'Went above and beyond'- Carlow student wins prestigious climate ambassador award

A Carlow student won an award at the An Taisce’s annual Climate Ambassador Awards recently for his hard work and dedication.

Carlow’s Franek Dobronski, who is a DCU student, went above and beyond as a Climate Ambassador in 2025. 

Throughout the Climate Ambassador Programme, Outstanding Achievement Award Winner Franek Dobronski, elevated youth voices, promoted sustainability, and called for social justice.

Franek raised awareness on issues from climate action to sustainable transport and affordable student housing. 

As an active member of DCU’s Climate Action Society and the National Youth Council of Ireland, Franek helped to create spaces where young people can connect, organise, and be heard. 

On national platforms, Franek moderated the National Youth Assembly on Climate, contributed to the National Mobility Stakeholders Forum 2025, participated in the National Economic Dialogue as a youth delegate, and is a member of the Climate Action Programme Youth Advisory Panel or CAPYAP.

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On the international level, Franek was invited by the European Commission Representation in Ireland for Europe Day and later travelled to the European Parliament in Strasbourg for the European Youth Event, engaging with MEPs and Commissioners on climate and sustainability.

Closer to home, Franek organised swap shops in DCU, supported the Clubs & Societies Fair, and worked with NYCI on an online consultation for Ireland’s COP30 preparations, and contributed at the National Rural Youth Assembly. 

“I think the programme provides people with a platform in youth advocacy” Franek Dobronski

The room was filled with a wonderfully diverse group of people, differing in the counties they call home, their generation, occupation, interests, skills, life experiences, and journey, yet they all share a common connection as Climate Ambassadors and their dedication to planet protection.

Ten awards were presented, with the honoured Climate Ambassadors representing organic farmers and horticulturists, Lions Clubbers, educators, sustainable travellers, active retirees, Tidy Towners, TY and college students. 

Cathy Baxter, Director of Education and Community Action, said, “I was delighted to present the Climate Ambassador Awards on behalf of An Taisce and want to acknowledge how this programme fosters a dynamic network of changemakers, driving awareness, sustainability and behavioural change at a local and often national level”.