Last week, BiOrbic, Ireland’s national bioeconomy research centre, and Foróige proudly launched the second year of their flagship youth sustainability ambassador programme, Generation Glas, with 25 teenagers taking part for 2024-5. Richard Bruton TD, Fine Gael spokesperson for the Environment, Climate and Communications, officially launched the programme on Wednesday 7th August. The event took place at the UCD University Club on August 7th at 11 am.
Generation Glas, coordinated by Conor Haugh (BiOrbic), is a pioneering programme designed to empower teenagers from marginalised and underserved communities across Ireland. Following a successful pilot year, the programme’s second cohort of 25 young participants has embarked on an 8-month journey focused on sustainability, climate action, and community engagement. This year’s participants come from Nenagh (Tipperary), Whitechurch (Dublin), Mahon, Glanmire, and Castletownbere (Cork).
The summer school kicked off with a 4-day residential experience at University College Dublin (UCD). The rest of the programme includes further residentials, field trips to sustainability hubs around Ireland, biweekly online sessions with expert guests, and a series of youth-led community events. These activities are designed to build vital skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, planning and goal setting, by unlocking access to experts in environmental and sustainability science, communication, advocacy, and more. Throughout the programme, participants are supported to identify and engage with sustainability topics that resonate with them, ultimately bringing their messages back to their communities by organising their own outreach and awareness events.
Deputy Bruton’s commitment to environmental sustainability and his influential role in shaping Ireland’s climate policy made his presence at the launch especially inspiring for the young ambassadors. His address underscored the importance of youth involvement in climate action and the significant impact that young people can make in their communities and beyond.
“We are delighted to launch the second Generation Glas summer school,” said Derek O’Brien, Executive Director at BiOrbic. “Our partnership with Foróige has been fantastic. It has enabled us to engage directly with and be inspired by young people, who are increasingly the drivers of proactive positive change to create a sustainable future”.
Sarah Haslam, Director of Programmes and Research at Foróige, stated “We are immensely proud of our young participants and their growth into informed, confident sustainability ambassadors through this programme. Generation Glas continues to show the impact that young people can have when given the chance and support. We are delighted to partner with BiOrbic to ensure that young people have opportunities to develop important life and employability skills that will help to prepare them to tackle some of the biggest and most existential issues of our time.”
BiOrbic and Foróige are excited to continue this vital work, empowering young people to become leaders in sustainability and advocates for a better future. The Generation Glas programme represents a significant step towards fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens who are equipped to tackle the challenges of climate change.
