ActionAid National Speech Writing Competition Final 2020 to be held virtually

Photo: 2019 winners Kirsten Soney-Ituen and Clodagh Boyce

We are delighted to announce that our 6th Annual ActionAid National Speech Writing Competition Final will take place virtually on Tuesday 2nd June, 17.00-19.15.

Register for tickets here.

This year, the speeches focus on the theme: ‘Women’s Rights in a Changing Climate’. The speech titles include:

Climate change will only be solved through the inclusion and empowerment of women.

As a result of gender inequality, women and girls are more likely to be exposed to disaster-induced risks than men.

Climate change, poverty and gender equality are all interlinked and cannot be solved in isolation.

It is set to be an engaging evening celebrating the incredible talent and passion of young people who are leading the way in climate activism.

10 finalists were chosen to deliver their speech to a panel of esteemed judges. To facilitate those with connectivity issues, the speeches have been pre-recorded but they will be shown live to the panel of esteemed judges.

The judges have the difficult task of choosing just two winners to be crowned the winners.

We look forward to welcoming you virtually and coming together to celebrate science, compassion and action!

The Judges:

Saoirse McHugh (Green Party & Climate Activist)

Shane Keenan (Policy Lead – Gender Equality, Irish Aid)

Órla Ryan (Journalist with the Journal.ie)

Dr Ciarán O’Carroll (Extinction Rebellion & Climate Activist)

The Prize:

The prize for the two winners, and their teachers, is a visit to Stockholm where the winners will meet with representatives from organisations and institutions working on environmental issues.

They will also visit ActionAid Sweden and learn about our work tackling gender-based violence. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this trip has been delayed. We will reschedule only when it is safe to do so. 

Irish Aid:

The ActionAid Speech Writing Competition is funded by Irish Aid to raise awareness and support for international development issues.