Inspiring young leaders at Foróige Youth Conference
More than 300 young people from across Ireland and the United States have arrived at Maynooth University this week for one of the country’s most inspiring youth events - Foróige’s Leadership for Life Youth Conference. For five unforgettable days, young people aged 15-18 have stepped away from their everyday routines to immerse themselves in an environment designed to challenge, encourage and inspire. Through workshops, shared experiences and conversations with exceptional speakers, they will discover what leadership means to them, build lasting friendships and develop the confidence to make a positive impact wherever life takes them.
The conference is the flagship event of Foróige’s Leadership for Life Programme, which has been empowering young people for more than 15 years. Throughout the week, delegates will strengthen essential life skills including communication, teamwork, decision-making, resilience, critical thinking and problem-solving, while learning that leadership is not about titles, it’s about having the courage to make a difference.
Alongside practical leadership activities, delegates are exploring the issues that matter most to young people today. Honest conversations around mental health, equality, climate action, technology and belonging are giving participants the opportunity to share experiences, challenge perspectives and learn from one another in a supportive environment where every voice is valued.
The conference also welcomes a delegation of young people from the United States, many with proud Irish roots. Their participation celebrates the enduring connection between Ireland and its global diaspora, creating friendships that cross borders and offering young people the chance to learn from different cultures while discovering how much they have in common.
Eric O’Brien, CEO of Foróige, said: “When you bring together more than 300 young people with different backgrounds, experiences and ambitions, something really special happens. They inspire one another to think bigger, dream bigger and realise that they each have the ability to make a real difference.
“Every young person has the potential to lead; sometimes they just need someone to believe in them first. This conference is about giving young people that belief, alongside the skills, experiences and friendships that will stay with them long after they leave Maynooth. The energy, optimism and compassion we see here each year reminds us of what young people can achieve, both now and in the future, if they are given the opportunity and the right support.”
The conference builds on the success of the Leadership for Life Programme, which has impacted thousands of young people since it launched in 2009. Research and evaluation have shown that the programme increases participants’ self-awareness, resilience and ability to lead both individually and in groups. Many past participants have gone on to lead youth initiatives, represent Ireland on international platforms, and contribute meaningfully in education, business, and civic life.
Jamie White, aged 16 from Corofin Foróíge Club, Galway explained “I think we’re starting to lose the art of real conversation, it feels like people don’t know how to talk face to face anymore. Everyone’s glued to their phones but being here at the conference it feels different - everyone is involved, it’s a safe space to relax and be yourself, to be around trained volunteers and staff who actually care and want us to be better.”
Throughout the week, delegates will hear from a powerful lineup of guest speakers who will share personal insights on leadership, resilience and community impact:
Tuesday - July 28 - Ray Goggins – Former Army Ranger, leadership expert and bestselling author
Wednesday - July 29 - Jack Woolley – Olympian, Taekwondo athlete and Foróige alumnus
Thursday - July 30 - Imelda May – Internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter, broadcaster and passionate youth advocate