The Translink Youth Summit will make a welcome return later this month in an exciting roadshow format, with young people throughout Northern Ireland given a platform to share their perspectives and ideas on the future of public transport and climate change.
The annual event highlights the value placed on the voices of the next generation, with the initiative developed by members of the Translink Youth Forum in collaboration with the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY).
Commencing on 18th November, the ‘Road to Rights’ Translink Youth Summit will visit Newry, Enniskillen, Derry~Londonderry, Magherafelt and Belfast across a five-day period, with school pupils and youth organisations among those invited to take part.
This year the initiative ties in with the United Nations’ World Children’s Day and will introduce workshops on four topics facilitated by the NI Youth Forum team, including Safety in Transport, Zero Emissions, the UN Convention on Rights of a Child (UNCRC), and Promoting Youth Voice.
Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, said: “Young people are tomorrow’s leaders, and this generation is more climate-conscious than any before. More and more young people are already switching to bus and train with a 60% increase in the use of yLink over the last year this modal shift trend is vital and a simple way individuals can reduce their carbon footprint.
“Translink is also playing its part by working to decarbonise our business, introducing more zero-emission buses regionally and in Belfast, where soon 50% of the fleet will operate with cleaner, carbon-free vehicles. This will ensure public transport is even better for the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors to the city as more people get on board.
“For this reason, it’s essential that young voices are heard, and they have a say on how we can enhance our services, ensuring they enjoy the benefits while helping us build a better-connected society.”
Children’s Commissioner Chris Quinn said: “We can’t wait to welcome children and young people to our NICCY Road to Rights Bus Tour. This marks the start of our journey towards incorporating children’s rights into domestic law.
“Fittingly coinciding with World Children’s Day on 20 November, we’ll be calling on Government to incorporate the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into NI law.
“As we launch our awareness campaign as to why this is such a crucial issue, we’ll be hosting a series of interactive events and visits, giving children and young people a platform to discuss the issues they care about the most.
“The journey towards incorporation starts now.”
Translink is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and operating a zero emissions fleet across Northern Ireland by 2040. The company also pledges to be Climate Positive by 2050, going beyond achieving net zero to create an environmental benefit by removing additional carbon dioxide from the environment.
For more information on the Translink Youth Summit visit www.translink.co.uk/corporate/translinkspiritinaction/translinkyouthforum
