Press Release
March 16, 2026 • 4 min read
GOAL NextGen is excited to officially call on young people who are passionate about global issues, advocacy, and creating positive change to apply for the 2026 NextGen Youth Programme. Applications are now open for young people aged 18–25 from across the world to take part in this year’s programme.
Founded in 2020, the NextGen Youth Programme runs annually over a two‑month period and brings together young people from around the world to deepen their understanding of Global Citizenship and the collective effort needed to build a fairer future for all. Throughout the programme, participants will be supported to broaden their knowledge of critical global issues such as conflict, climate, sustainability, health, and food and nutrition security, empowering them to become informed and active changemakers.
A Force for Change
Successful applicants from across Ireland will join other NextGen programme participants from Ethiopia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, Honduras, Columbia, Iraq, Syria, and Türkiye. All programme participants will have the opportunity to forge connections with changemakers from across the globe who share a passion for proactively tackling social issues. Successful applicants will also work together to develop innovative ideas and solutions on global challenges, while collaborating on awareness-raising materials that contribute to GOAL’s public engagement efforts, including the X-Change campaign and have the opportunity to represent GOAL at public events and festivals such as and St Patricks Festival as well as international conferences and exchange trips.
Building an Interconnected World
In inviting applications to the 2026 NextGen programme, Victoria Walshe, GOAL’s Head of Global Citizenship said:
“We are looking forward to the 2026 NextGen Youth Programme and to welcoming what I can only anticipate will be a wonderful new cohort of young people. We have had the privilege of working with incredible participants since the programme began in 2020, and we expect this year’s group to bring the same level of passion, curiosity, and engagement.
By joining this network, new members will deepen their understanding of Global Citizenship and the complex, interconnected world we live in. They will have the chance to engage in meaningful conversations with peers from around the globe, fostering empathy, inclusivity, solidarity, and collaboration – while also learning about GOAL’s humanitarian and development work worldwide. We are committed to long‑term, meaningful engagement to support a generation of young people who are dedicated to building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.”
“Alumni of the NextGen Youth Programme have used their experience as a foundation into careers in international relations, humanitarianism, global and public health, climate and sustainability, the creative arts, and education. The programme has also helped them build confidence in their own activism, both individually and collectively,” continued Victoria Walshe.
Voices from the Programme
Speaking about her experience of participating in 2024 NextGen Youth Programme, Sadhbh Carpenter, Co. Dublin said:
The NextGen Youth Programme introduced me to a wide range of perspectives and helped me think more critically about global challenges. It was also incredibly valuable for connecting with other like‑minded young people who shared my passions. The programme showed me so many ways to live activism in everyday life.
If you’re interested in Global issues, meeting likeminded people or developing different ways of thinking critically about the Sustainable Development Goals and the world around us. I would really recommend applying for the GOAL NextGen Youth Programme.”
Sadhbh is currently completing a Master’s in Youth Development and Social Change in the Department of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. She credits the GOAL NextGen Youth Program with influencing her decision to pursue an academic field that offers a broader mix of perspectives and approaches to understanding global issues.
Fellow 2024 NextGen Your Programme Participant, Emmanuel Komba, from Sierra Leone, said:
“The NextGen Youth Programme has not only given me a platform, but also a voice. GOAL NextGen empowers young people by giving them the opportunity to transform themselves, uplift their communities, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Tigidankay Kallon, from Sierra Leone, participated in the 2025 NextGen Youth Programme and currently works as a mechanical engineer and photographer. She continues to advocate for gender equality, good health, and quality education within her community, drawing on the valuable knowledge and inspiration she gained through the GOAL NextGen programme. Speaking about her experience, she said:
“Through GOAL NextGen I have learned to use my voice to speak, not only for myself but for the betterment of my community, my nation and humanity as a whole. My line of work is more male‑dominated than female, and through GOAL NextGen I realised that reducing inequality is something I can bring directly into my own field. It has encouraged me to challenge the stereotype that male workers can do the job better than female workers. I have been inspired to become more involved and confident in my workplace, showing my abilities and proving that I am just as capable as my male colleagues – and that this deserves to be acknowledged.”
What’s Involved?
The 2026 NextGen programme will comprise 10 sessions that take place online on Thursdays, with two sessions in person for Irish based participants. The programme runs from Saturday 24th May to Thursday 17th July.
The closing date for applications to take part in GOAL’S 2026 NextGen Youth Programme is Friday, 4th April. Please visit GOAL’s NextGen recruiting for 2026 Youth Programme – GOAL Global to apply.
