The UN Climate Conference, known in English as the UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP), was supposed to take place for the 26th time in November 2020 in Glasgow. After some points of the Katowice Rulebook were negotiated at COP25 in Madrid, the first Global Stocktake is set to take place at COP26 in Glasgow — a review of countries' climate protection targets. Austria and the EU in particular should use this opportunity to raise their ambitions.
The Federal Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK) sends young people to the COP every year to strengthen the voice of the youngest generation on the ground. This year, we're once again looking for two responsible young people to travel to the COP as youth delegates. The Junior/Senior programme is being run in this format for the third time: as a team of four, you'll travel to the climate conference in Glasgow. There, as juniors, you'll receive support from two experienced youth delegates. At the following COP27, you'll take on the role of seniors and thereby become mentors to the new junior delegates.
At the climate conference, you'll follow the UN's global climate negotiations live on the ground, before preparing this information for young people in Austria. At the same time, you'll advocate there for Austrian youth and ambitious climate policy, and prepare statements and positions in international working groups.
At the time of applying, no in-depth knowledge of the UN negotiation process is required — part of the youth delegates programme involves acquiring this knowledge through workshops and with support. Should COP26 be postponed further, that simply means more time for preparation and other activities as a youth delegate. You'll also take part in the LCOY Austria (Local Conference of Youth Austria), engage with young people from Austria, help organise events on climate policy, and get to know the Austrian delegation.
The Austrian youth delegates programme is fully funded by the Federal Ministry for Climate Protection (BMK).
All information, including tasks and qualifications, can be found at: climatesaustria.org
