Young People’s Committee
What is the Young People’s Committee?
Since 2020, The National Youth Council of Ireland’s Youth 2030: Global Youth Work programme has welcomed a group of young people to support a strong youth participation movement around global justice.
The work of the committee aims to enhance young people’s knowledge, understanding, critical thinking, and participation on global justice issues affecting Ireland and the world. The group will also have the opportunity to review and advise on the relevant work of the Youth 2030: Global Youth Work programme and to lead projects based on global justice issues that matter to them.
The committee sits for a one-year term, after which we hope members will apply the skills and competence developed in other projects and platforms. Committee members can expect to end their term with a greater understanding of local and global justice issues; a better sense of how to think critically about information; an increase in competency skills relevant to the working world; and practical skills for advocacy and campaigning.
Resources
Stop! Wait A Minute! – Critical Social Media Literacy Tool
This interactive tool has been designed by young people for young people, youth workers, educators and youth leaders to explore the concepts of critical thinking and media literary in relation to social media. It recognises the need for well-being practices as the starting point to a critical reflective practice, and is situated in the wider context of people vs big tech.
This tool is for people who are interested in exploring the topic of critical reflection and critical literacy.
This tool:
- Emphasises well-being as a core part of the critical thinking journey.
- Puts a focus on how we personally engage with the wider world especially though the media we consume.
- Encourages us to look up and look out.
- Prompts discussion around media consumption as a systemic issue that requires collective action and institutional change to address it, recognising the unique times we are living in and campaigns such as ‘People vs Big Tech’.
Dear Poverty – exploring poverty through an intersectional lens
This resource has been designed by young people for other young people, youth workers, educators and youth leaders to explore the concept of poverty through the lens of intersectionality, with the intention of contributing to achieving SDG 1: No Poverty. It is a resource for people who are interested in exploring the topic of poverty.
This guide:
- Invites an exploration of identity and intersectionality.
- Introduces the topic of poverty.
- Highlights young voices and stories of young people.
- Uses Spoken Word as a creative tool for exploration and expression of our individual relationship to poverty.
- Highlights Poverty at a Personal, Local, National and Global Level.
- Activities to prompt discussion around the topic of poverty as a systemic issue that requires collective action and systemic change to address it.
Projects
Click the tabs below to explore the previous projects completed by the Young People’s Committee:
Stop! Wait A Minute! – Critical Social Media Literacy Tool
This interactive tool has been designed by young people for young people, youth workers, educators and youth leaders to explore the concepts of critical thinking and media literary in relation to social media. It recognises the need for well-being practices as the starting point to a critical reflective practice, and is situated in the wider context of people vs big tech.
This tool is for people who are interested in exploring the topic of critical reflection and critical literacy.
This tool:
- Emphasises well-being as a core part of the critical thinking journey.
- Puts a focus on how we personally engage with the wider world especially though the media we consume.
- Encourages us to look up and look out.
- Prompts discussion around media consumption as a systemic issue that requires collective action and institutional change to address it, recognising the unique times we are living in and campaigns such as ‘People vs Big Tech’.
Download the written resource on Critical Social Media Literacy, Attention Capitalism and Well-being, that was developed by the Youth2030 Team in collaboration with the Young People’s Committee:
‘Dear Poverty’ A focus on SDG 1: No Poverty
Poverty is a complex and interconnected issue. Exploring the intersectional nature of poverty is a step towards understanding the root causes of poverty and tackling inequality. The Young People’s Committee 2022-2023, chose to focus on SDG 1: No Poverty because of a desire to review, reflect, recognise, analyse and identify our perspectives on poverty. The ‘Dear Poverty’ resources are an opportunity for educators, youth workers, volunteers, leaders, and youth work staff a chance to reflect on their own individual perspectives of poverty.
Poverty is an issue affecting young people within our committee on a personal level. In addition to this there is an awareness of the global injustices and inequalities that exist within our local communities and the wider world. Young people are resilient to the challenges that poverty brings to them; this resource is evidence of that. The YPC sees the need to bring the topic of poverty into the light so that it is named, and the shame associated with it is addressed.
