After ten months of strategic planning and reorganisation, the UIAA Training Commission is ready to resume its core functions. With the guidance and support of a dedicated working group appointed by the UIAA Management Board and a new Commission President, Ron Funderburke, the Training Commission held its first meeting in June 2026.
UIAA member federations, Training Commission members, and supporters of international training standards around the world can expect the following:
- Dedication to the Training Commission’s core functions: defining international training standards, reviewing training programmes for UIAA accreditation, and serving as subject matter experts when needed.
- Operational policies and procedures to support the Training Commission’s work which are defined and documented.
- The Training Commission is actively building its network of professional independent inspectors to support the accreditation process.
- The UIAA Office is prepared to resume administrative services previously interrupted by the reorganisation, including support for accreditation applications and revalidation.
The Training Commission’s core functions require focus. Most vitally, the Training Commission convenes an internationally diverse group of training experts to update and review international standards for climbing and mountaineering instruction. Any federation member in the world should be well-served by a training programme that has earned a UIAA Mountain Qualification Label (MQL). Labels require attention and revision as both the sport and the environment evolves. The Training Commission has rededicated itself to this core function, and it has relinquished other projects that are not directly correlated to this work.
In order to convene the Training Commission and its leadership regularly, to complete the vast amount of work undertaken by volunteer-members, and to integrate essential professional functions of the UIAA Office staff and professional inspectors, the Training Commission requires a rigorous network of policies, procedures, and documentation. The UIAA is proud to report that work has been thoroughly undertaken and completed. UIAA member federations can expect clear answers and accountability when questions about the Training Commissions’ processes, priorities, or policies arise. Given this new working order, the Training Commission is confident that its work can be conducted fairly, transparently, and with greater accountability.
Since August 2025, the Training Commission has been in a period of transition and is grateful for the patience of its supporters and member federations during this time.
The Training Commission is now open for business — and wants to hear from UIAA member associations. A significant number of member federations have accreditations due for revalidation, and the Commission is committed to working through these carefully and systematically.
- If your training programme is due for revalidation, please get in touch.
- If your programme is ready to begin the application and induction process, please also get in touch.
The UIAA Training Commission looks forward to resuming its work and serving the global climbing and mountaineering community.
Contact
Further Information
Home of Training website page
About Mountain Qualification Labels (MQLs)
Database and world map of UIAA MQLs
Interview with Training Commission President Ron Funderburke
