Abstract

How it all started?

In the mountains, I discover a profound inner tranquility, revitalizing my mind and fortifying myself to confront life’s obstacles. Hiking has deeply transformed my life, igniting a passion to push the boundaries of my physical capabilities, enabling me to venture further and ascend higher.

In 2017, during my inaugural hiking expedition, I seized the opportunity to spotlight the issue of burnout, a struggle I was personally overcoming. Amidst inquiries about how I managed time for training and hiking, I found a platform to raise awareness and advocate for self-care amidst life’s demands.In July 2023, fueled by a Law school course on the significance of international organizations and inspired by the UAE’s designation of 2023 as the year of sustainability, I resolved to amplify awareness around Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Health.

In the four days leading up to my departure, I delved into research, crafted social media campaigns, and hand-painted banners bearing meaningful messages, each destined to be showcasing varying altitudes throughout my journey. Remarkably, this preparatory work alleviated the stress that typically accompanies summit preparations. It transformed the purpose of my expedition from a solitary pursuit of reaching the peak to a collective endeavor of championing a noble cause. This shift not only mitigated stress but also infused each hiking day with embedded purpose, as I ascended to new altitudes, unveiling campaign banners—a tangible representation of progress and a triumph in itself.