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Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has commended the “inspiring leadership” shown by the young people leading the New Ireland Youth Forum, following the launch of their vision statement for the island’s future.
The Shared Island Youth Forum, made up of 80 young civic leaders born after the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, represents many diverse backgrounds. Over the past year, they’ve met nine times to shape a vision statement focused on key themes such as Sustainability, Opportunity, Wellbeing, Culture, and Identity and Equality.
Speaking at the launch, McNulty said “The vision statement from the Shared Island Youth Forum offers a clear pathway to building a truly reconciled island, where everyone, regardless of background, feels they belong.”
He highlighted the importance of the Youth Forum’s work as a model for how to approach the future “Their efforts should serve as a guiding light for all of us as we work towards creating a new and shared Ireland, rooted in the principles of the Good Friday Agreement.”
McNulty urged political leaders to embrace the optimism and ambition set out by the Forum “We owe it to our young people to make their vision a reality – to create a New Ireland defined by inclusion, tolerance, and opportunity for all."
The Youth Forum’s vision sets out a clear and inclusive roadmap for the future of the island, based on reconciliation and shared values across all communities.
