The first ever Ireland and UK Youth Forum was held in Dublin today.
The new initiative brought together 60 young delegates aged between 16 and 24 from Ireland, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Its main aim is to engage a new generation in shaping the future of Ireland–UK relations, and identify common challenges affecting young people in all five jurisdictions.
The Forum was established following the first UK-Ireland Leaders’ Summit in March 2025, where both governments committed to creating opportunities for young people to connect, share perspectives, and influence policy.
Launching it today, the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley said: “The Ireland–UK Youth Forum shows what can be achieved when we create meaningful spaces for young people to collaborate. It allows young people in Ireland, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to have their voices heard on issues that matter most to them.
"I look forward to seeing the conclusions of today’s discussions, and I know that all of us in Government here in Ireland, as well as our UK counterparts will pay great attention to what our young people bring forward.”
Delegates spent the day participating in facilitated discussions, identifying priority themes that are common among young people, but also unique to their own lives.
Using a “blue-sky thinking” approach, they're working to develop recommendations that will be presented to the Taoiseach and UK Prime Minister at the Leaders’ Summit in spring 2026.
A Youth Advisory Group (YAG), comprising two representatives from each jurisdiction, was established early in 2025.
Meeting monthly for nine months, the YAG shaped the Forum’s agenda, methodology, and potential discussion topics. Their work ensured that the event was designed by young people, for young people.
A full report of the Forum’s proceedings will be submitted to both governments in advance of the Leaders’ Summit in spring 2026.
The Forum will convene every year, rotating across jurisdictions.
