Foróige members Ashling Dunphy and Ciara Beth Ní Ghríofa were among the Keynote Speakers at the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre 8th Biennial International Conference, which is taking place in NUI Galway.
The theme for the two day event is 'Rediscovering Empathy' - Values, Relationshops and Practice in a Changing World.
Ashling and Ciara Beth were among the guests exploring the topic 'Activating Social Empathy: Learning with and from Youth Researchers'.
@CiaraBethxxx and Ashling Dunphy bringing down the house! Simply amazing. @UNESCO_CFRC @unesco @Foroige @nuigalway #rediscoveringempathy pic.twitter.com/O2XdX8DIRX
— UNESCO Chair PSU (@unescochairpsu) June 8, 2017
Ashling spoke about how active empathy can help breakdown barriers in politics, while Ciara Beth spoke about the potential impact of empathy education.
They received a standing ovation for their speeches
Ashling is from Carrick on Suir, and has been recognised for her volunteer work with Angels in Wellies. She said: "Being invited to speak at the conference was an incredible experience, and a validation of the importance of the opinions of young people."
Ciara Beth, who is a member of the Galway City Youth Café, said: "Speaking at the conference was a very empowering experience."
