Generation Glas: A network of Young Sustainable Champions
Year Awarded
2022
Amount
€240,744
- Organisation:University College Dublin (UCD)
- Format:Non-formal Education
- Location:Cork, Dublin, Tipperary
- Topic:STEAM
Project Summary
Generation Glas is an initiative that draws talented young people from diverse backgrounds across Ireland and supports them in becoming ambassadors for sustainability. It gives them access to researchers, policymakers and other experts, educates them in the scientific and political contexts and trains them to become confident, creative communicators who can engage and represent their communities. Through the project, ambassadors are given the resources to run local dialogue events and STEAM events. This gives them practical experience and networking opportunities that will allow them to succeed as sustainability ambassadors beyond Generation Glas.
In addition to supporting young people, Generation Glas establishes a new pipeline to fast-track diverse, talented individuals into influential careers, benefitting Irish research, innovation and policy. Through community events, it provides opportunities for public groups to engage with the conversation around sustainability, giving them direct access to experts and allowing them to influence these issues through discussions and debates.
If Ireland is to sustain itself, we must address our pressing environmental issues by cutting carbon emissions, increasing biodiversity and reducing waste. This will require a concerted effort across the whole of society and the inclusion of all public groups in the decision making process. Generation Glas will leverage the passion and potential of Irish youth to galvanise their communities and connect experts with the communities they serve, ensuring more just, practical solutions to our national challenges and securing Ireland’s future.
Generation Glas is a partnership between Foróige, BiOrbic, Bioeconomy Research Centre and various other stakeholder groups.