The young people from across Northern Ireland were selected based on their passion and experience in championing sustainability, climate action and environmental stewardship.

The environmental charity, alongside delivery partner Podiem NI, will provide the class of 2024 with the opportunity to attend a series of prestigious workshops delivered by internationally renowned thinkers and leaders. These workshops will focus on inspiring and enabling participants to develop their skills, confidence and leadership potential in the company of a supportive and environmentally focused peer group.

Financial support for the 30 Under 30 Northern Ireland Climate Change-Makers programme has been provided by Coca Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, Ulster Garden Villages, Pinsent Masons, Belfast City Council and Danske Bank.

Those taking part in the programme will join the Northern Ireland 30 under 30 network, allowing them to collaborate and share ideas that will support their professional development into the future, as well as gaining connections with the parent 30 Under 30 programme devised and managed by the North American Association for Environmental Education.

Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful Chief Executive, Dr Ian Humphreys said,

“We have been close partners with the North American Association for Environmental Education’s 30 Under 30 programme for many years. I am delighted that due to the success of our first year, we can bring this inspirational programme back for a second.

“The standard set by our first cohort exceeded expectations and I am confident that the class of 2024 will raise the bar again. Programmes such as this help shape and connect the environmental leaders of the future and that is why Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful is proud to help make it happen. “

Susan Crowe, Chair of Ulster Garden Villages Limited said,

“Ulster Garden Villages is delighted to lend our support to this year’s Change-Makers programme. Through the programme these passionate young people will be our future environmental leaders, rising to the challenge to protect the environment and will inspire others to take up the baton.

“These local innovators will truly make a difference to protect the environment for future generations, supporting so many positive and valuable efforts to fight global warming, reduce plastic waste, clean up our shores and so much more.”

Gillian Shields, Sustainability Partnership Manager at Coca Cola HBC added,

“At Coca-Cola, we believe in the power of working together to create positive change, so are delighted to support the 30 Under 30 Change Maker’s programme, unlocking the potential of the next environmental champions. This initiative fosters collaboration, connection, and knowledge, bringing together passionate emerging leaders as they work towards building a more sustainable future.”

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