The UIAA is committed to youth participation and its associated values. Through the work of the UIAA Youth Commission and its Global Youth events, the UIAA promotes climbing and mountaineering activities which provide young people around the world with the opportunity to experience adventure and develop socially and educationally.
UIAA youth events encourage not only an individual’s technical development in a given discipline but also an appreciation for the environmental, cultural and ethical aspects of the areas the UIAA is engaged in. Young people are the future guardians of our wild spaces and it is our mission to teach respect for, and understanding of, these places.
“This has been the best climbing experience I have ever had. Every day we learned new things and got used to many different types of climbing.”
UIAA global youth event participant
“The participants and instructors of the camp were really friendly people. Many friendships were built during the week.”
UIAA global youth event participant
“The event gave us an opportunity to try a lot of different various of climbing, such as rock climbing, multi-pitch climbing, trad climbing, canyoning and hiking.”
UIAA global youth event participant
“The organisers and instructors put a lot of effort into providing everyone with a memorable experience despite all the different age groups and skillsets.”
UIAA global youth event participant
Objectives of the UIAA’s youth work include
- Working with UIAA member federations to establish well organizsd events for youth all over the world to enjoy
- Organising Global Summit Events (Youth Camps) to bring youth from various countries to connect and have an amazing time
- Providing young people around the world the opportunity to experience adventure
- Giving the opportunity to develop socially and educationally
- Promoting responsible & sustainable recreation
Sports organised
UIAA Youth Programmes
Global Youth Camps
There are two types of youth camp endorsed by the UIAA. Working with a number of member associations, the UIAA organises a number of Global Youth Series (GYS) events. These can focus on areas such as ice climbing, bouldering, mountaineering and rock climbing. These events are open to all young international climbers. One of the core features of these camps is their educational and training programmes. In parallel with the climbing component, youngsters have the opportunity to follow a syllabus created by UIAA experts in fields such as mountain protection, safety and training. On completion of specific courses, youngsters will also receive course certifications and accreditations.
Further details on course certificates will be available shortly.
Information on future GYS events can be found on the UIAA Youth Calendar. Information is posted on the UIAA website typically 4-6 months ahead of time.
Member Association Youth Camps
The UIAA also promotes camps organised by UIAA member associations. These may be national or international in nature. Details will be added to the calendar of UIAA Youth events.
How to
Become Involved
Featured News
UIAA Ice Climbing
World Tour
The UIAA Ice Climbing World Tour includes a number of events for youth climbers. Climbers must be registered by a UIAA member association. This includes youth camps, continental competitions and the pinnacle event, the UIAA Ice Climbing World Youth Championships
Partners
The Association of Recognised IOC International Sports Federations (ARISF) is a non-governmental, non-profit, non-discriminatory organisation constituted through and recognised by the International Olympic Committee.
ARISF is one of the pillars to the Olympic Movement, with all of its 32 Me principles set forth in the Olympic Charter. Through ARISF, the Member IFs maintain an ongoing dialogue with the IOC and the entire Olympic Movement on matters of common interest.
The UIAA Youth Commission works closely with ARISF, submitting development plans and has received external funding for youth training since 2000.