Creating Spaces for Connection, Learning, and Celebration
Events are at the heart of our work at Diverse Youth NI. They bring together young people, families, community partners, and leaders from across Northern Ireland to celebrate diversity, build understanding, and strengthen youth leadership. Our events are designed to be inclusive, creative, and empowering, giving young people a platform to express themselves and shape the society they want to live in.
Throughout the year, we deliver a vibrant calendar of workshops, conferences, cultural gatherings, showcases, festivals, and residential experiences. Every event reflects our values of welcome, belonging, identity, and youth voice.
What Our Events Offer
Youth Leadership and Empowerment Events
We host leadership gatherings, panel discussions, and youth-led forums where young people can speak, debate, and present ideas on issues that matter to them. These events help shape youth policy, community practice, and public conversations around inclusion and equality.
Cultural and Creative Celebrations
Our cultural events highlight the richness of the communities we work with. These include art exhibitions, storytelling evenings, performances, film screenings, and cultural celebrations where young people showcase their creativity and heritage.
Good Relations and Community Dialogues
We run events that bring diverse communities together to build understanding and strengthen relationships. These sessions create safe spaces for dialogue on identity, belonging, racism, discrimination, and community safety, guided by trained facilitators and youth workers.
Workshops and Themed Activity Days
Events throughout the year focus on topics such as mental health, climate action, gender equality, digital skills, cultural competence, and social action. These workshops are interactive, tailored to youth needs, and supported by experts and partner organisations.
Residentials and Retreats
Our residential programmes, including the annual Corrymeela Residential, offer young people a deeper experience of community building, reflection, leadership development, and cross-cultural learning. These events often become milestone moments for participants.
Flagship Annual Events
We host major public events such as:
- The International BAME Youth Conference
- Sanctuary in Belfast – A Celebration of Welcome and Hope
- Good Relations Week activities
- Youth showcases and award ceremonies
These events attract partners, civic leaders, educators, and the wider community, amplifying youth voices and achievements.
Why Our Events Matter
Our events create accessible and meaningful opportunities for young people to:
- Build confidence and leadership skills
- Connect with peers from different backgrounds
- Share their lived experiences and insights
- Celebrate identity and cultural diversity
- Take part in public conversations
- Feel valued, empowered, and included
They also help schools, community groups, and organisations strengthen their commitment to equality and youth inclusion.
Who Can Attend
Most of our events are free and open to:
- Young people aged eleven to twenty five
- Parents and families
- Youth workers and community practitioners
- Schools, colleges, and universities
- Community partners and civic organisations
Some events require registration, and young people may receive priority access through DYNI membership.
Stay Connected
We regularly update our events calendar through:
- @diverseyouthni
- Email newsletters
- Website announcements
Schools, organisations, or partners interested in collaborating on events or hosting youth activities are welcome to contact us.
- info@diverseyouthni.com