Annual European Climate Pact Ambassador Conference

Brussels, Charlemagne Building, March 18 & 19 2025

The European Climate Pact Ambassador program is growing in all 27 member states as the Commission announces its new mandate. With more and more Ambassadors standing up for climate action in their communities, what started as a small initiative as part of the European Green Deal has now become a veritable movement of citizens that work to inspire and engage in activities, initiatives and projects for a safer, cleaner and more sustainable Europe. 

Here is Luxembourg, our Ambassador team is growing.  With 28 people officially recognized as EU Climate Pact Ambassadors, representing more than 10 different communes, these people are engaged in everything from Clean-Ups, soft mobility legislation, food systems reforms, nature-based education and youth engagement. 

The annual conference is a chance for our Ambassadors to meet and greet others from around Europe.  Through workshops, plenaries and networking, these highly motivated citizens spend two days learning from one another.

One Ambassador, Verónica Ferreira (age 20) shares her experience at the conference:

The Annual Pact Conference in Brussels was a very insightful event for me. I got to meet Climate Pact ambassadors from all over Europe including people who migrated from other continents. From all ages, they have completely different backgrounds and areas of expertise. It allowed me to share my ideas and concerns with them and learn from those who are more qualified than me in certain subjects. Sharing experiences with others gave me additional confidence and purpose to innovate and advocate more actively for the very things I believe in, such as inclusive climate action.

Secondly, it delighted me to see certain aspects of climate education, food transition and innovation particularly engaging with youth. It was clear that this is being taken seriously as part of the Pact. Many ambassadors shared similar views about the importance and the urgency of climate education in schools. Many of us agreed that it is fundamental to include this multidisciplinary subject into curriculums, working to engage youth in becoming climate-aware and encourage solutions and action.

A solid education system is needed to promote a responsible and knowledgeable food transition in society. Engaging with citizens, specifically youth, in food transition works when there is a solid understanding of the nutritional benefits of shifting to a more sustainable diet. If people understand where their food comes from, how it is produced and what the environmental and human costs behind it are, making a conscious decision comes more effortless to them.

Moreover, I was pleased to participate in a workshop that raised awareness on the importance of tackling eco-anxiety. In my school, we are learning about certain aspects of climate change, however, it is often focused on the systemic problems that already exist. There is little focus on solutions and scenario building for a better world. Consequently, most students end up choosing to « shoot the messenger » in order to cope.  They tend to avoid the implications of their choices and look the other way. It would seem there is indeed a sense of eco-anxiety among my peers. What’s more, there is lack of understanding and support from the very people who should engage students in climate action.

The conference also included collaboration and implementation from a variety of EU initiatives. NGO’s and individuals shared their missions at stands and workshops on both days. For example, I discovered that an individual could decide to initiate a project within their own city to become a greener. I also learned about Erasmus+ volunteer projects surrounding sustainability.

Overall, the conference as an excellent opportunity to exchange, meet like-minded people, learn and discuss issues that are dear to me, such as intergenerational learning, innovative entrepreneurial ideas and using games to connect with people on climate issues.

Would you like to find out more about becoming a EU Climate Pact Ambassador? 

Join us for the Green Games Night on April 10, 2025 in Esch.  Meet our ambassadors and play some games while discussing climate issues in your community.