Global Youth Summit

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Do you want to spend the summer holiday doing what you like best: meeting new people while climbing, hiking, rafting, caving and much more?

If you are between 14 and 30 years old and a member of a UIAA federation, you have the chance to do just that. This summer UIAA Member Federations are organising about ten different international youth events in Europe and Asia.

You can take part in ascents of Mount Olympus, Mount Kazbek and Mount Elbrus, a route setting and climbing meet in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, multi-activity camps in Germany and Slovenia, rock climbing in Russia and Romania, a Mountain Protection meet in Japan, caving in Romania and a youth trek in Italy. You will find all the necessary information and registration forms in the calendar.

All these activities are part of the the UIAA Global Youth Summit. This is a series of events co-ordinated by the UIAA Youth Commission. The events give you the opportunity to visit new mountains and get to know young climbers and mountaineers from other countries! This summer, events are taking place in nine different countries: Japan, Russia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Romania, Germany, Georgia, Italy, Greece and Slovenia. There are events both for the experienced 29 year old climber and a 14 year old who enjoys hiking. All the events are still open for registration, but make sure you don't miss the deadline!

If you want to sign up for an event, please check first if your federation is organising a group trip. If you are at least 18 years old, you can sign up individually, if you are younger you must travel with an adult leader. Always let your federation know that you are going to take part in an event. You will find information about age limits in the invitations/information packs.

In our Youth section you can find all the information, including age limits, registration deadlines and costs on the  Global Youth Summit calendar.

If you want to know what it is like to take part in a UIAA youth event, you can read about previous events. Last year more than 250 young people from 32 countries took part in the Global Youth Summit.

There has already been one Global Youth summit event this year, a Ski Mountaineering event in Slovenia. This year the special UIAA Youth Commission focus event is  'Climbing Mt Olympus - an Olympic celebration' organised by CAI and the Hellenic Mountaineering and Climbing Federation - registration closing soon!

Information for potential organisers
If your Federation  would like to apply to host an event in 2009 or 2010 or would like the Youth Commission's support in developing youth activities, now is the time to get in touch. You will need to send a summary programme, registration form and event application form. We are looking forward to hearing your ideas!

If you are a non-UIAA federation that is developing a youth climbing or mountaineering programme, and want to participate in the Global Youth Summit, please contact us for advice.