On 2nd November 2024 the Annual General Assembly of UIMLA will be held in Skopje, the capital of the Republic of North Macedonia.
This year marks two decades of the Union of International Mountain Leader Associations (UIMLA) in its modern form, with exciting strides taken to benefit our growing community of mountain leaders worldwide. With 25 Full member organizations, UIMLA continues to expand its influence and offerings.
Strengthening Partnerships
In 2024, we launched valuable partnerships to enhance member resources. Outdooractive now offers all UIMLA members free access to its platform, significantly reducing costs. This member benefit is greater than the cost of UIMLA membership!
Additionally, our collaboration with Viristar provides top-tier risk management training for outdoor programs, bolstering safety standards in mountain activities.
Operational Improvements
UIMLA introduced a new accounting system, which has streamlined financial management and transparency. We’ve also optimized merchandise distribution, leading to faster deliveries and improved cash flow.
Advances in Standards and Training
This year saw the completion of the revised UIMLA Standard, shaped by extensive feedback from working groups and assessors. This updated standard, critical to ensuring the highest quality in mountain leader training, will be presented for approval at our AGM in November. Additionally, Bolivia and Nepal are proposed to gain full UIMLA membership following successful assessments. And the AGA will consider applications from Mexico, Kazakhstan and Kosovo.
Sustainability and Risk Management
Our sustainability efforts took center stage, with the UIMLA Climate Change Plan now underway. A new sustainability report and an upcoming webinar reflect our dedication to environmentally responsible mountain leadership. On risk management, UIMLA formalized its partnership with Viristar, reinforcing safety in mountain guidance with training and resources for all members.
UIMLA’s 2024 accomplishments underscore our commitment to setting the global standard in mountain leadership, with a vision focused on safety, sustainability, and the continued professional growth of our community. Stay tuned as we continue advancing these initiatives in 2025 and beyond.