Press release
Taoiseach Simon Harris launches Shared Island Youth Forum statement of vision and values for a shared future
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
Taoiseach Simon Harris today launched the Shared Island Youth Forum’s statement of vision and values for a shared future on the island. The Taoiseach delivered the keynote address at an event with over 250 civic representatives from across the island in attendance in Dublin Castle.
The Shared Island Youth Forum comprises 80 young civic leaders from diverse backgrounds born since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. The Forum met 9 times over the last year to deliberate on and agree a statement of their vision and values for the future of the island, across themes of Sustainability, Opportunity, Wellbeing, Culture, and Identity and Equality.
Taoiseach Simon Harris said:
“The Shared Island Youth Forum’s statement provides inspiration on how to advance a truly reconciled future on this island. A future where, no matter what, all communities feel accepted and at home.
“The Youth Forum’s work will inform and inspire how we develop the Shared Island initiative; and how all with a role - political, civil society, youth and community leaders - North and South, East and West - work for a shared, reconciled society on this island, founded on the Good Friday Agreement.
“There is an opportunity now to seize the moment and harness the hope, energy and ambition that is reflected in the Youth Forum’s vision, values and actions.
“I want to thank all of the Forum members for participating, and the National Youth Council and Youth Action Northern Ireland for their partnership with the Shared Island Unit in my Department in supporting the Forum’s programme of work.”
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin said:
“I warmly welcome the Shared Island Youth Forum's vision for our shared future. This is exactly the kind of collaboration I envisioned with I established the Shared Island initiative.
"The Forum's statement is a testament to the hopes, dedication and passion of the members, and of their generation, to drive forward with building a shared, reconciled future for all communities on the island of Ireland, underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement."
Mary Cunningham, CEO, National Youth Council of Ireland said:
“Today, we celebrate the culmination of the incredible work and collaboration of young people from across the island of Ireland. The Outcome Statement reflects the voices, hopes, and vision of a generation committed to building a future grounded in unity, equality, and shared opportunity. This document is a powerful reminder that when young people are engaged and given the space to lead, they become catalysts for real change. Their vision for a shared island is not just aspirational - it is achievable, and it is their determination that will guide us forward together.”
Dr. Martin Mc Mullan, CEO, YouthAction Northern Ireland said:
“Young people from across the island recognise the need to connect, cooperate and collaborate on all levels. Through the Shared Island Youth Forum, they have once again shown their inherent passion to advocate for human rights based inclusion. The outcome statement is testament to the aspirations of young people for a fairer and more inclusive world. We must now honour the aspirations from young people in their Shared Island thematic visions. We look forward to working with others in realising the vision for a Shared Island.”
The Shared Island Youth Forum’s Outcome Statement is available here.