Irish students speak out to tackle climate change

Tackling climate change and ensuring a more sustainable world for all are the headline issues being addressed at this year’s WorldWise Global Schools (WWGS) Conference. The event will provide a platform for Irish secondary school students to speak out and take action on critical global issues, as they call for the Irish government to take the issue of sustainability seriously.

300 students from over 60 schools across the country, along with their teachers, will convene in Croke Park for the 4th WorldWise Global Schools Annual Conference. The event provides a platform for participants to discuss and debate three of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which provide the framework for reducing poverty and inequality globally by 2030.

The Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Joe McHugh T.D., will open the proceedings. “Development Education provides schools with the opportunity to really explore global issues and to identify appropriate action they can take in response to inequality and injustice. All of the students and teachers who are at the conference today have demonstrated their commitment to making the world more just and sustainable – which is inspiring for us all,” says Minister McHugh.

The conference – led by its MC, TV presenter Michael Carey – will consist of school exhibits, interactive workshops, plenary discussions and debates, as well as the presentation of the Global Passport Awards to 41 schools, in recognition of their work in the area of development education and global justice.

“Young people are now more aware than ever that we live in a highly interdependent, complex and unequal world. Climate Action, Responsible Production and Consumption, and Sustainable Cities and Communities are three of the key areas within the Sustainable Development Goals that we in Ireland need to fully embrace. This is essential if we are serious about responding effectively to the root causes of climate change, and safeguarding our planet for future generations,” says WorldWise Global Schools Director, Mary McCarthy.

ENDS
Press Office
27 April 2017

WHAT IS WORLDWISE GLOBAL SCHOOLS?
WorldWise Global Schools (WWGS) is Ireland’s national development education programme for post-primary schools, providing a one-stop shop of training, funding, resources and guidance for post- primary schools to engage in development education. WWGS is funded by Irish Aid and implemented by a consortium comprising Gorta-Self Help Africa, Concern Worldwide and the City of Dublin Education and Training Board Curriculum Development Unit.
Contact: Mary McCarthy (087 654 9964)