Young people put health, equality and education at the heart of Youth Assembly agenda
- Love Ballymena
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
NI Youth Assembly Members Raphael, Tomila and Erynne holding the voting boxes in the Assembly Chamber
Members of the Northern Ireland Youth Assembly have voted to prioritise health, rights and equality, and education as the key focus areas for their two-year mandate, following a landmark debate at their first plenary sitting.
The decision was taken during a session held in the Assembly Chamber at Parliament Buildings on Saturday 24 January, where 90 Youth Assembly Members debated the findings of the Big Youth Survey before voting on the issues they believe matter most to young people across Northern Ireland.
Nearly 1,700 young people share their priorities
The Big Youth Survey was issued in December 2025 by Youth Assembly Members to schools and youth groups, inviting young people to share their views on the issues shaping their lives. Almost 1,700 responses were received, highlighting the breadth of concerns among the region’s youth.
The survey identified the 11 issues young people care most about as:
health (mental and physical)
education
addiction
rights and equality
racism
artificial intelligence
jobs
environment
immigration
economy
agriculture
Following a chamber debate centred on these findings, Members voted to select health, rights and equality, and education as the top three themes that will guide their work until November 2027.
Learning democracy from the inside
As well as participating in formal proceedings, Members took part in public speaking workshops and had the opportunity to meet MLAs over lunch, giving them a first-hand insight into how the Assembly operates and how young voices can influence decision-making.
The plenary sitting was presided over by Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly Edwin Poots MLA, who praised the engagement shown by the young Members.
He said:
“The Youth Assembly is a space for discussion by young people, with many opportunities for Youth Assembly Members to develop and learn. Today’s plenary has given the new Members a platform to practice their public speaking skills, by participating in a debate about issues that matter most to them and their peers. I am greatly impressed by their enthusiasm, and I look forward to following their work.”
‘It felt exciting to be involved in something so important’
The Youth Assembly held its first plenary in the Assembly Chamber
For many Members, the day marked their first experience of sitting in the Assembly Chamber — a moment described as both empowering and inspiring.
One Youth Assembly Member, Áine, said:
“It was really interesting getting the chance to sit in the Assembly Chamber today and see how everything works first-hand. I especially enjoyed taking part in the debate and having my say before voting on the issues.
“It felt exciting to be involved in something so important, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how this work develops over the next few months and the difference it could make.”
Giving young people a formal voice
Founded in April 2021, the Northern Ireland Youth Assembly is made up of young people in school years 9–12, with 90 Members drawn from every constituency. The most recent selection process, completed in September 2025, was co-designed with young people to ensure it was open, fair and representative, including voices from Section 75 groups and diverse communities.
Members work through plenary sittings and three committees, engaging directly with Assembly Committees, government departments and youth voice projects. Comprehensive safeguarding measures are in place, including training and support for Members and those working alongside them.
The findings of the Big Youth Survey are available online at:
More information about the Youth Assembly can be found at https://niyouthassembly.org/, with updates also shared on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.