Meet the new EESC Youth Delegate to COP 2026

Axel Eriksson is a stubborn optimist with a love of nature. He is one of 14 members of the UN Secretary-General's Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change 2025-2026 and a researcher on desirable social-ecological futures at University of Lisbon and the Stockholm Resilience Centre. As the Training Manager of the Climate Youth Negotiator Programme 2024-2025, he contributed to capacity building and other support for over 500 young people from over 75 countries to represent their governments in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). He is a former Swedish UN Youth Delegate on climate and environment 2022-2023, and has served on the Steering Committee (2023-2025), European coordination team (2022-2025) and Policy Team (2024-2025) of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network and as COP29 Strategy Project Lead of Generation Climate Europe (2024-2025).

1. What do you expect from your new role as the EESC youth delegate to COP?

Firstly, I see the expectations as mutual. While I have expectations of the role, I would also like the people whom I engage with to have expectations of me. For me, reciprocity is key, and I approach this role as both an opportunity to share the priorities, insights and experiences I have been entrusted with and a duty to provide a platform for more young people’s voices to be heard, especially from the most affected peoples and areas. I expect to be treated as an equal and collaborator, with the accountability and involvement that this entails. Of course, I also expect the role to be enjoyable for everyone involved, since this is how we sustain long-term positive change! 

2. You have been active on climate and biodiversity action back home, as well as on youth engagement. As EESC youth delegate to COP, what will you bring to the work of the EESC and its participation in the UNFCCC and CBD processes?

I am very passionate about the natural world. This means I know why I spend my time promoting environmental justice, and I bring this passion into the role. I am also part of various networks, not only of young people With this in mind, I am convinced that I can contribute by amplifying the work I do through the networks I have access to, as well as with interpersonal skills such as listening and cultural sensitivity. In concrete terms, I bring over five years of experience within both the UNFCCC and CBD processes, having participated in diverse roles as civil society advocate, member of the Swedish delegation and researcher, for example. With my passion, networks and experience, I believe that I will be able to contribute to the EESC's involvement in the UNFCCC and CBD processes in a way that makes the team, including myself, happy. 

3. What do you hope to be able to say at the end of your mandate?

Imagining myself at the end of the mandate, I would like to ask: “Were you the best version of yourself in this role? Did you act based on what your heart, head and whole body told you was right?” If my answer is “yes”, I think I have done a good job. In particular, I hope that at the end of my mandate, I will be able to return to every single person who entrusted me with their stories, insights and priorities and tell them how I sought to honour that trust responsibly. For me, this role is not about serving myself and my immediate network, but about serving young people more broadly in Europe and beyond, to the best of my ability and through the efforts of everyone else involved. It is not just an experience to add to my CV, but a genuine commitment to making a difference for people and nature where it matters the most.