15/05/2026
A recap from the Young Environmentalist Awards 2026: what a success! 🌍🌟🏆
This year we had over 340 registrations and over 7000 young people taking part from across the island of Ireland. We were proud to present 28 awards on Tuesday, and celebrate not only the groups receiving awards, but every young person who stepped forward with ideas, action and solutions for a more sustainable future.
A huge thank you to every young environmentalist who participated, and a special thanks to the YEA Mentors the teachers, educators, youth workers and supporters who guided and encouraged them along the way.
We would like to sincerely thank President Catherine Connolly for her thoughtful written message, which was shared during the awards ceremony by Elaine Nevin, National Director of ECO-UNESCO. This message acknowledged the inspiring work and dedication of the young people involved in this year’s programme.
We were delighted to welcome The Deputy Lord Mayor Gayle Ralph, a very special guest on the day. Thank you for coming to this year's awards, we hope you enjoyed the incredible showcase of youth passion and dedication on display!
We were also delighted to have a special address from Chris Castle, Director of Section for Peace and Sustainable Development at UNESCO. We would like to extend our gratitude for joining us in celebrating and recognising the remarkable achievements of young environmentalists from across the island of Ireland.
We are deeply grateful to all of our funders and sponsors for supporting youth-led environmental action and helping make the programme possible: the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, the Department of Education and Youth, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Irish Environmental Network, the Environmental Protection Agency, Pobal, SEAI, Enrich, Uisce Éireann, and Goodbody Clearstream.
Finally, thank you our MC Clara Murray who brough energy and enthusiasm throughout the day, Don King who provided dance breaks during the ceremony and of course, the ECO-UNESCO staff team, volunteers and members of the Youth Advisory Panel whose hard work, energy and commitment made the Final Showcase such a success.
