A Global Platform for Young Voices, Leadership, and Change
The Inspire Now! 2.0 Youth Conference is one of Diverse Youth NI’s flagship annual events. It brings together young people, youth leaders, policymakers, and changemakers from across Northern Ireland and around the world to amplify the voices of youth advocating for equality, diversity, and inclusion.
The conference creates a powerful space where young people can examine the issues shaping their lives, speak directly to decision makers, and build the leadership skills they need to influence change locally, nationally, and globally.
As a youth-designed and youth-led platform, it showcases the energy, creativity, and ambition of a new generation in Northern Ireland who are redefining belonging, identity, and civic participation.
What the Conference Offers
Inspiring Keynotes and Youth Panels
The conference features keynote speakers and youth-led panel discussions on topics such as identity and representation, social justice, inclusion, mental health, cultural competence, leadership, education access, and global citizenship. Young people share lived experiences and present new ideas for tackling inequalities.
Cross-Cultural Exchange
Participants connect with young leaders from different cultural backgrounds and countries, building friendships, shared understanding, and international perspectives on social action and community development.
Workshops and Skill-Building Sessions
Interactive workshops empower young people in areas such as:
- Leadership development
- Public speaking and advocacy
- Storytelling and digital media
- Youth participation and civic engagement
- Conflict transformation and good relations
These sessions help participants grow their confidence and practical skills while learning how to take action in their own communities.
Showcase of Youth Creativity
The conference includes exhibitions, performances, and creative displays that highlight the artistic talents of young people. These often include photography, spoken word, short films, music, and visual art created through previous DYNI programmes.
Networking With Stakeholders
Young people meet representatives from government, universities, community organisations, and international partners. This helps build pathways into leadership, education, and civic participation.
Why the Conference Matters
The Inspire Now! 2.0 Youth Conference aims to:
- Elevate youth voices in public conversations
- Address inequalities affecting young people
- Strengthen community cohesion in Northern Ireland
- Promote global citizenship and cross-cultural understanding
- Create leadership opportunities for young people
- Celebrate diversity, identity, and belonging
- Influence policy and practice through youth insights
It stands as a significant moment each year where young people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Who Attends
The conference welcomes:
- Young people aged 14 to 25
- Students and youth activists
- Educators, youth workers, and community practitioners
- Policy and civic leaders
- Researchers and international partners
- Organisations committed to inclusion and youth empowerment
Participation is free, and places are prioritised for young people.
Get Involved or Partner With Us
Schools, youth groups, and organisations interested in getting involved, sending delegations, or partnering on future editions of the conference are warmly encouraged to reach out.
- info@diverseyouthni.com
- @diverseyouthni