Last year’s event was a huge success.

And this Friday, Cork City will host the second annual youth-led anti-racism summit, positioning itself at the forefront of key regional and international developments.

The Youth-Led Anti-Racist Summit takes place on May 17th from 1pm to 5pm at Cork City Millennium Hall.

“Building on last year’s success, the Cork Migrant Centre Youth Initiative Against Racism laid the foundation for this year’s Youth Led Anti-Racism Summit: participants, performers, and policymakers, united to address racism in personal and professional spheres.” the organisers told us.

“The summit, to be launched by Cork Lord Mayor, Councillor Kieran McCarthy, and hosted by Cork City Council, continues this important work.”

This pioneering event is created by young people with the support of the Cork Children and Young Peoples’ Committee, which works to improve outcomes for all children and young people in Cork and is proudly supported by Nano Nagle Place.

The summit will feature keynote speakers from various sectors of the community, with a focus on educational impacts on young people. This includes spotlighting teachers from Millstreet Community School and Sacred Heart Secondary School Clonakilty, celebrating their significant contributions as highlighted by their students.

Jannett Walker from the UK, CEO of Anti Racist Cumbria, will discuss her organisation’s successes and anti-racist efforts, offering insights on how similar strategies might be implemented here in Ireland. Additionally, Deirdre Horgan, Professor of Education at UCC, will address the importance of active listening to young people and discuss the Lundy model of participation.

Raphael Olympio, a lead Youth Mentor and Co-ordinator at Cork Migrant Centre, Nano Nagle Place says “Over the past few years and months, I have had the privilege of working closely with young people.

“Their stories, insights, and strategies to combat racism have been truly eye-opening and encouraging. Their resilience in the face of adversity and unwavering determination to create a more inclusive society are constant sources of inspiration.

“The future looks better, especially if the people of Cork get on board with this initiative.”