Our friends at ECO-UNESCO, Ireland's environmental education and youth organisation, is inviting young people nationwide to take part in ECO-WEEK 2025 (Monday 22 – Friday 26 September), held alongside Sustainable Development Goals Week.
ECO-WEEK is a series of free, online sustainability sessions tailored to young people aged 8-12 and 13-18. Get the basics of climate change, hear from Ireland’s Climate Youth Delegate, discover the link between nature and our health and wellbeing, and more!
Whether in school, in a youth group, community group or from home, young people across the island can join live or playback the sessions.
The full link to all the events is here and you can read on to find out more about them!
Monday
Our Island: Working Together for Climate (SDG 17)
Climate doesn’t stop at borders. Communities across Ireland are joining forces to tackle climate change in creative, local ways. In this session with Community Garden Support, discover how working together makes climate action stronger, fairer, and more effective.
When? 10:00–10:45 | Ages 8 –12 or 13:30–14:45 | Ages 13 –18
Introduction to the SDGs
What are the Sustainable Development Goals all about? In this session with ECO-UNESCO, you’ll get to know the 17 Global Goals and learn why they matter for our future. From climate action to equality, see how the SDGs connect to your life and the choices you make every day.
When? 10:00–10:45 | Ages 13–18 or 13:30–14:45 | Ages 8–12
Tuesday
Wild About Nature: Protecting Life on Land (SDG 15)
From red squirrels to hedgehogs, Ireland is home to amazing wildlife, but many species need our help. Join Ulster Wildlife to learn how conservation protects habitats and supports SDG 15: Life on Land. Discover how small actions can make a big difference for the creatures that share our world.
When? 10:00–10:45 | Ages 8 –12 or 13:30–14:45 | Ages 13 –18
Climate Change 101 (SDG 13)
What exactly is climate change, and why does it matter? ECO-UNESCO will break it down in this crash course on the science behind rising temperatures, the impacts we’re already seeing, and the urgent actions needed to protect people and the planet.
When? 10:00–10:45 | Ages 13–18 or 13:30–14:45 | Ages 8–12
Wednesday
Gender & Climate Justice (SDG 5)
Climate change doesn’t affect everyone equally. Around the world, women and girls often face the biggest challenges, but they’re also leading the way in solutions. Hear from Climate Youth Delegate Fatima Elzahra Ismail as we explore how fighting for gender equality can also fight climate change.
When? 10:00–10:45 | Ages 13–18 or 13:30–14:45 | Ages 8–12
Energy and Me (SDG 7)
Everywhere you look, energy powers our lives from the lights in our homes to the devices in our hands. But where does it come from, and how can we create it sustainably? With SEAI, explore how switching to clean energy can help protect our planet and our future.
When? 10:00–10:45 | Ages 8 –12 or 13:30–14:45 | Ages 13 –18
Thursday
Hidden Heroes of Our Freshwater (SDG 14)
Did you know our rivers and lakes are home to superheroes? From salmon to pearl mussels, Ireland’s freshwater species quietly keep our ecosystems healthy. Join the Marine Institute to discover these hidden heroes, why they matter, and how you can help protect them.
When? 10:00–10:45 | Ages 13–18 or 13:30–14:45 | Ages 8–12
Food, Future and the Planet (SDG 2)
Food is about so much more than eating, it’s about justice, sustainability, and shared futures. Join ACT4Food and Sophie Healy-Thow to learn how transforming the way we grow and share food can fight hunger, protect the planet, and make sure no one is left behind.
When? 10:00–10:45 | Ages 8 –12 or 13:30–14:45 | Ages 13 –18
Friday
Nature for a Happy Mind (SDG 3)
Nature is more than just beautiful it’s healing. Time outdoors can ease stress, lift your mood, and build resilience. With Mental Health Ireland, explore how connecting with the natural world can support your wellbeing and happiness.
When? 10:00–10:45 | Ages 13–18 or 13:30–14:45 | Ages 8–12
What If Waste Could Be Useful? (SDG 12)
What if waste wasn’t wasted? With BiOrbic, discover how science and innovation can turn everyday scraps like food and plants into something new energy, clothing, packaging, and more. Learn how rethinking waste is key to a more sustainable future.
When? 10:00–10:45 | Ages 8 –12 or 13:30–14:45 | Ages 13 –18
To coincide with ECO-WEEK 2025, registration has also opened for the Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA) 2025/2026 here, which celebrates its 27th year supporting youth-led action projects on environmental issues.
Find out more about ECO-UNESCO visit ecounesco.ie or contact info@ecounesco.ie
