About IDEA

The Irish Development Education Association (IDEA) is the national network for Development Education in Ireland and a leading voice for the sector. We represent over 120 members involved in the practice, promotion and advancement of Development Education in formal, non-formal and informal settings. Together we work to strengthen Development Education in Ireland and to raise awareness of the crucial role of Development Education in achieving an equal, just and sustainable future.

Development Education is at the core of our work. It enables people to understand the world around them and to act to transform it. It works to tackle the root causes of injustice and inequality, globally and locally to create a more just and sustainable future for everyone.


IDEA uses Development Education as a term that includes Global Citizenship Education, Education for Sustainable Development, and related terms. Our members sometimes use different terms, depending on the nature of their work, or their areas of specialism.

IDEA’s focus is supporting and advancing Development Education in Ireland and internationally. We do this by championing the sector through advocacy and awareness building, strengthening members’ capacity to deliver Development Education, and our pioneering work on expanding the space for Development Education and illustrating its impact.


Established in 2004, IDEA grew out of calls from the Development Education sector for an umbrella body to represent them nationally. We are funded by Irish Aid and are one of its strategic partners. IDEA’s programme is also funded by Trócaire and Concern.

Vision

IDEA's vision is a world where all people are active global citizens.

Mission

IDEA’s mission is to advance and champion global citizenship and sustainable development by supporting and representing our members’ Development Education work.

Strategy

IDEA's Strategic Plan 2019 – 2023 is a framework for working with our members towards our shared vision.


Our strategic aims are:

  • Strengthening: Increasing the capacity of the Development Education sector
  • Pioneering: Expanding the space for Development Education and illustrating impact
  • Championing: Building awareness and advocating for the value of Development Education to wider audiences 
IDEA's Strategic Plan 2019 – 2023
Image of IDEA Championing poster - Graphic harvest of IDEA's Championing, Pioneering and strengthening

"IDEA provides an invaluable platform within the sector for a rich exchange of ideas and practice"


Annual Members Survey


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