The goal of the program is to connect early-career Arctic and European youth aged 18-35 with mentors across Arctic communities in the fields of Arctic policy development, advocacy, and communications. The aim is to provide youth with the experiences and tools they need to effectively advocate for policy changes on issues important to the livelihoods of youth in the Arctic and in Europe.
The mentorship program is part of the 2024-2027 EU funded project Youth Together for Arctic Futures. The mentorship program has two cohorts of up to 7 pairs, running for 18 months each. Knowledge sharing between mentor/mentee pairs, and across the cohorts, is expected.
During the program participants will join both in-person and digital networking events.
A deliverable will also be produced in each mentor/mentee pair which will boost mentor/mentee portfolios, and can lead to further networking opportunities.
The mentorship program has also received additional support through GALI funding.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for enthusiastic young people 18-35 who have lived experience in the Arctic, or are interested in working on Arctic issues. Mentees should be able to demonstrate their commitment to the Arctic region and Arctic peoples. No experience is required, but we encourage anyone interested in policy development, advocacy, or communications in the Arctic region to apply. The program coordinators will pair each mentee with an appropriate mentor in one of these fields based on the interests and experiences of the mentee. We encourage people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, and abilities to apply. Participants must be able to participate in discussions and activities in English. Mentees must be nationals or residents of an Arctic or EU country.
First cohort
The first cohort of 5 pairs is running from October 2024 through March 2026. The in-person kick-off event was held in Akureyri, Iceland 13-14 October, 2024.
Second cohort
The second cohort of 7 pairs is running from September 2025 through February 2027. The in-person kick-off event was held in Yellowknife, NWT, Canada 9-10 September, 2025.
Kick-off and Sunset Events
Each cohort will have an in-person kick-off event in an Arctic or European town/city. The events are 1.5-2 days long including social/cultural events. The events feature icebreakers between mentor/mentee pairs, group networking, and initial goal-setting.
The sunset event will be a joint in-person event in 2027 for both cohorts. Travel funding will be provided for mentees to attend sunset event. Travel funding will likely be provided for mentors to attend sunset event.
There may be opportunities to attend other events in addition if funding allows.
Program content in brief
Mentors will act as advisors and guides to mentees within their fields of expertise and guide mentees in developing their program deliverable. This deliverable could include a conference session, academic paper, video, storymap, or a series of social media posts or blog posts.
Mentees will observe the work of their mentors and complete tasks assigned to them, as well as give direct input to their mentors on issues which are important to Arctic and European youth.
Mentors and mentees will participate in knowledge sharing and networking with other mentor/mentees in the cohort and report on the program to AMF.
Read more in detail about program objectives, expectations, benefits, and Code of Conduct in the program Terms of Reference document [updated May 2025].
Application process
Mentors in both cohorts were selected by the AMF Secretariat.
Mentees for the first two cohorts were selected in an open call process. The application was an online form where a short motivational letter or audio recording was required, as well as a reference letter. The Terms of reference and Code of conduct document was required reading prior to applying.
Apply for a future cohort
Currently applications are closed. Please watch the AMF website and social media for possible future open calls.
AMF Project Coordinator
For any questions about the program please contact:
Linnea Nordström
linnea@arcticmayors.com