The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9–20, 2026, bringing together heads of state, policymakers, international organizations, civil society representatives, businesses, and youth leaders to advance global cooperation on climate change. With a strong emphasis on implementation, the summit will seek to translate existing climate commitments into tangible results, accelerate the global energy transition, strengthen climate resilience, and advance sustainable economic development.
In this context, Young European Leadership (YEL) is proud to announce its participation in COP31, reaffirming its commitment to amplifying youth perspectives in international climate diplomacy and ensuring that young people have a meaningful role in shaping global climate policy.
The Importance of Youth Participation
The engagement of young people in climate negotiations is not only valuable—it is vital. As the world faces increasingly urgent environmental, social, and economic challenges, youth leadership brings innovation, ambition, and inclusivity to the global climate agenda. Meaningful youth participation helps ensure that climate policies account for long-term sustainability, intergenerational equity, and the well-being of future generations.
As the international community moves from commitments toward implementation, young people have an essential role to play in holding decision-makers accountable, promoting innovative solutions, and bridging the gap between policy ambitions and practical action.
YEL continues to advocate for a youth-driven approach to climate action, emphasizing intergenerational dialogue, equitable energy transitions, sustainable food systems, climate finance, and the development of resilient communities. Through its engagement in international forums, YEL seeks to strengthen cooperation between young leaders and the institutions responsible for shaping the global climate agenda.
YEL Delegates at COP31
YEL has appointed a diverse and multidisciplinary delegation to represent European youth at COP31 in Türkiye. Each delegate brings expertise, experience, and a commitment to addressing climate challenges through diplomacy, advocacy, and policy innovation.
- Boróka Ürge (Head Delegate) – Hungary
- Titi Habicht – Slovenia
The YEL delegation will seek to engage in climate negotiations, youth-focused side events, and multilateral discussions, sharing policy recommendations and collaborating with international stakeholders to promote effective, inclusive, and equitable climate solutions. Its participation will focus on strengthening the representation of young Europeans in global decision-making and encouraging greater cooperation between policymakers, civil society, and the next generation of climate leaders.
Looking Ahead
As COP31 approaches, the participation of YEL’s youth delegates reflects a broader commitment to building a just, sustainable, and inclusive future. The conference offers an important opportunity to strengthen international cooperation, accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement, and ensure that climate commitments translate into meaningful progress.
The challenges ahead require more than ambitious declarations; they demand sustained cooperation, accountable leadership, and concrete action. Young people must be recognized not merely as the inheritors of the decisions made today, but as active contributors to the solutions shaping tomorrow.
Through its participation in COP31, Young European Leadership seeks to ensure that youth perspectives remain an integral part of international climate diplomacy and that the voices of Europe’s next generation contribute to building a more resilient and sustainable world.
