North-South Youth Forum Co-Chairs appointed

The Northern Ireland Youth Forum today appointed 2 young people as Co-Chairs of the first North South Youth Forum. 

Grace Rogerson, 17, from Newcastle, County Down and Séamus Hogan, 18, from Curraha, County Meath (Pictured) were appointed to the roles in Belfast on Saturday afternoon.

Commenting on the appointments, Chairperson of the NI Youth Forum Martin McAuley said:

“I am delighted to announce that Grace and Séamus will be the inaugural Co-Chairs of the North South Youth Forum. I have every confidence in their ability to take this new body of young people from across the island of Ireland forward. ”

“It is crucial that young people have a say on the issues that affect them across these islands. The NSYF will now become an important part of the fabric of youth participative democracy in our society and will be at the forefront of lobbying in favour of positive change on both sides of the border.”

Northern Co-Chair Grace Rogerson said: 

“I am very pleased to have been chosen to fulfill this important role. I will do my best to promote the interests of young people across the island of Ireland”

Southern Co-Chair Séamus Hogan added:

“As a young citizen of the Republic of Ireland now studying in Belfast, I have a unique perspective on our society. I want to help break down the barriers and stigma attached to how we view each other from a Northern and Southern perspective”

The Co-Chairs will now move to identify several campaigns to begin working on with youth sector partners in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.