January 2026
We’re kicking off 2026 with energy and ambition! Our Youth Assembly Members have hit the ground running, and there’s plenty to share. Here’s what they’ve been up to…
Big Youth Survey
The results are in!
A huge thank you to everyone who completed and promoted our Big Youth Survey. We closed the survey on 19 December with almost 1,700 responses from young people aged 12–21 across Northern Ireland.
We’ve listened carefully to what matters most to you and compiled a full report of the findings.
You can read the report here: https://niyouthassembly.org/bigyouthsurvey/
The issues voted on as most important by young people across Northern Ireland:
- Health
- Education
- Addiction
- Rights & Equality
- Racism
- Environment
- Jobs
- Artificial Intelligence
- Immigration
- Economy
- Agriculture
Voting boxes for plenary, Parliament Buildings, 24 January 2026.
First Plenary - A Big Day at Parliament Buidlings
On Saturday 24 January, Youth Assembly Members gathered for their first plenary session at Parliament Buildings. After an inspiring public speaking workshop with People Playbook, Members debated the top issues from the Big Youth Survey and voted on the three priority areas for their two-year mandate.
The winning priorities are:
- Health
- Rights & Equality
- Education
These will now shape the work of our three Youth Assembly Committees. Stay tuned for updates as they begin their next steps!
Youth Assembly Members Raphael, Tomila, and Erynne pictured in the Assembly Chamber, Parliament Buildings, 24 January 2026.
Youth Assembly Member Blogs
Want to know what it was like to take part in a plenary in the Assembly Chamber? Youth Assembly Members Matthew, Logan and Erynne have shared their experiences in blogs.
You can read their blogs now on our website: https://niyouthassembly.org/yam-blogs/
YAM TV
Catch all the action from the plenary in the latest episode of YAM TV.
Watch now: https://niyouthassembly.org/welcome-to-y-a-m-tv/
Wearing Trousers to School Consultation Have your say!
The Committee for Education is proposing a new law to give all pupils the right to wear trousers at school. On 13 January, Youth Assembly Members met to discuss the online consultation.
Youth Assembly Members meet to discuss the proposal for all pupils to wear trousers to school.
Youth Assembly Members gave evidence directly to the Committee on 28 January 2026.
Watch their evidence session here: https://niyouthassembly.org/assembly-committee-work/
Youth Assembly Members pictured with members of the Committee for Education, Parliament Buildings, 28 January 2026.
This is an issue our Members care deeply about. Find out more and share your views with the Committee for Education before Friday 20 February.
Consultation link: https://consult.nia-yourassembly.org.uk/education/proposal-for-a-bill-on-wearing-trousers-in-school/
Coming Up
3 February: Committee for Education Stakeholder Event
5 February: Women’s Caucus Conference
10 February: Inspire Now! 2.0 Diverse Youth Conference
10 February: All Party Group (APG) on Youth Participation
19 February: Department for Education: School Attendance Consultation
28 February: Youth Assembly Committee Planning Day
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