1. Listen/Watch the ‘Dear Poverty’ spoken word poem collectively produced by the Young People’s Committee:
2. Check out the Spoken Word Poetry Manual, including individual poems written by the Young People’s Committee, and an outline of the Creative Method of facilitating Spoken Word with young people:
3. Download the written resource on Poverty and Intersectionality, that was developed by the Youth2030 Team in collaboration with the Young People’s Committee:
The world is changing and in order to meet the living requirements for current and future generations, our approach to global development and economic growth has got to change. This video looks at the issue of a Just Transition and highlights some of the fears and hopes of and for young people – today and into the future. It is important that in any change or disruption to the system that those furthest behind are not left behind. Earlier in 2020, alongside former President of Ireland and climate justice champion Mary Robinson, the Young People’s Committee launched a Youth Manifesto on Climate Justice gathering the voices, ideas, and concern of over 400 young people in Ireland on climate change. This video is informed by this work and was first shown at the NESC (www.nesc.ie) run – EEAC (https://eeac.eu/) 2020 conference on Just Transition.
This manifesto is the result of the NYCI Climate Revolution Youth Summit, which saw over 400 young people come together at the RDS, Dublin to discuss Ireland’s response to climate change.
Their message was LOUD and clear ‘young people of Ireland want climate justice!’.
The Youth 2030 Young People’s Committee refined the summit findings, to create this Youth Manifesto on Climate Justice.
Meet the 2025/2026 Committee
Aoife is studying Law and French in Trinity College Dublin. She is passionate about the promotion of social equality and leads DU Law Society’s Outreach programme which aims to break down barriers to the legal profession and third level education. Aoife is keenly interested in policy making and debating!
Bebe is an 18 year old from Cavan with a strong interest in human rights and social justice. She is particularly passionate about Sustainable Development Goals 5: Gender Equality, 10: Reduced Inequalities, and 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. She hopes to deepen her understanding of these goals and contribute to meaningful positive change through her involvement with the NYCI Young People’s Committee.
Ben is a transition year school student from Co. Cork who is interested in politics and advocacy, with a specific interest in local and community initiatives. He has been involved in several projects through his local youth club and is Treasurer at his Foroíge club. Ben is interested in working with people from all backgrounds.
Chloe (She/her) is a recent master’s graduate from Derry. She is a current World Food Forum representative for the 2025-2026 cohort and is passionate about sustainable development and food system-related issues in research and policy. Chloe is excited to collaborate with the National Youth Council of Ireland for this cohort and to advocate for young people’s voices to be heard on this year’s theme of global peace and security.
Clara is a student from County Galway. She ran a campaign for a cycle lane to improve the safety and promote students and her community to use cycling as a mode of transport. Clara is passionate about SDG 13 Climate Action and SDG 11 Sustainable cities and communities.
Doireann is a 6th year student from Kilbrittain, County Cork. She is passionate about civic education, diplomacy and youth work. She is really excited to be on the Young People’s Committee this year and looks forward to working with other young people on the topic of youth, peace and security.
Jack (He/him) is from County Kildare. He is a student, theatre performer and youth leader with Youth Theatre Ireland. He has contributed to education committees and intends to learn more about national issues affecting young people by being apart of the YPC. He is passionate about hearing young peoples voices and wishes to use the arts more to challenge social, ethical, and environmental inequalities. His focus areas are SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, as well as, SDG 4: Quality Education.
Molly recently completed her Masters in International Peace Studies and is thrilled to work with the NYCI. Her goal is to deepen her understanding of the challenges facing young people today. Having been actively involved in organizing and running Culture Night Dublin for several years, she is passionate about fostering an inclusive society. She is particularly focused on advancing SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 4: Quality Education.
Molly is a recent graduate from Trinity College Dublin with a BA in Middle Eastern and European Languages and Cultures. She is also a passionate and dedicated youth activist, with particular interests in education, gender equality and peace and security. She is an active member of Plan Ireland’s Youth Advisory Panel and has worked on a number of projects promoting SDG 4 and 5, including representing Ireland as a youth delegate for the European Institute for Gender Equality’s 2024 Forum. Molly believes that it is crucial to centre young people in discussions about global issues, and hopes this opportunity allows her to engage with young people from across Ireland.
