What role can young people play in shaping Europe's climate future?
31st UN Climate Change Conference
As world leaders, climate stakeholders and youth delegates prepare to meet in Antalya, Türkiye, for the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), from 9 to 20 November, the focus is on turning climate commitments in action – and ensuring young people's voices are heard in the process.
Young people are helping shape the EU's preparations for COP31. In October, young representatives from across Europe met with European Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra for a Youth Policy Dialogue to share their climate priorities.
And the conversation continues at COP31, with 14 November dedicated to children, youth, education and skills.
EU Framework for Climate Resilience
Climate change will shape the world young people inherit. From wildfires and floods to heatwaves and droughts, its impacts are already being felt across Europe. That's why the EU is working not only to cut greenhouse gas emissions, accelerate the transition to clean energy and reach climate neutrality by 2050, but also to help communities prepare for the changes ahead.
The new EU Framework for Climate Resilience aims to help Europe anticipate climate risks, protect people and places, and prevent avoidable damage. Its approach is simple: identify risks earlier, prepare better, and invest smarter.
Learn more about EU climate action, including adaptation and resilience measures.
Bring COP31 into your classroom! Imagine you are representing young people at COP31. What would you ask world leaders to prioritise to tackle climate change and prepare for its impacts? Organise a mini COP31 negotiation in your classroom: divide students into groups, ask each to propose one concrete climate action, and see whether the class can agree on three priorities for a more sustainable and climate-resilient future. |
Discover more and follow the EU at COP31!
- Publication date
- 10 November 2026
- Author
- Directorate-General for Communication
- Type of content
- News
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