Lauren Jones Brennan, from Dublin, is a final year law student at Trinity College Dublin, having completed her Erasmus at Universidad Pontificia Comilas including a Spanish legal diploma. She is simultaneously studying for a legal secretarial diploma.

She was Ireland’s youth delegate to the Congress of the Council of Europe in 2023 and recently represented Ireland as the Commission on Narcotic Drugs 67th Session in Vienna.

She has been part of the youth advisory groups of SpunOut, Plan International and Léargas, and was the national human rights co-ordinator, Ireland’s secretary general, and vice-president for academic affairs for the European Law Student Association (ELSA).

Natasha Maimba, from Athlone, Co Westmeath, holds a bachelor of civil law from Dublin City University and is currently a Master’s student at King’s College London in international finance and commercial law.

She previously worked with former UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon in planning the inauguration of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Ireland, and was a UNICEF youth ambassador, presenting before the UN General Assembly on her experience in the direct provision system in Ireland.

She is currently a legal executive with a law firm in Dublin, and was previously an access programme ambassador and spokesperson for DCU Access to the Workplace programme.

Ms Maimba was born in the UK before moving to Zimbabwe. She moved to Ireland in 2011 at the age of nine. She has featured in the RTÉ television and radio documentaries Leaving Limbo and Outsiders: Children Living in Direct Provision in Ireland.

As UN youth delegates, the pair will work closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs, including Ireland’s permanent mission to the United Nations, Irish Aid and the National Youth Council of Ireland throughout their year in office.

They will have the opportunity to engage with young people across Ireland about foreign policy issues and to represent the young people of Ireland at UN events, including this month at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) high level week and the UNGA’s third committee, which focuses on human rights issues.

Welcoming the appointments, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said: “I am delighted to announce Ireland’s UN youth delegates for 2024/2025.

“The UN youth delegate programme is an avenue for young people to become more involved in international cooperation while championing change and representing the voices of the millions of young people in Ireland.

“The programme offers a wonderful opportunity to build their networks, engage with other UN youth delegates, and advocate on matters that concern young people globally through UN meetings and events.

“It is essential that young people are equipped to be effective global citizens, contributing to policy and decision making at local, national, and international levels. This is what we achieve through the programme.

“It is my pleasure to support the UN youth delegate programme in its tenth year and I look forward to engaging with Lauren and Natasha in the future.”

Ms Brennan said: “I am deeply honoured to represent the young people of Ireland. My passion for equality, peacebuilding and sustainable communities motivates me to ensure that every voice is both heard and valued.

“I aim not only to represent young people in Ireland, but also to be a catalyst for change, advocating for a future where justice, inclusivity and sustainability are at the forefront of our efforts on the global stage.

“I am eager to engage with stakeholders but most importantly with the young people of Ireland as we work collaboratively to drive meaningful change. Go n-éirí linn le chéile.”

Ms Maimba said: “As a migrant in Ireland, I am honoured to embrace and represent the welcoming spirit and generosity that defines this country.

“Being able to stand on the international stage as a UN youth delegate is a testament to Ireland’s commitment to inclusivity, where people of all creeds, cultures and backgrounds can call this place home.

“Throughout my journey, my advocacy for migrant rights and gender equality has been shaped by both successes and challenges, but my commitment to uniting and uplifting communities remains steadfast.

“This year, I aim to bring attention to the core value of treating others with the same respect and care that we would want for ourselves. By emphasising peacebuilding, hope and collective action, I aspire to address the injustices that many face every day.

“My goal is to create spaces that inspire hope and empower more young people to actively engage in political and humanitarian efforts, both at home and globally.”