Global Ireland Young Leaders Competition

The 2026 Global Ireland Young Leaders Programme has now concluded. This year's iteration saw 30 Transition Year and Year 11/12 students from across the island of Ireland take part in the programme, where students considered Ireland's role in the world in an independent and creative way.

Students viewed first-hand the work of Ireland's foreign affairs service through a three-day programme hosted at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Dublin. The students gained the opportunity to experience the world of diplomacy and foreign affairs through visits from Government Ministers, interactive workshops, discussions on the work of international NGOs, peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland, and a visit to an embassy in Dublin.

As Ireland will hold the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time from 1 July to 31 December 2026, the Global Ireland Young Leaders programme in 2026 contained a specific focus on Ireland and the European Union, and the upcoming Presidency.

Applications for the next iteration of the Global Ireland Young Leaders Programme will open in late 2026. Follow the Department and Foreign Affairs and Trade on social media to stay updated on the programme. For all queries please contact youngleaders@dfa.ie.

Global Ireland Young Leaders Programme is a competition, which encourages Transition Year students in Ireland and Year 11/Year 12 students in Northern Ireland to consider the country’s role in the world in an independent and creative way.

The prize for successful applicants will be an opportunity to view first-hand the work of Ireland’s foreign affairs service through a three-day programme hosted at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Dublin.

Students will gain the opportunity to experience the world of diplomacy and foreign affairs through interactive workshops, discussions on the work of international NGOs, peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland, and a visit to an embassy in Dublin.

In 2026, Ireland will hold the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time from 1 July to 31 December 2026. As part of the Global Ireland Young Leaders’ programme in 2026, a specific focus will be placed on Ireland and the European Union, and the upcoming Presidency.

This competition is open to Transition Year students in Ireland and Year 11/Year 12 students in Northern Ireland.

The prize will be a three-day programme offering students the opportunity to experience the work of a diplomat, including interactive workshops, discussions on the work of international NGOs, peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland, and an opportunity to visit an embassy in Dublin.

Please note that the programme will take place in Dublin. Please contact youngleaders@dfa.ie if your school requires support with travel and accommodation costs.