Osasu is the Secretary of Youth Lift Galway, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to empowering young people aged 13 to 24 through leadership, education, and community initiatives. Based in County Galway, She is currently a Pre-Nursing student and studying Enterprise and Community Development part-time at ATU. She is passionate about youth empowerment, community development, and creating opportunities for young people to reach their full potential. She loves God and strives to reflect her faith through service and positive impact in her community.
Precious is a compassionate and driven individual and a graduate in Social Care. She believes strongly in personal development and community wellbeing. Precious is committed to supporting vulnerable individuals and families, with a particular focus on empowerment, resilience, and trauma-informed practice. Known for her empathy, determination, and strong values, she believes in growth, self-respect, and making a meaningful impact wherever she serves.
Róisín (they/them) is originally from Athlone and is now a fourth year student of media and French in the University of Galway. Róisín got involved with the YPC because they are passionate about empowering youth on a local level. They are also particularly interested in SDG 3: Good health and well-being, and believe that physical activity, specifically team sport for young people, can bring together communities in a meaningful way.
Ruadháin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Politics, and Law from Dublin City University. During undergraduate studies, Ruadháin spent a semester abroad at Corvinus University in Budapest through the Erasmus+ programme. Interested in promoting sustainable and accessible means of transport and renewable energy. Ruadháin has a strong interest in law, politics, international relations, economics, climate change, and sustainability.
He currently works as a Senior Immigration Analyst at Fragomen, Ireland, and was a participant in the Global Youth Climate Connections programme led by the British Council. He is currently a youth researcher for the British Council and Green box who are conducting research to understand the barriers and opportunities young people face in accessing green skills, education, and sustainable jobs across diverse contexts.
Ruadháin previously served as a member of the Shared Island Youth Forum, contributing in particular to discussions on sustainable development, district heating, energy connectivity and transport across Ireland. Active in community sustainability initiatives, Ruadháin sits on the Board of Directors of Sonairte, the National Ecological Centre of Ireland, an ecological charity based in Co. Meath, and has been involved in the DCU Green Committee as well as local tidy towns and active travel projects. Ruadháin is also a passionate Gaeilgeoir and cellist.
Saoirse is a 1st year college student from Drogheda, Co. Louth. She is a proud member of the Irish Girl Guides, where she hopes to implement what she learns as a member of the Young People’s Committee. Saoirse is passionate about SDG 10: Reducing Inequalities and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
Sarah Ann is a passionate and dedicated voice of young carers and a youth advocate from Tuam, Co. Galway, using her lived experience to champion the rights of young carers, people with disabilities, and young people across Ireland. Since 2021, she has spoken in the Oireachtas and at national events such as Youth Conferences in 2023 and 2025 and Child Talks 2024, calling for better recognition, support, and equality for the 67,000 young carers in Ireland. In March 2025, her advocacy contributed to the successful passing of a Dáil motion supporting young carers – an important milestone in national policy change. Sarah Ann represents young people through her involvement in Comhairle na nÓg, the National Youth Assembly of Ireland (2025–2026), and recently as Ireland’s representative at the EuroCarers Conference in Amsterdam.
Her ongoing contribution to the youth of Ireland was recognized when she received a winning Cathaoirleach’s Award 2025 in Social Inclusion, a Garda Youth Award 2025, and recognition at the Volunteer Ireland ceremony 2024.
She has participated in research with UCC and UCL and shared her story through media, podcasts, and conferences to raise awareness of disability inclusion and youth voice in decision-making. Driven by empathy, compassion, and a belief that young people can shape society, she continues to work toward a more inclusive and equal Ireland.
Yasmin is an undergraduate student at UCD, studying a BSc in Social Sciences. She is dedicated to advancing LGBTQI+ rights. She is also a member of the National Women’s Council Youth Advisory Panel, and has attended delegations in Brussels with the NWC on gender equality. She is passionate about Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
Funder Information
The Young People’s Committee is funded by the Irish Aid, Concern Worldwide, and Trócaire.
