A new all-island initiative, UNESCO Together, will for the first time bring Ireland’s UNESCO-designated places into a single collaborative network, aiming to advance peacebuilding, reconciliation, youth engagement and shared heritage over the next two years.

The alongside the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark, and is fully funded through the PEACEPLUS Change Makers Programme. More than 650 cross-border participations are planned, spanning workshops, cultural events, environmental activities and online exchanges.

Dublin will play a central role in shaping the cross-border partnership by drawing on its two UNESCO designations: the Dublin Bay Biosphere Reserve and Dublin UNESCO City of Literature. Through these strengths, the capital will help drive creative exchanges, environmental learning, youth programmes and long-term strategic planning across the network.

As a UNESCO City of Literature since 2010—the fourth in the world—Dublin supports, promotes and develops both its literary heritage and contemporary literary life, underlining creativity as a cornerstone of sustainable development. The Dublin UNESCO City of Literature office, managed by Dublin City Libraries, works with the city’s creative community to continually enhance Dublin’s literary profile and experience. The Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere Reserve illustrates how a major city can protect sensitive natural environments while enabling sustainable community use. Working with Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council, Dublin Port Company, Fáilte Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Dublin City Council seeks to connect people and nature by building understanding and appreciation of Dublin Bay’s unique natural heritage. This collaborative model showcases environmental stewardship across administrative boundaries, balancing biodiversity conservation, recreation, education and sustainable economic activity within a shared landscape.

UNESCO Together will connect Ireland’s Biosphere Reserves, Creative Cities, World Heritage Sites, Global Geoparks and Tentative Sites, opening new opportunities for shared learning, sustainable tourism and community engagement.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daryl Barron, said, "Dublin is proud to contribute to UNESCO Together through our two UNESCO designations – Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Dublin UNESCO City of Literature. Together they showcase the very best of our city: our unique natural environment and our rich cultural heritage. By working with UNESCO partners across the island, we have an opportunity to strengthen connections, inspire young people, share knowledge and demonstrate how culture and nature can help build more sustainable, inclusive and resilient communities."

At its core, the project will shape a long-term roadmap for UNESCO collaboration across Ireland, including exploring a potential UNESCO Tourism Trail to celebrate the island’s most remarkable cultural and natural landmarks.