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Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful has announced the latest cohort for its 30 Under 30 Climate Change-Makers programme. The initiative continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of climate leaders across Northern Ireland, and this year, two outstanding young individuals from Newry have been selected to take part. These local climate champions will join an inspiring group of young people from across the region, each committed to making a meaningful impact in the fight against climate change.
The two members from the Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council area are Nicole May Hempkin and Gavin McParland.
Speaking on her selection Nicole said “I’m over the moon to be included as one of this year’s 30 Under 30 Climate Change-Makers. For years I’ve been deeply concerned about the climate crisis and what the future could look like if serious steps aren’t taken to ensure we meet our targets.”
Gavin added: “I’m delighted to have been given such an incredible opportunity to be directly involved in the conversation, to learn valuable insights from world-class leaders, and to work with my classmates to help find solutions.”
The 30 Under 30 programme offers a unique platform for young people to develop leadership skills and become advocates for environmental change. Participants will take part in workshops covering key topics, such as biodiversity, health, and wellbeing, with opportunities to learn from influential leaders.
The series, which began in December with Alice Thompson’s inspiring workshop on Purpose and Finding Your Why, continues this year with six engaging workshops and a dedicated Summit. The next workshop, focusing on Wellbeing & Confidence, is set for January 23, followed by the Summit on February 28—a key event bringing participants together. The programme will run through to June, with additional workshops designed to foster collaboration and deliver practical strategies for tackling climate challenges.
As a key strategic programme, it has become central to Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful’s mission to drive meaningful environmental change.
Jenna Potter, 30 Under 30 Programme Manager, said, “With the ambitious targets set out in the 2022 Climate Change Act, including achieving net zero emissions by 2050, there is no time to sit back on our commitments. The 30 Under 30 programme equips young people with the skills and knowledge they need to help meet these targets and drive real change.
“The participants in our third year are highly engaged, conscientious, and deeply aware of the urgency of the climate crisis. Nicole and Gavin are already taking action to address the challenges we face. This year’s programme will not only deepen their understanding but also foster collaboration, idea exchange, and the creation of practical strategies to tackle the pressing climate issues of our time.”
The programme, delivered by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and Event Management and Business Consultancy firm Podiem, is sponsored by Coca-Cola HBC and supported by Garfield Weston, with additional backing from Ulster Garden Villages (UGV), LFT Charitable Trust, Invest NI, Arup, Danske Bank, Northstone Materials, Queens University Belfast, Belfast City Council, Pinsent Masons, and Share Energy.
