Young voices take centre stage at Dublin event tackling global justice, climate action, and inclusion

Free Global Solidarity Hub event on 24 October will bring together young leaders, activists and changemakers for a day of discussion, creativity and youth-led action.

 Young people aged 18-30 from across Ireland are invited to come together for Global Solidarity Hub – Youth for Action, a free event taking place at TU Dublin, Aungier Street, on Saturday 24 October 2026.

Bringing together young leaders, activists, artists, and changemakers, the event will provide a space for young people to connect, share perspectives, and explore their role in addressing some of today’s most pressing global challenges, from climate justice and human rights to disability inclusion, equality, and international solidarity.

Organised by the Global Solidarity Hub, a collaboration between Sightsavers Ireland, GOAL, and Trócaire, and in partnership with Black and Irish, Youth for Action aims to amplify young people’s voices and encourage meaningful participation in shaping a fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable future. The event is also recognised as an Associated Event of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026, and will be facilitated by representatives from the National Youth Council of Ireland.

In a joint statement, the Global Solidarity Hub organising partners said:

“Young people have a vital role to play in shaping a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable world. Through Youth for Action, we want to create an accessible and welcoming space where young people from diverse backgrounds can share perspectives, challenge ideas, and explore their collective power to drive positive change. By bringing together different voices, experiences, and areas of expertise, we hope to inspire meaningful conversations, new connections, and practical action that extend beyond the event itself.”

A programme driven by young voices

The event will feature interactive discussions, workshops, and live performances, combining opportunities for learning and reflection with practical approaches to activism and global citizenship.

Youth advocate and policy leader Aisling Maloney will deliver the opening keynote, followed by an interactive World Café featuring young advocates and changemakers, including James Casserly, Sightsavers Ireland Equal World Youth Champion and accessible travel advocate, Dafe Pessu Orugbo, award-winning artist, playwright and musician, best known as one half of Irish hip-hop duo Tebi Rex, and Mikey Cullen, award winning Dublin Poet, teacher, actor, filmmaker, and spoken word Artist.

James Casserly, Sightsavers Ireland Equal World Youth Champion, said:

“Young people have ideas, experiences, and perspectives that deserve to be heard, particularly when it comes to issues like equality, accessibility, and inclusion. As a young person with a disability, I know how important it is that we’re included in conversations and decisions that affect our lives. Events like Youth for Action give us the opportunity to learn from one another, challenge assumptions, and work together towards a more inclusive future.”

Afternoon workshops delivered by the participating organisations will explore themes including campaigning, climate justice, disability inclusion, and responsible communications. A youth-led Open Space session, facilitated by Black and Irish Founder Leon Diop, will invite participants to identify the global issues they care most about and explore practical actions they can take together.

The day will also feature live performances from Palestinian-Jordanian beatbox artist Abood Aladham, DJ Hewan, and Irish-Libyan singer-songwriter Farah Elle, bringing music and cultural expression into the conversation around global solidarity.

Lunch will be provided by Bethlehem Restaurant, serving a delicious selection of Palestinian dishes, with options to accommodate a range of dietary requirements and preferences.

Creating an accessible and inclusive space

Accessibility and inclusion are central to Youth for Action, reflecting the Global Solidarity Hub’s commitment to ensuring that young people from diverse backgrounds and experiences can participate meaningfully.

The event will take place at an accessible venue, with Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpretation, a dedicated sensory/quiet room, and earplugs available. Participants can also communicate individual access requirements when registering.

The programme has been designed to encourage participation in different ways, including quieter discussion spaces and opportunities for participants to choose the conversations and activities most relevant to them.

Róisín McAtamney, Global Citizenship Education Manager at Sightsavers Ireland, said:

“Accessibility has been a priority in planning this event because meaningful youth participation means ensuring everyone has the opportunity to be involved. We want to create a welcoming environment where young people with different experiences and access requirements feel comfortable, included, and empowered to contribute.”

Youth for Action is open to all young people aged 18-30, regardless of previous experience in activism, campaigning, or global development. Whether already engaged in social change or simply curious about global issues, attendees are encouraged to come along, connect with others, and discover opportunities to get involved.

Global Solidarity Hub – Youth for Action takes place on Saturday 24 October 2026, from 10:30am to 5:00pm, at TU Dublin, Aungier Street. Attendance is free, but advance registration is required. For further information and to register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/global-solidarity-hub-youth-for-action-tickets-2000397675296