‘East meets West’ at unique international youth conference in Ireland

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Foróige-Notinuse August 20, 2015

* Teenagers from Palestine, Saudi Arabia, India, Denmark, the USA and Northern Ireland gather in Maynooth for week-long youth leadership event.

* Unique Conference brings teenagers from vastly different cultures, backgrounds and life experiences together to share ideas and insights.

* Leadership Conference will be attended by 300 teenagers, including young people from almost every county in Ireland.

Note: Young delegates from Palestine, Saudi Arabia, India, Denmark and the USA available for interview during Aug 4th – Aug 8th conference.

Some 300 teenagers from Palestine, Saudi Arabia, India, Denmark, the USA and Ireland North and South are gathering in Kildare this week for an international youth conference with a difference.

Foróige’s Albert Schweitzer Leadership for Life Youth Conference, which was launched this morning on the grounds of NUI Maynooth, brings together teenagers from vastly different cultures and life experiences to share leadership skills.

During the week-long conference, the teenagers work together to break down barriers and learn the skills and attitudes to become strong leaders who have the ambition and courage to change the world around them.

Amongst them are a group of Palestinian students who were due to attend the conference in 2014 but were unable due to conflict in the region.

Delegates will hear from inspirational speakers and take part in interactive workshops on team building, critical thinking and communication skills and peer discussions on matters of global importance. 

Seán Campbell, CEO of Foróige, said the conference is a unique experience for the young people attending.

He said: “This conference is special as it gives teenagers from vastly different cultures and backgrounds a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet around one common purpose – the development of our next generation of leaders.

“Barriers that may previously have existed crumble as unique friendships grow and develop in what is truly an awe-inspiring experience.”

The conference, which is now in its seventh year, will run in NUI Maynooth from Tuesday, August 4th to Saturday afternoon, August 8th.

The Albert Schweitzer Leadership for Life Programme was developed in Ireland in 2009 by Foróige in partnership with the Irish Chamber of Commerce - United States of America (ICCUSA).  The programme is open to young adults aged 15-18.

The 300 delegates, aged 15 to 18, will graduate on Saturday morning (August 8th) having completed various stages of the leadership programme.

As part of the week-long conference, the delegates will meet inspirational guest speakers from Ireland and abroad including: (You are invited to send a representative)

* Ian White, MBE

International peacekeeper who has worked in conflict zones in Northern Ireland, Haiti, Afghanistan, Liberia, Israel, Palestine, Colombia, Thailand, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. He was awarded an MBE by the Queen of England for his services to the Irish Peace Process.

(Speaking on Friday, August 7th,  10.15am – 11.15am, John Hume Building at NUI Maynooth)

* Emily Logan

Ms Logan is the first Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and formerly served as Ireland’s first Ombudsman for Children.

(Speaking on Thursday, August 6th ,10.15am – 11.15am, John Hume Building at NUI Maynooth)

* Noeline Blackwell

Ms Blackwell is one of Ireland’s most progressive lawyers defending those with no legal resources. She is the Director General of the Free Legal Advice Centre, a human rights organisation promoting equal access to justice for all. She is also a Professor at the School of Law at Dublin City University.

(Speaking on Thursday, August 6th ,14.00pm – 15.00pm, John Hume Building at NUI Maynooth)

Notes to Editors

The Albert Schweitzer Leadership for Life Programme was developed in Ireland in 2009 by Foróige in partnership with the Irish Chamber of Commerce - United States of America (ICCUSA).  The programme is open to young adults aged 15-18.

Delegates attending have been nominated by youth workers and volunteer leaders from their own countries because they have demonstrated an innate sense of justice, determination, passion and ability to lead and make positive changes in their own communities.  

The programme includes lectures by a host of inspirational speakers, workshops on team building, critical thinking and communication skills and peer discussions on matters of global importance. 

Young people will also be challenged to understand their own values and prejudices.  Participants are encouraged to go beyond their own personal comfort zones and perceived capabilities to be better than they thought they could be.  

About Albert Schweitzer

In 1952 Albert Schweitzer received the Nobel Peace Prize having founded the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Lambaréné, now in Gabon, west central Africa. Dr. Schweitzer was passionate about young people and their future leadership roles and serving mankind. His message for youth was “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know, the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.” 

This year marks the 50th anniversary of his death.

Images of conference launch at NUI Maynooth will be issued at approx 1pm today (Tuesday, August 4th) by Maxwell Photography

 

 
Foróige is the leading youth organisation in Ireland. The charity works with more than 54,000 young people and 5,500 adult volunteers annually, through a network of more than 600 youth clubs & cafés, 150 targeted projects and national programmes such as Citizenship, Entrepreneurship and Leadership.

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