Forum, highlighting the role of mountain youth in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and the global mountain agenda.
The MYH is a youth-led initiative that was established through a Youth Call to Action for the Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions (Five Years of Action). The MYH is supported by the Mountain Partnership, a United Nations alliance dedicated to promoting the well-being of mountain people and protecting mountain environments globally. This side event was made possible through the kind support and sponsorship of Ev-K2-CNR. Ev-K2 Minoprio is a non-profit association dedicated to technological and scientific research, with a particular focus on the study of natural and human environment and climate change in the Hindu Kush region of Karakoram and Himalayas, with particular attention to Nepal and Pakistan.
MYH raises awareness about the importance of mountains, their ecosystems, communities, and youth. At this side event, MYH connected the Five Years of Action to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 5, 8 and 17, demonstrating its contributions to these goals. Four MYH members from Argentina, Peru, Nepal and Kyrgyzstan creatively used images to highlight climate change challenges and present solutions. Moving away from the traditional panel format, they discussed and presented ways to advance Agenda 2030 through the Youth Call to Action and the Five Years of Action.
Efrem Ferrari, a Member of the Board of Directors of EvK2-CNR and consultant for international financial institutions, emphasized the significance of the MYH in advancing the global development agenda. He highlighted the dual fragility of mountains—not only environmentally but also for the communities who call them home and face the impacts of climate change. Efrem stressed the importance of bridging the gap between technical advancements and the realities of life in remote mountain areas, as this is crucial to achieving sustainable development. He underscored the need to focus on mountain youth, recognizing their vital contributions and potential in driving sustainable mountain development.
Rocío Melina Garcia from Argentina began by highlighting the disconnect between mountain governance and global policies, emphasizing how international and national frameworks often overlook the specific needs of mountain regions. She stressed that these policies, while focused on environmental sustainability, are too broad to address realities faced by local mountain communities. Rocío also underscored the importance of youth engagement in policy discussions to bridge these gaps. Her work analyzing socio-political patterns highlights the need for aligning governance and policies with the unique challenges and opportunities of mountain areas to ensure sustainable development.
Building on this, Sabnam Tamang, an Indigenous mountain youth, presented by first paying tribute to her ancestors, fellow youth and parents. She delivered a compelling message that brought attention to the often-overlooked challenges faced by Nepal's mountain communities, which are overshadowed by the focus on Mount Everest despite Nepal being 80 percent mountainous and home to diverse peaks. Sabnam highlighted how climate change and limited economic opportunities have driven outmigration from areas like Limi Valley, forcing youth away from their mountain towns, cultures, and practices—often permanently. Sabnam, underscored the need to reclaim, redefine, and decolonize traditions, especially in the context of mountain women's roles and SDG 5, as a starting point for creating solutions. She powerfully stated, “We are represented but not heard, visible but not valued”, emphasizing the importance of including Indigenous youth in decision-making processes, empowering Indigenous women and girls as leaders, and investing in traditional practices and community-driven solutions. Sabnam’s insights and call to action resonate strongly, advocating for the inclusivity and elevation of Indigenous mountain women and girls.
Ainazik Ysman, from Kyrgyzstan, called for equal opportunities in mountain regions, remarking, “Mountains may divide land, but they must not divide opportunities among people”. She highlighted challenges like early marriage, bridal kidnappings, and barriers to girls' education, including unsafe transport and long commutes. Ainazik urged for better support for girls’ education, mentorship programs, and mobile training, as well as connecting mountain women cooperatives to global markets to boost economic opportunities. Her message underscored the need for practical solutions to empower mountain communities.
Lastly, from the mountains of Peru, Victoria Alcasihuincha, a Quechua-speaking farmer, overcame limited internet and secure electricity access to present her community's challenges in Tolconi. She highlighted economic difficulties and her efforts as a social entrepreneur to address them. Victoria supports her community by caring for llamas and alpacas, preserving traditional crafts, and promoting fair payments through Threads for Dreams’. Her presentation emphasized the resilience of mountain youth and the need for opportunities to thrive. She called for action to support businesses that protect mountain ecosystems and provide dignified livelihoods.
In closing, Sara Manuelli of the Mountain Partnership mentioned challenges faced by mountain youth, including marginalization, geographical distance, and limited access to education, training, and employment. These obstacles often lead to migration, weakening the sustainable development of mountain regions. She emphasized the underrepresentation of mountain issues on broader development agendas and called for initiatives like the MYH. Such platforms, she explained, would empower mountain youth to engage in local, regional, and national discussions, enabling them to shape the future of their communities and advocate for their unique needs.
Written by the Mountain Youth Hub
