ICIMOD 37d ago

Youth from the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) and the Arctic are on the frontlines of climate change, yet their voices remain underrepresented in global climate discussions. A collaboration between the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and Arctic Circle, the Hindu Kush Himalaya-Arctic Youth Leadership Forum is the first cross-regional youth platform connecting polar and mountain voices. The HKH-Arctic Youth Leadership Forum aims to connect youth leaders from the HKH and the Arctic regions to build solidarity, amplifying local and mountain youth voices towards co-creating sustainable and inclusive climate solutions. As part of the HKH-Arctic Youth Leadership Forum champions’ profile series, ICIMOD has been releasing a series of profiles to amplify the voices of young leaders driving climate action across mountain regions. Today, we are featuring, Justin Langan, a Métis (one of Canada's three Indigenous peoples) leader, activist, and social entrepreneur from Manitoba, Canada. He is the founder and Executive Director of O'KANATA, a federally incorporated, Indigenous youth-led nonprofit organisation that provides educational support, cultural programming, and employment opportunities for Indigenous youth. Justin has represented youth voices at the World Economic Forum, the United Nations, and the Senate of Canada, advocating for Indigenous rights, climate action, and education equity. His work has earned international recognition, including the World Trade Organization Small Business Champion Award 2024 and Canada's Volunteer Awards 2023. Justin emphasises that addressing climate change demands constructive dialogue across regions. By engaging in meaningful conversations, we can question our assumptions and deepen the values and knowledge that guide our communities. Learn more about the HKH-Arctic youth champions here: https://www.icimod.org/hindu-kush-himalaya-arctic-youth-leadership-forum/meet-the-champions/ #HKH #ArcticCircle #Youth #leadership #GlobalAdvocacy