Last night was the final session of our very first Policy Leadership Development Programme.

Over the last nine weeks, 24 talented, dedicated and enthusiastic young people from across Northern Ireland to hear from current policy leaders from the voluntary sector, business, the civil service, and public life, gain and enhance important policy and professional skills, and work together on policy briefing papers on the issues that matter to them.

At last night's session, each of our working groups presented their findings after months of research, analysis and recommendation formation. We have fantastic reports on wastewater infrastructure, green skills, youth mental health, the potential for AI to tackle educational inequalities, urban/rural disparities in VAWG provision and many more. Their findings are stark, and their recommendations are practical and positive.

We would like to extend our thanks to our guest speakers, to the venues who hosted us, and of course to our incredible PLDP cohort who have made this programme what it is.

The second cohort of the PLDP will take place in early 2026, with more information coming very soon. Keep an eye on our website and socials for more.