Photo of participants at the Arctic Frontiers conference in 2024.

Youth together for arctic futures

Launched in 2024, Youth Together for Arctic Futures is a four-year project that supports Arctic and European 18-35-year-olds, with knowledge, skills and opportunities to advocate effectively for Arctic climate and nature policies that matter to them.

Co-funded by the European Union and Global Affairs Canada, Youth Together for Arctic Futures’ empower young people to become active citizens and decision-makers for a diverse, inclusive and sustainable Arctic, with a focus on centring Indigenous youth and young women. It connects Arctic and European youth through respectful dialogue, capacity building and leadership development at the annual Arctic Youth Dialogue and beyond.

Presentation of Arctic Mayors' Forum Mentoship Programme at the Arctic Youth Dialogue, a part of the Youth Together for Arctic Futures project — © Youth Together for Arctic Futures

Who is involved in Youth Together for Arctic Futures?

The project is led by WWF Global Arctic Programme, in cooperation with organisations that bring decades of experience in youth empowerment (especially of Indigenous youth) policy shaping, and research and conservation of Arctic ecosystems and livelihoods:

- Saami Council
- European Youth Parliament (Schwarzkopf-Stiftung Junges Europa) and its Norway Alumni Association
- Association of Polar Early Career Scientists
- Arctic Mayors’ Forum
- Tromsø Municipality
- Arctic Youth Network
- UiT The Arctic Univeristy of Norway

Additionally, the project is supported by the Arctic Council, WWF Greenland, and Arctic Frontiers as associates.

The project is co-funded by the European Union through the European Commission (Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, FPI). Its governance primarily includes FPI, the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) and the European External Action Service (EEAS). The project is also co-funded by Global Affairs Canada.

What are the project activities in youth together for arctic futures?

Arctic Youth Dialogues

The annual Arctic Youth Dialogue gathers Arctic and European youth alongside the EU-Arctic Forum to co-create policy recommendations on climate, biodiversity and youth inclusion in the Arctic. The four-day event is a chance to develop understanding and skills in negotiation, consensus building, policy drafting, public speaking and teamwork. Through cultural exchange, collaborative discussions, and direct engagement with policymakers, Arctic Youth Dialogue participants turn ideas into action and build long-lasting connections, helping shape the Arctic’s future.

Leadership and communications training

Trainings around Europe provide skills ranging from leadership, communications and storytelling, to EU and Arctic policymaking, with peer learning ensuring a youth-led focus. Webinars explore biodiversity, journalism, facilitation and public speaking.

Sáttanuorat: Sámi Youth Delegates Programme

Diverse training and workshops for Sámi youth, as well as opportunities to join international and Arctic conferences, strengthening their capacity to create networks to advocate for the future of the Sámi people.

Mentorship programme

Youth are paired with mentors – skilled Arctic professionals who offer career coaching and guidance in developing a policy-related project. In-person and online sessions provide tools to advocate for policy changes and expand future opportunities.

Discover Arctic Mayors’ Forum Mentorship Program

Arts-based activities

Creative workshops, exhibitions and films enable Arctic and European youth to share lived experiences, complementing policy recommendations. A Sámi youth workshop on urban identity is part of Tromsø’s European Youth Capital 2026 programme.

Arctic Regional Youth Meet-Ups

The project brings Indigenous, Arctic and European youth together in a thriving network with an active alumni community. Arctic Regional Youth Meet-Ups in remote Arctic communities and Indigenous homelands provide access to training and opportunities related to climate, biodiversity, advocacy and international relations.

State of the Arctic Youth Report

The State of the Arctic Youth Report, a youth-driven publication, will be released at the end of the project, highlighting four years of youth policy recommendations, youth engagement benchmarks for Arctic states, and cultural expression of Arctic youth.

European Union flag. Text: Co-funded by the European Union

Logo: In partnership with Canada

This publication was funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the WWF Global Arctic Programme and partners and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.