‘Sustainable Development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.’
- Our Common Future,
World Commission on Environment and Development 1989
Youth for Sustainable Development News
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Over 20 young people from our Youth for Sustainable Development; Global Youth Leaders for Change Peer Education programme (Y-PEPS) took part in Stop Climate Chaos’ photo opportunity on Sandymount strand to raise awareness about the upcoming Climate Change Bill currently going through the Oireachtas. Along with the Heads in the Sand stunt the young people also engaged with the general public on the impacts of sea level raising due to Climate Change. The young people are urging others to take action now to mitigate against Climate Change rather than focusing all our attention on adaptation.
Click here to read all the news of our Youth for Sustainable Development programme.
“For youth our most valuable resource is our future”
This quote was taken from one of our Y-PEPs Amy Colgan when she was presenting at the Climate Justice Conference hosted by Trócaire in Maynooth. Amy has been a member of our Youth for Sustainable Development; Global youth leaders for Change Peer Education programme (Y-PEPS) for the last year and a half and is very passionate about educating others about the importance of protecting and conserving our environment. Amy was speaking about the need for people to take action now to combat Climate Change and secure a future for all on the planet. Amy’s talk was tweeted about by numerous people who were at the event and were very impressed by her enthusiasm. Well done Amy!!!
Click here to read all the news of our Youth for Sustainable Development programme.
What is the Young for Sustinable Development Programme?
Working in the non-formal education sector, our programmes involve a variety of initiatives to engage and support young people, youth leaders, educators, and youth workers interested in sustainability issues.
Are you aware of the links between your own life and those of other people around the world?
Do you have an idea of how you can affect change?
The Youth for Sustainable Development programme through a variety of techniques and approaches inspires, challenges and motivates young people to act locally in favour of sustainable development.
The young people involved explore the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values of Education for Sustainable Development and Development Education.
They gain a deeper understanding of the interactions between the environment, economic structures and society as well.
All of these are explored through innovative, engaging and fun activities such as:
- Games
- Discussions
- Music
- Art
- Role-plays or simulations
- Outdoor activities
- Global action project work
- Interaction with groups around the globe.
The training provided for youth leaders, youth workers and educators encourages and equips them to engage their young people in ESD/DE activities.
What do the young people involved have to say about the programme?
“ECO-UNESCO has made me aware of what´s going on in the world and the issues surrounding global warming and climate change. It helped me gain confidence and gave me facilitating skills. I enjoy meeting and talking to new people.”
“It’s not just my peers but even at home – my Dad and my Mam can’t believe some of the stuff that I do in here with ECO-UNESCO and even an older generation like my granddad, they’ve changed along with me”
“I learned about the environment and what effects we have on it. I can see what kind of things I have to do to protect it”
“I think the main thing I learned in ECO is working in teams and group work. Collaboration with other people your age – even teaching more about a subject then a teacher ever could, because you are more likely to listen to someone your own age.”
“I think ECO-UNESCO is a great organisation for educating people about those issues they need to know about.”
How to Get Involved
For information, please contact Feidhlim at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (01) 662 5491.
ECO-UNESCO also organises a range of programmes, trainings and events for young people, youth leaders, youth workers and educators. Click here for further information or contact ECO-UNESCO at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (01) 662 5491.
This is programme is supported by:

