Unlocking Young Leaders:
The Rotary Ireland Youth Leadership Development Competition 2026/2027
Rotary Ireland—in collaboration with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin—has officially launched the Youth Leadership Development Competition 2026/2027. Aimed at developing the young leaders of today and tomorrow, this initiative helps students build critical life skills, refine public speaking, boost confidence in debating, and forge lifelong friendships.
What is the Youth Leadership Development Competition?
The competition offers secondary school and college students a platform to sharpen their communication, leadership, and teambuilding abilities. Beyond personal development, participants gain deep insight into local politics, the workings of European Union institutions, democracy, and fundamental rights.
The journey culminates in an all-expenses-paid trip to Belfast, Dublin, and Strasbourg, where winners get the hands-on opportunity to become an "MEP for a day" through the Euroscola programme at the European Parliament.
How the Competition Works: 3 Key Stages
Application forms are available through local Rotary Clubs. The competition unfolds across three structured stages:
Stage 1: School Level (October)
Students submit an application form highlighting personal achievements, leadership roles, and planning skills. Candidates attend an interview with local Rotary members covering community involvement, current affairs, and basic knowledge of Rotary and the EU.
Stage 2: Club Level (October)
School winners proceed to a second interview panel with Rotary members to determine the overall Rotary Club winner. Students are expected to show a deeper understanding of leadership and European topics.
Stage 3: Zone Final (November)
Club winners advance to the Zone Final. Candidates are interviewed by an independent panel of non-Rotarian experts in leadership, youth work, and adjudication. Between 1 and 3 winners per zone are selected to take part in the main prize trip.
The Grand Prize: An Unforgettable Educational Journey
Taking place in late January or early February 2027, the trip takes winners across three political centers:
Belfast (Day 1): Visit the Parliament Buildings at Stormont, tour the facility, watch debates from the public gallery, and meet Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
Dublin (Day 2): Tour Europe House (including the interactive Europa Experience 360-degree cinema) alongside a visit to Dáil Éireann (Leinster House) and Seanad Éireann to meet Teachtaí Dála (TDs).
Strasbourg (Days 3–5): Travel to France to attend Euroscola at the European Parliament. Students debate real European issues with peers from across EU Member States, followed by a visit to the European Court of Human Rights.
Eligibility & Application Details
Age Criteria: Entrants must be over 16 years of age on 1st January 2027 and under 18 years of age on 31st March 2027.
Passports: Republic of Ireland residents require a valid EU passport. Northern Ireland students require a valid UK or EU passport. Students from Ukraine holding application status are also eligible. Passports must have at least 6 months' validity from the trip date.
