Youth voices from across Ireland will come together in Dublin this February to shape conversations and action on climate justice.
On Tuesday, 17 February 2026, Youth Work Ireland hosted Ireland’s first-ever National Youth Climate Justice Assembly in the historic Pillar Room of the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin. The event brought together young people from across the country to learn, connect, and take action on some of the most pressing climate and environmental challenges facing their communities.
The Assembly marked a significant milestone in youth-led climate action in Ireland and builds on the success of regional Youth Climate Assemblies held in Connacht, Munster, and Ulster. It reflected a growing commitment to ensuring that young people are not only heard in discussions about climate change but are actively involved in shaping solutions.
Empowering Young People Through Climate Justice
Supported by the Department of Education and Youth’s Climate Justice Fund, the National Youth Climate Justice Assembly aimed at strengthening youth participation in climate action and decision-making. The event provided opportunities for young people to engage directly with experts from academia, local authorities, and community organisations, while sharing experiences and ideas with peers from across Ireland.
Young people participating in Climate Justice Fund projects have already been making a real impact in their communities. Through local initiatives, awareness campaigns, and advocacy work, they have been developing skills, addressing environmental inequalities, and promoting sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
The Assembly showcased this work while creating space for meaningful conversations about climate justice, social equity, and the role young people can play in influencing policy at local, regional, and national levels.
A Platform for Youth Voices
One of the key goals of the Assembly is to ensure that young people’s perspectives are reflected in climate policy and community decision-making. Participants explored a range of climate justice issues, contributed their ideas, and collaborated on solutions that can help build a fairer and more sustainable future for everyone.
Importantly, the event was organised by young people within Youth Work Ireland, demonstrating the power of youth leadership and participation. The Assembly is supported by expertise from the SAUTI-Youth Project at Youth Work Ireland Galway, alongside funding and support from the Department of Education and Youth’s Climate Justice Fund and Erasmus+ through Léargas.
By bringing together young people, educators, policymakers, community organisations, and climate experts, the Assembly helped to ensure that climate action is inclusive, equitable, and informed by the voices of those who will inherit its consequences.
Youth Work Ireland is proud to support and champion the next generation of climate leaders and looks forward to welcoming participants from across the country to this landmark event.