Author: Maria Farooq (She/Her)

What happens when the young voices most impacted by the climate crisis seize the stage instead of politicians?

On April 11th & 12th 2025, this question was resoundingly answered during Oxfam Ireland’s Ground Up: Climate Justice Forum, a climate conference where young people’s bold ideas and thoughts ignited a movement for towards a fairer, just and greener world. 

The Journey

As a WECF delegation, we began our journey to Ireland on April 9th.  We boarded the Eurostar to London, followed by a scenic ferry ride to Dublin.

After a restful night in Dublin, the next morning, we were prepared to attend an inspirational presentation about the Bohemian Football Club by Seán McCabe. We learned about the sustainable initiatives taken by the Club, followed by a visit to Dalymount Park.  

We left Dublin in the evening for Cork. The train ride to Cork offered a chance to connect with fellow activists, including a thoughtful group activity about how we all can do some small contributions towards a climate fairer future. For instance, using less plastic in our everyday life or supporting gardening activities.

Three hours later, we arrived in Cork.

The Ground Up Forum

The forum officially opened on April 11th with a warm welcome on the vibrant campus of University College Cork.

At registration, participants received wristbands and the opportunity to choose from a diverse lineup of breakout sessions. The opening plenary, System Change, Not Climate Change, set the tone for the event, featuring powerful insights from Prof. Jennie Stephens, Pádraic Fogarty, and Safa’ Al Jayoussi.

Throughout the day, we explored key topics in climate justice, attending sessions such as Feminist Communities for Climate Justice, Irish Doughnut Economics Network, and Think Global, Act Local by Plan International.

I followed the Plan International session, where I learned how localised initiatives, when rooted in community needs and supported with the right resources, can have a ripple effect on broader climate justice movements. We were introduced to Bean Inspired Coffee Roasters, an initiative that is strengthening women through the respect, recognition, and opportunities they deserve.

The day also included a spirited Global Climate Strike rally. It was one of the most energising moments of the forum. We marched with protest signs, aligning with the University College Cork (UCC) Plastic Free Campus initiative. The atmosphere was electric, filled with creativity, unity, and determination.

It was a powerful reminder that when young people come together with a shared purpose, change becomes not just possible, but inevitable.

After, we followed breakout sessions on The Working-Class Climate Alliance, Bohemian FC, and Rights, the Law and the Struggle for Climate Justice. The first day wrapped up with high energy and a deep sense of shared purpose.

Day Two featured the Climate Justice Ideas Lab, a space for collective learning and shaping Oxfam Ireland’s role in the movement. We were invited to share experiences, deepen our understanding of justice-oriented climate action, and help shape recommendations for Oxfam Ireland’s future climate justice work. The conversations were honest, reflective, and grounded in lived experiences. The session reminded us that meaningful change starts by listening to those on the frontlines and building solutions from the ground up.

As the forum came to a close, we left the beautiful UCC campus with new connections, countless memories, and a renewed commitment to climate justice.

The Ground Up Climate Justice Forum was more than a conference, it was a reminder of the power of grassroots action, collective learning, and global solidarity in the fight for a just, liveable, and green future.