By Abbas Nazil
Young people in County Galway, located in the west of Ireland, are playing a vital role in shaping environmental policies and driving climate action, as demonstrated at the recent Galway County Youth Climate Assembly.
Held at the BIA Innovator Campus in Athenry, the event brought together students and youth organizations from across the county to discuss their impact on the environment and the steps needed to create a sustainable future.
The Assembly, organized by Galway County Council, in collaboration with Youth Work Ireland Galway and the SAUTI-Youth project, serves as a platform for young voices to influence local climate policies.
Building on the success of the inaugural event in 2023, which contributed significantly to the Galway County Council Climate Action Plan 2024-2029, this year’s gathering focused on empowering youth to take tangible steps toward reducing their environmental footprint.
Participants engaged in discussions and workshops aimed at identifying key actions that individuals, schools, and communities can adopt to mitigate climate change.
Their recommendations will help inform Galway County Council’s ongoing environmental initiatives, ensuring that youth-led solutions are integrated into broader climate policies.
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Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr. Martina Kinane, underscored the importance of youth involvement in environmental policymaking, highlighting how the Assembly provides a crucial opportunity for young people to actively shape their shared future.
She praised their enthusiasm and innovative ideas, emphasizing that the previous Assembly’s input had a direct impact on the county’s Climate Action Plan.
Chief Executive of Galway County Council, Liam Conneally, reinforced this sentiment, describing the Assembly as an essential platform for amplifying community voices and fostering collaborative efforts toward sustainability.
He stressed that meaningful environmental change can only be achieved through collective action.
Uinsinn Finn, Director of Services with Galway County Council, commended the dedication of participating schools and students, acknowledging their role in driving environmental awareness and policy development.
He also extended gratitude to Letizia Gorini Coady and the teams at SAUTI-Youth and Youth Work Ireland Galway for their efforts in organizing the event and supporting youth-led initiatives.
The Galway County Youth Climate Assembly exemplifies the power of young voices in environmental action, demonstrating their ability to influence policies and drive community-led sustainability efforts.
With their continued engagement, the county moves closer to a greener and more resilient future.
