Peacebuilders from across Ireland celebrate Future Leaders showcase in Dublin
DUBLIN – The annual Co-operation Ireland Future Leaders Showcase was held at the EPIC Museum in Dublin, which celebrated and spotlighted the achievements of young leaders and peacebuilders involved in the Co-operation Ireland Future Leaders programme.
Since its formation back in 2019, Co-operation Ireland Future Leaders has become one of the leading youth leadership programmes on the island of Ireland, with 146 emerging leaders from across the island engaged in courses focusing on leadership, communication, creating change and peacebuilding.
On Tuesday 17th May, Co-operation Ireland marked the first in-person Future Leaders showcase, following last year’s virtual showcase – the showcase spotlighted achievements of what was an exceptionally busy year, including an overseas trip to the United States, 6 cross-border residentials and 2 cross-border Connect Days.
The showcase also featured a ‘social action marketplace’ session, where programme supporters and ambassadors had an opportunity to get insights into social action projects, spearheaded by young leaders. Utopian Learning, who played a vital role in delivering the programme, were also in attendance.
The responsibility of hosting this year’s showcase was given to two outstanding graduates of the programme, Prince Osarobo from the Dublin Youth Leadership Programme and Nicole Parkinson-Kelly, who recently completed an OCN Leadership & Communication/Lobbying course.
The winner of this year’s Co-operation Ireland Future Leaders Outstanding Contribution award was Leah Delaney, from the Dublin Youth Leadership Programme.
Speaking after the showcase, Programme Manager of Co-operation Ireland Future Leaders, Margaret Lucey, commended the young leaders involved in the programme:
“I would like to congratulate all the young people who participating in the programme with us, which includes those in our local community groups as well as our independent learners. All embraced the journey of personal learning, building relationships across the Island, and taking on issues of importance to them with passion and absolute commitment. It was truly inspirational to witness the passion and confidence of all as they spoke about their projects and learning they gained.
I am looking forward to continuing this journey will all in September when we will once again be delivering a range of training programmes and social action projects on a wide range of themes including Leadership, communication, Climate Justice and global citizenship.”
Margaret Lucey, Programme Manager of Co-operation Ireland Future Leaders
CEO of Co-operation Ireland, Peter Sheridan OBE, presided over the awards presentation part of the showcase. Speaking about the programme, Peter said, “It is critically important that we develop the next generation of young leaders, to ensure a peaceful future for everyone on this island. Thank you to you all for making this programme such a success.”