Nasim Eshqi grew up in Tehran, where she first enjoyed success as a kickboxer before discovering her passion for climbing. She soon began to pioneer new routes in Iran and came to see the mountains as a space of freedom. Her journey took her from national championships to climbing projects around the world – and, at the same time, to a steadfast commitment to women’s rights. Today she lives in Europe, tells her story on stage and in books, and inspires people far beyond the climbing community with her unwavering energy.

You can listen to the event from 27 November 2025 as a podcast here:
Nasim Eshqi: Against Femicide

Beat Baggenstos has left his career in the financial sector behind to bring climbing to people affected by war, displacement or poverty. With ClimbAID, he has founded an organisation that uses climbing as a tool to promote mental health and social inclusion. This creates safe spaces where people from all walks of life can meet on equal terms – beyond prejudice and exclusion. Places where trust and a zest for life flourish. For him, climbing is a language that everyone understands, one in which closeness and perhaps even a little peace can be found.

You can listen to the podcast of the event from 18 February 2026 here:
ClimbAID: Climbing as a refuge (in german)

Zof Reych is originally from Poland and has made her home in Fontainebleau – right in the heart of one of the world’s most famous bouldering areas. By founding the Women’s Bouldering Festival, Zof is creating a space for inclusive encounters and giving neurodivergent and queer climbers visibility and empowerment. Zof also addresses the environmental pressures and overcrowding in popular climbing areas and advocates for sustainable climbing. Alongside her own climbing, Zof explores the stories that have shaped the sport and has written a book about them, Born to Climb.

You can listen to the event from 23 April 2026 as a podcast here: 
Zof Reych: Queer, inclusive