Luxembourg is looking for one or two voices capable of talking climate where agreements, formulations and compromises are negotiated. On 11 February 2026, the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity and the Luxembourg National Youth Council (Jugendrot/CGJL) are opening the call for applications for the third edition of "Youth Climate Delegates" for 2026-2027. The programme is aimed at one or two young people aged between 18 and 35 who live in Luxembourg and who will represent Luxembourg youth in international climate negotiations.
The successful candidates will take part in the conference of the subsidiary bodies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in June in Bonn. They will also take part in COP31, organised from 9 to 20 November 2026 in Antalya, Turkey. According to the joint statement from the ministry and Jugendrot, the programme aims to integrate young people's perspectives, expectations and proposals more fully into the development and implementation of climate policies, at both national and international level.
A handover before COP31
The future 2026-2027 delegates will work closely with the representatives from the previous mandate to ensure a transfer of knowledge before COP31. The scheme includes preparation for the negotiation formats and topics addressed at climate conferences.
Lara Bertemes and Sarah Mackel, representatives for the 2025-2026 mandate
Lara Bertemes and Sarah Mackel were in charge of the 2025-2026 mandate and represented Luxembourg's youth at COP30, organised from 10 to 22 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil. Their selection was announced in June 2025 in a press release from the Ministry of the Environment. They joined the Luxembourg national delegation and took part in the preparatory work and discussions on site.
In a press release published on 22 November 2025 at the end of COP30, the government states that their presence was part of the Luxembourg national pavilion and the discussions held by the delegation led by the Minister for the Environment. The text underlines their involvement in activities related to youth and international climate governance.
Sarah Mackel, climate and health
Luxembourgish Sarah Mackel studies medicine in Dublin. (Photo: Julian Pierrot/Paperjam)
Sarah Mackel, 21, is studying medicine and is interested in the "critical links between health, climate and public policy", she told Paperjam in June 2025. Her involvement lies at the intersection of public health, science diplomacy and climate policy. She has also worked on issues related to access to healthcare and healthcare systems.
Lara Bertemes, intergenerational justice and climate action
Lara Bertemes, 25, is completing a master's degree in sustainability governance. In November 2025, she told Paperjam that she was worried about nature being "put under pressure" and quoted a UN reference: "Everyone has the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment." Adding, "This right is particularly important for young people, as it is they - we - who will have to live the longest with the consequences of current climate policies."
In the 22 November 2025 press release, the ministry recalls its long-standing commitment to representative bodies, notably as a youth delegate to the United Nations and a member of the Youth Parliament.
A work between negotiations and awareness-raising
Beyond the official sessions, the two delegates took part in exchanges with young people in Luxembourg and discussions with members of the government before and after COP30. The November 2025 ministerial communiqué mentions the desire to strengthen dialogue between young people and decision-makers as part of the country's climate commitments.
Applications open until 8 March
Applications for the 2026-2027 edition must be submitted by 23:59 on 8 March 2026 via the Jugendrot online form. Detailed information on the selection procedure can be found on the Jugendrot/CGJL website.
