Generation Z flocking back for second Zeminar
MORE than 16,000 members of Generation Z are expected to attend the second annual Zeminar event in Dublin’s RDS this week.
The education, empowerment and well-being event is aimed at 15 to 20-year-olds as well as teachers, parents and youth leaders. Organisers say Ireland’s “post-millennial Generation Z” will shine a spotlight on key societal, environmental and policy issues that are important to them. Among the topics to be discussed across the threeday event are homelessness, mental resilience, addiction, equality, sexuality and the future of work.
Generation Z is said to be accountable for nearly €44bn of buying power annually and, by 2020, will make up 4pc of global consumers.
“Thirteen percent of Gen Z’ers already own and run their own business and have a clear role in shaping the future of society – that’s really something Ireland and the rest of the world will have to contend with. We’re only beginning to scratch the surface of the impact this group will have,” said Zeminar co-founder Ian Fitzpatrick.
“We always knew this was an engaged group who will effect significant social change, but we’re only beginning to get a sense of the scale of this movement. Hearing directly from Gen Z on the things they care about gives us unique insight to support and enable these young people,” said Damien Clarke, the other co-founder.
Today’s speakers include Olympic heroes Paul and Gary O’Donovan, obesity expert Prof Donal O’Shea, and homelessness activist Sister Stan.