Pictured at the Galway Youth Climate Assembly in Athenry were Sadhbh Carty, Cora Weekes Glynn and Rayna O’Neill from Gort Community School. Photograph by Aengus McMahon
An innovative forum aimed at empowering young people to take an active role in addressing climate change was held at the BIA Innovator Campus in Athenry on Wednesday last.
Galway County Council, in conjunction with Youth Work Ireland Galway and SAUTI-Youth, hosted the second annual Youth Climate Assembly which was attended by young people from secondary schools and youth organisations across County Galway.
First hosted in 2023, the Assembly was instrumental in shaping the Galway County Council Climate Action Plan 2024-2029.
This year’s assembly focused on supporting participants to gain an understanding of the steps they can take to reduce their environmental impact, while participants were invited to highlight the actions that Galway County Council can adopt to support young people to initiate positive change individually and through their school and community.
Cllr Martina Kinane (FF), Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council highlighted the importance of youth involvement when considering climate and environmental policy. “The Assembly empowers young people to play an active role in shaping our shared environmental future by encouraging them to learn about climate action and actively contribute to local environmental solutions,” added Cllr Kinane. “Our first assembly demonstrated the power of young voices in shaping our Climate Action Plan. This year, we once again heard innovative ideas on how we can support communities to make a tangible difference to their local environments”.
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council expressed his support for the Assembly, describing it as “a wonderful opportunity to amplify the voices of community members and ensure their active participation in shaping a bright and sustainable future. It’s only by working together that we can create a thriving and resilient community for generations to come.”
Uinsinn Finn, Director of Services with Galway County Council stated, “We had a fantastic line-up of speakers participating in this event. I wish to thank the schools and students for their active participation. I also want to acknowledge Letizia Gorini Coady and the team at the SAUTI-Youth project and Youth Work Ireland Galway for their work in organising the event and for supporting young people in our community”.
