Budget 2026: Investing in Global Citizenship Education is Investing in Global Solidarity
Budget 2026: Investing in Global Citizenship Education is Investing in Global Solidarity
“Ireland has received international recognition for its development education strategies… Without additional investment, we cannot seize the opportunity to turn development-aware children into development-aware adults.” - OECD DAC Peer Review of Ireland
Read IDEA’s full Pre-Budget 2026 submission here
For over half a century, Ireland has invested in Global Citizenship Education (GCE), enabling people across the island to explore complex issues such as climate justice, human rights, and equality - and to take informed action for a more just and sustainable world.
Between 2021 and 2024, €33.6 million was invested in programmes reaching over 1.2 million people, helping to embed GCE across schools, communities, and other learning spaces. This investment has made Ireland a European and global leader in the field.
But in today’s turbulent context - with rising disinformation, polarisation, climate emergencies, and deepening inequalities - the need for GCE has never been greater. As Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora, Neale Richmond, told the IDEA Annual Conference in May 2025:
“Now is the time to focus on the hard issues… These are among the greatest challenges of our time.”
Why Now?
Budget 2026 comes at a critical moment. Ireland is:
- Running out of time to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
- Preparing a new national GCE strategy for the next five years.
- Operating in a global context where democratic values, human rights, and multilateral cooperation are under unprecedented strain.
The OECD has commended Ireland’s strong GCE strategies but has also warned that without additional investment, we risk falling short on SDG Target 4.7 - ensuring all learners acquire the knowledge and skills to promote sustainable development.
Our Key Budget 2026 Asks:
- Increase investment in GCE
Move towards the widely recognised target of 3% of Official Development Assistance (ODA), using a cross-departmental approach and accounting for inflation. Current spending is 1.2% of ODA - far below the €26 million annually needed to reach the 3% target. - Boost GCE/ESD funding under “ESD to 2030”
Provide adequate and dedicated funding for projects led by organisations, schools, and higher education institutions to ensure the successful delivery of the Second National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development. - Create dedicated GCE/ESD funding lines
Integrate and resource GCE/ESD within the SDG National Implementation Plan, Climate Action Plan, and National Action Plan Against Racism, recognising that climate justice and anti-racism are core components of global citizenship. - Increase Ireland’s ODA
Commit to a €300 million increase in Budget 2026 to make tangible progress towards the UN target of spending 0.7% of GNI on ODA by 2030. - Adopt Coalition 2030 recommendations
Implement budget measures that ensure resources reach those furthest behind first, and align budget lines with specific SDG targets.
Beyond Funding – Policy Coherence and Decent Work
In addition to resourcing, GCE requires stronger coordination across government departments and better integration into policies, institutions, and networks. GCE practitioners must also have secure, decent working conditions in line with SDG 8, ensuring that expertise is retained within the sector.
The Opportunity for Ireland
Ireland is respected globally for its principled, values-based approach to international development. By investing in GCE now, we can:
- Strengthen civic trust, participation, and resilience in our society.
- Equip citizens to navigate complex global challenges.
- Ensure Ireland remains a strong, independent voice for justice, solidarity, and human rights on the world stage.
Budget 2026 is our opportunity to protect the progress made, scale up impact, and deliver on our commitments.
IDEA and our members are ready to work with Irish Aid and across government to ensure Ireland continues to lead with integrity, foresight, and global solidarity.
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Read IDEA’s full Pre-Budget 2026 submission here to explore our recommendations in detail and see how, together, we can strengthen Global Citizenship Education in Ireland and beyond.
