Developing the Next Generation of
Climate Leaders in Ireland
Generation Glas equips young people with the knowledge, confidence, and platform to lead real change in their communities.
The problem
Climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time, but young people are often left out of the rooms where decisions are made. Generation Glas exists to change that.
The Programme
Through workshops, field trips, and hands-on projects, participants gain direct access to researchers, policymakers, and experts, while developing the skills to communicate and lead.
Bringing the Bioeconomy to
Communities Across Ireland
An interactive travelling exhibit highlighting our reliance on fossil fuels and the path beyond them
The Programme
Through workshops, field trips, and hands-on projects, participants gain direct access to researchers, policymakers, and experts, while developing the skills to communicate and lead.
8 months
In-person + online
Bioeconomy, climate, sustainability
1. Discover
Participants begin by exploring the science behind sustainability, going behind the scenes in labs and visiting real-world projects tackling climate challenges.
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UCD labs
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Cloughjordan Ecovillage
2. Understand
Understanding the science is only part of the story. Participants learn how policy shapes real-world change, and how they can influence it.
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EU Youth Bioeconomy Ambassador
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EU Youth Bioeconomy Vision
3. Act
Equipped with knowledge and confidence, ambassadors step into their communities to lead change.
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Tree planting with primary schools
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Climate justice workshops
4. Communicate
A key focus of the programme is helping participants translate complex ideas into accessible, engaging stories.
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Public speaking
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Workshops
5. Grow
Beyond sustainability, participants grow as individuals, building confidence, leadership, and the ability to navigate complex conversations.
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Teamwork
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Community building
The Programme
Through workshops, field trips, and hands-on projects, participants gain direct access to researchers, policymakers, and experts, while developing the skills to communicate and lead.
Aligned with EU Targets
Supporting a Circular, Low-Emission Future
This pillar supports Ireland’s transition to a circular, low-emission economy in line with major EU objectives.
Residentials
In-person residentials form the backbone of the programme, building community and creating shared experiences.
Included activities
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Three-day UCD summer camp to kick-start the programme
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Two-day field trip to visit the Farm Zero C research project in Cork
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Three-day workshop in Cloughjourdan Ecovillage
Online Sessions
Between residentials, participants stay connected through regular online sessions.
Benefits
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International speakers
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Keep momentum
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Participate from anywhere
Youth-led Events
Learning becomes real when participants lead their own initiatives.
Participant quote
“There is a lot more to climate activism than many people think.”
- Participant
Built with Young People
Not Just for Them
This pillar supports Ireland’s transition to a circular, low-emission economy in line with major EU objectives.
Co-Creation
Generation Glas is all about empowering youth and so it’s important to us to embed young voices in everything we do, such as bringing them on board in the design of the official Generation Glas branding and logo.
“[Generation Glas is] very well planned with enough flexibility for change, just like how we should be handling climate change!”
-Participant