Developing the Next Generation of
Climate Leaders in Ireland
Young People from across Ireland
Generation Glas brings together young people from across Ireland and supports them to become confident ambassadors for sustainability. Through an extended programme, participants connect with researchers, policymakers, and experts while building the knowledge and skills to represent their communities and drive change.
BiOrbic Partnerships
Generation Glas is a partnership between Foróige, BiOrbic (Bioeconomy SFI Research Centre), and a network of stakeholders.
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
Participants put learning into practice by leading initiatives in their own communities.
Projects have included:
- Tree planting with primary schools
- Climate justice workshops
- Art exhibitions and competitions
- Ocean conservation “touch tank” sessions
- Community events and beach cleans
Programme Components
In-Person, Online, and Youth-Led
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
Regular online sessions maintain momentum between residentials, with contributions from experts across science, activism, and enterprise—including international speakers.
“Learning about climate justice… and realising how many others care about the environment.”
Youth-led Events
Participants design and deliver their own sustainability initiatives, with support and funding from the programme.
“There is a lot more to climate activism than many people think.”
Built for Young People
By Young People
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
Testimonials
Megan
I definitely think Generation Glas has inspired me. I feel like knowledge is power and now that I know more about sustainability and how everything and everyone is affected by it, it made me think about ways I can help, such as setting up sustainability events!
Cork, Aged 16
Brian O’Toole
The Generation Glas programme is an excellent opportunity for youth who would not have such opportunities living in rural areas. It helps them to open up outside of their local community and bring about change locally and raise awareness.
Foroige Youth Officer
Generation Glas in the News
Generation Glas and An Taisce’s Clean Coasts Programme teamed up with the local community on Ballynamona beach
Young ‘Generation Glas’ ambassadors celebrated at sustainability event
