30 Under 30
Representing Northern Ireland on the world stage
The 30 Under 30 Northern Ireland Climate Change-Makers programme is designed to unearth, inspire, and equip 30 leaders under the age of 30 who can play an instrumental part in shaping a better climate future for Northern Ireland and beyond.
Applications have now CLOSED
Deadline for applications: 7th December 2025
30 Under 30 in Northern Ireland
The 30 Under 30 Northern Ireland Climate Change Makers programme was launched for the first time in 2022 and draws on the international EE 30 Under 30 initiative introduced by the North American Association for Environmental Education.
The 30 Under 30 NI programme is delivered by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and Podiem
Enquiries
For further information on the 30 Under 30 Northern Ireland Climate Change-Makers programme, please contact Jenna Potter.
Watch 30 Under 30 in action!
Developing world-class climate leaders
The 30 Under 30 programme empowers participants through a series of workshops led by renowned leaders and industry experts. Running from January 2026 to June 2026, these workshops will cover a wide range of topics, including biodiversity, leadership and health and wellbeing.
The cohort will also have access to accredited Carbon Literacy Training delivered by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.
The class of 2026
Following a competitive judging process, the fourth year of the 30 Under 30 Northern Ireland Climate Change-Makers are:
- Evan Black – Belfast International Airport
- Tautvydas Bumblys – Heron Manufacture
- Elizabeth Clarke – Northern Ireland Electricity Networks
- Jess Cunningham - Ulster University
- Fiona Currie – FareShare NI
- Kristen Dalton – Caldwell Consulting Engineers Ltd
- Olivia Dath – Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
- Amy Doyle – The Open University
- Shaun Fair – AECOM
- Olivia Farrelly – Power NI
- Caoimhe Glover – Energia Group
- Bethany Goudie – Queen’s University, Belfast
- Alexandra Graham – Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
- Katie Hagan – Ulster University
- Gemma Louise Heenan – Environmental Protection Agency
- Craig Holmes – Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
- Ananya Jain – Hamilton Architects
- Jane Leonard – Ulster University
- Rachel McCann – Translink
- Sophie McCool – The Open University
- Kira McLaughlin – Ulster University
- Sian McQuillan – Visit Belfast
- Aaron Marshall – Responsible Plastic Management Program
- Jessica Martin – Visual Artist – The Dirty Painter
- Tori Moore – Ulster Wildlife
- Caoimhe O'Hare - Arup
- Sophie Scott - PWC and Ulster University
- David Tennant – Queen’s University, Belfast
- Samuel Turner – Finnebrogue
- Caitlin Quinn - Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council
Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful sends congratulations to each of the class members on behalf of all partners and funders.
Read the bios of the 2026 cohort
What the cohort said
"An extraordinary experience that has enriched my knowledge, expanded my network, and provided me with outstanding industry insights.” — Jordan Birt
Thanks so much for the fantastic programme— Niamh Haughian
"I will never forget the people I met through this.” — Reece England
"It was an honour to be part of the 30 Under 30 programme in 22/23. The programme included some top-quality guest speakers and it was great to get the opportunity to learn from them." — Ciara Grogan
“Would highly recommend it to any younger ambitious leader.” — Josh Armstrong