With the 2026 UIAA General Assembly now just over a month away, the UIAA held a special online preparation meeting for its member federations on Friday 18 September. The session presented the GA programme and topics to be discussed and voted on in further detail come the event held from 30 to 31 October.
A summary of key messages can be found below:
UIAA General Assembly to go ahead as planned
The UIAA General Assembly will take place, as scheduled, in Kathmandu, Nepal, from 30-31 October 2026 and hosted by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA).
Following the devastating floods of 26 August, the NMA has reassured UIAA member associations that the areas being used for the General Assembly and associated events have not been affected. In a letter to the UIAA, the NMA reported that the country’s principal tourism destinations remain open, while advising visitors to avoid disaster-affected regions and damaged routes, particularly the Rasuwa corridor, and to follow government safety advice.
In a letter to the UIAA, the NMA emphasised the importance of international visitors continuing to travel to Nepal during the recovery period. The NMA views hosting the General Assembly as an important demonstration of confidence and solidarity, describing the event as a ‘ray of hope’ for the country’s tourism sector. All UIAA General Assembly activities have been planned in unaffected areas.
Member associations planning to attend are encouraged to complete their registration and confirm participation as soon as possible. The deadline is 30 September, after which the official hotel will release blocked rooms.
Important deadline: 2 October Deadline for: Proposals to Agenda – Nominations to the Management Board – UIAA Court – Commission members – host future MB & GA meetings
The GA Programme: A diverse range of activities
The General Assembly forms part of an extensive programme running from 27 October to 1 November.
The week opens with the third UIAA Mountain Safety Symposium from 27 to 28 October. Meetings on 29 October include sessions of the Executive Committee, Management Board and Commission Presidents, followed by a General Assembly reception.
On Friday 30 October, the main General Assembly commences in the afternoon with the Information Session and the Welcome Dinner in the evening. Saturday’s programme begins with registration and the latest Climate Change Summit, followed by the General Assembly voting sessions. A World Ice Climbing Strategy Session 2027-2030 will take place later in the afternoon, ahead of the Official Dinner and Gift Ceremony. The programme concludes on Sunday 1 November with cultural activities organised by the NMA.
Read more: 2026 UIAA General Assembly information and programme.
Give Back to Climbing
Delegates travelling to Kathmandu are also invited to support the UIAA’s Give Back to Climbing initiative.
Devised by the UIAA Mountain Protection Commission and Climate Change Taskforce, the voluntary scheme provides delegates with an alternative to purchasing CO₂ offsets through an airline. Instead, they can make a contribution which supports a cause connected to the host country. There is no fixed donation: delegates decide whether to participate and how much they wish to contribute.
Following the recent floods in Nepal, the initiative has been redirected so that all money collected will go to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which operates in the country through the Nepal Red Cross Society. Support includes emergency shelter, healthcare, clean water and sanitation, as well as longer-term recovery work.
Read more: Find out more and support Give Back to Climbing
Mountain Safety Symposium: registration still open
The third UIAA Mountain Safety Symposium will go ahead as planned on 27-28 October, immediately before the General Assembly programme.
Organised by the UIAA together with the NMA and international partners, the symposium brings together international experts to share knowledge through presentations and practical workshops.
The 2026 edition has a particular focus on youth and young climbers and is aimed primarily at young mountain enthusiasts, guides, expedition staff and outdoor students from Nepal and neighbouring countries. No prior climbing or medical knowledge is required.
Member associations are encouraged to promote the opportunity through their networks. Registration closes on 30 September.
The UIAA is delighted to welcome the Petzl Foundation and Kailas sponsors of the event. They join existing Technical Partner, Fixe Climbing.
Read more: Mountain Safety Symposium – programme, logistics and registration
New UIAA Canyoning Handbook: opportunities for Member Associations
The UIAA, in partnership with the Petzl Foundation, has released the Canyoning Handbook. Available digitally in English and French, the publication provides a practical reference for canyoners, group leaders and instructors, covering subjects including the canyon environment, hydrology, equipment, group management, progression, rope techniques, vertical sections and rescue.
The digital edition costs USD 10, with members of UIAA member federations entitled to a 50% discount. Promotional codes have been provided to members and may be shared with their own members, but should not be published publicly or distributed outside their membership.
The UIAA is also assessing demand for a centrally printed edition. Federations potentially interested in purchasing physical copies are invited to register their interest; at this stage, this does not constitute a firm order.
There is also an opportunity for federations to propose translations into national or local languages. Certain conditions apply.
Member associations interested in printed copies, local printing or translation opportunities should contact Philippe Quintart, UIAA Office.
Read more: Canyoning Handbook information
Further Information
Further updates related to the General Assembly will be made available in due course. Please refer to the dedicated page for the latest resources as well as the UIAA members database.
