The Leadership for Life Youth Conference is a unique, week-long residential event held at Maynooth University. Open to young people aged 15 to 18, the conference brings together teens from Ireland and across the world to build leadership skills, make new friends, and explore the issues that matter most to them.

Throughout the week, participants take part in workshops focused on communication, goal setting, teamwork and critical thinking. They also hear from inspiring guest speakers and have the opportunity to work towards a Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action (Level 6, QQI), accredited by the University of Galway.

The conference is part of Foróige’s wider Leadership for Life Programme, which supports young people to lead with empathy, confidence and purpose — in their schools, communities and beyond.

The application process for the Foróige Leadership for Life Conference for 2026 is now closed.

Complete Module 1 Through Irish

For the first time, we have a limited number of places to complete Module 1 through Irish at this year’s conference. Applicants should only submit an application for participating through Irish if they have a reasonable level of spoken and written Irish (e.g attend a Gaelscoil, live in a Gaeltacht area, speak Irish regularly). Applicants should rate themselves 7/10 or higher in terms of their ability to speak and understand Irish.

The application process for the Foróige Leadership for Life Conference for 2026 is now closed.

Volunteer Involvement 

If there are any volunteers that would be interested and suitable (volunteers should be over 21 years of age, vetted and trained in Child Protection) to be part of the leadership conference team this year, please get involved, or encourage others to get involved, by completing this Volunteer Application Form.