The competition inspires students to learn the basic tenets of Ireland’s foreign policy, and to consider how they can contribute to shaping it. The prize for 30 Transition Year and Year 12 students across the island will be an opportunity to view first-hand the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through a week-long programme that will be held in the headquarters of the Department in Iveagh House on St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin.

Students can enter the competition in one of two ways: with a short written composition or a recorded video entry. This year’s chosen theme, Honouring the Past, Imagining the Future, encourages students to consider Ireland’s rich past and how it might help to inform our future role and impact on the global stage, particularly within the context of next year’s commemorations of the 1916 Rising, the Battle of the Somme, and the 60th anniversary of Ireland’s accession to the UN.

Only one entry per school is permitted and must be received by the Department on or before Monday, 30 November. Competition packs will be sent to all schools.

More information and how to enter