Representatives of Dublin’s four Comhairlí na nÓg came together at Dublin City Council Chambers today for a special Youth and Democracy Summit, bringing young people from across the capital together to share their experiences, showcase their work and discuss how youth participation can strengthen democracy.
The summit was held as part of the Lord Mayor of Dublin’s initiative on democracy and youth and to mark Dublin’s twinning with Greece during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Young representatives from Dublin City, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal and South Dublin took part in discussions centred on five key pillars – Democracy, Security, Inclusion, Diversity and Innovation – and debated the motion – “How can Ireland and Greece work to improve youth work and participation?”
Brian and Aaron from Dublin City Comhairle na nÓg. All Pictures by Jason Clarke
Rosa from Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Comhairle na nÓg.
Molly from Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Comhairle na nÓg.
Sofia from Dublin City Comhairle na nÓg.
The summit provided a platform for young people to explore how meaningful participation can help build stronger, more inclusive communities and ensure that young people have a genuine voice in decisions affecting their lives and futures.
The event was opened by Lord Mayor of Dublin Daryl Barron, who highlighted the vital role young people have in shaping the future of democracy.
The four Comhairlí na nÓg also presented their work on issues identified as important to young people in their local communities.
· Dublin City Comhairle na nÓg highlighted its work on child poverty, including proposals to establish breakfast clubs in schools and improve access to healthy and nutritious food.
· Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Comhairle na nÓg focused on outdoor youth spaces, highlighting the importance of safe, dedicated spaces where young people can meet, socialise and take part in youth-led activities.
· Fingal Comhairle na nÓg presented its work on antisocial behaviour, including engagement with young people to understand their concerns, sharing findings with decision-makers and advocating for change.
· South Dublin Comhairle na nÓg discussed drug use among young people, with a particular focus on nitrous oxide, outlining its awareness-raising work and engagement with young people, medical professionals and other stakeholders.
Together, the projects demonstrated how young people are already engaging with issues linked to the summit’s five pillars – from security and inclusion to innovation and democratic participation.
They also highlighted the importance of giving young people meaningful opportunities to identify issues, develop solutions and engage directly with those responsible for making decisions.
The summit also provided an opportunity for young people to engage directly with diplomatic and European representatives and to explore shared challenges and opportunities facing young people in Ireland and Greece.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Daryl Barron, a former Comhairle na nÓg member, said, “Young people have a vital role to play in the future of our democracy, and it is important that their voices are heard at every level. Bringing Dublin’s four Comhairlí na nÓg together has provided a wonderful opportunity for young people to share their ideas, challenge each other and engage directly with Ireland, Greece and our European partners.”
“The motion debated today asked an important question about how we can improve youth work and participation. The ideas and perspectives shared by our young representatives demonstrated the value of giving young people a meaningful role in shaping the decisions that affect their communities and their futures.”
“I hope today’s summit will strengthen the connections between Dublin’s Comhairlí na nÓg and create further opportunities for young people to engage with democratic institutions, both locally and at European level,” he concluded.
The proceedings included contributions from Michael McGrath, EUCommissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, and His Excellency Georgios Stilianopoulos, Ambassador of Greece to Ireland, alongside representatives of the European Commission and European Parliament.
The Youth and Democracy Summit was supported by Dublin City Council, the European Commission Representation in Ireland and the European Parliament Liaison Office.
The event was also broadcast online, allowing a wider audience to follow the discussions and hear directly from young people representing communities across Dublin. A recording of the summit is available from https://dublincity.public-i.tv/core/portal/home.
The summit formed part of wider engagement between Dublin and Greece during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, reflecting the strong links between the two countries and providing a platform for young people to contribute directly to conversations on Democracy, Security, Inclusion, Diversity and Innovation.