Citizens of the World? Building global justice perspectives in challenging times

The  2013 IDEA Annual Conference  focused on the theme of “Global Citizenship” and considered how we can harness the energy of new social movements and individual activists as they respond to the global crisis, in our development education practice. Key questions explored during the day included:

  • In the European Year of Citizens, is global inequality part of the conversation?
  • In teaching about global citizenship issues, what progress have we made in moving from a charity mindset to a justice perspective? 
  • How can the Development Education community bring the energy and passion about local and global crises into learning spaces to make citizenship education a more engaging and dynamic process? 

The opening session with keynote speakers Bahia Shehab and  Maureen Freely , proved an inspirational start to the day, with Bahia sharing her personal journey to becoming an active citizen in Egypt and Maureen contributing an insightful and interesting overview of the current situation in Turkey, while situating this within the historical context.  Their inputs highlighted the role of individuals in stepping beyond their usual roles and comfort zone and overcoming the barrier of fear to take a stand as active citizens in protecting human rights and creating the space for a vibrant democracy.  A common thread was the need to learn from the past and other examples from across the globe in order to develop new leadership and a critical citizenship. The significant role of social media in spreading messages about crises as they unfold was also to the fore, enabling people to become ‘citizen reporters’ and share their perspectives and experiences with a global audience. Creativity, the use of humour and the power of storytelling were shared as examples of ways in which activists can convey a message in a non-threatening and peaceful way, while capturing the imagination of the broader public and contributing to a viral effect.

The panel discussion built on these themes and considered ways in which the energy described above can be channeled into educational spaces and learners supported to take action on issues of concern. The need for educators to overcome their own fears of moving beyond a comfort zone and safe parameters for discussion with learners and to embrace creativity was also acknowledged. The space and support for individual versus collective action and critical debate was also raised as an issue in Irish education, with significant scope to improve the centrality of global education to the curriculum and to broaden the conception of what it means to be an active citizen, beyond that of voting in elections.

The conference also introduced IDEA’s new EU project,  Challenging the Crisis,  which aims to engage young EU citizens from highly indebted countries to become informed and active advocates on global justice. A second workshop encouraged participants to unleash their own imagination in considering the use of the public space around Wood Quay as a vibrant place for active citizenship.

Overall the day was highly engaging and challenged us to step beyond our comfort zones and be active!

September 17, 2025
Date: Wednesday 26 November, 10.00am – 3.30pm Location: Richmond Barracks, Inchicore, Dublin 8, D08 YY05 IDEA is looking forward to welcoming all members of the Code of Good Practice for Development Education to our next Code network meeting on Wednesday, 26 November, in Richmond Barracks in Inchicore, Dublin. There are places for two representatives (staff, volunteers, etc.) from each Code member. One of the commitments in joining the Code is to contribute to the Community of Practice for this Code, including sharing successes and learning with other Code members and attending at least one of two Code network meetings annually. Register below!
By Maximiliana Eligi Mtenga September 12, 2025
Over the past few months, IDEA and its members co-created a new strategic vision and roadmap for GCE in Ireland for the next five years. This is the successor to Vision 2025 and is called Vision 2030. We are delighted to announce that we will launch the publication of Vision 2030 on Tuesday 21 October 2025 in the Georgian Suite of Buswells Hotel, 23-27 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, 12 noon – 12.45pm. Refreshments will be provided. Please save the date and register below for the event. Please note that there is limited space at this event and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Once capacity has been reached, a waiting list will be opened.
September 12, 2025
We’re Hiring - Capacity Development Programme Manager The Irish Development Education Association (IDEA) is looking for a Capacity Development Programme Manager to join our team. This is a unique leadership opportunity to help shape the future of Global Citizenship Education (GCE) in Ireland and beyond. At IDEA, we work with over 100 members, from large NGOs like Trócaire and Concern to smaller organisations and individual educators, all committed to building a more just, equal, and sustainable world. The Capacity Development Programme Manager role is central to this mission. Key role responsibilities: Lead IDEA’s capacity development programme , ensuring our members and the wider sector have access to high-quality training, workshops, and networking opportunities. Design and deliver flagship events , including our annual conference, webinars, and seminars that strengthen skills, knowledge, and collaboration. Drive innovation and impact , ensuring our programmes respond to members’ needs, emerging challenges, and international best practice. Champion impact measurement and research , supporting our members to demonstrate the transformative power of Development and Global Citizenship Education. Collaborate across IDEA teams on policy, advocacy, and communications, ensuring capacity-building directly contributes to systemic change. Represent IDEA nationally and internationally , ensuring Ireland continues to be seen as a leader in the global conversation on education, equality, and sustainability. The role offers: A permanent contract (subject to funding) Hybrid working based in Dublin city centre Competitive salary, employer pension contribution and 25 days annual leave The opportunity to work at the heart of a dynamic national network with strong international links If you are an experienced leader with a passion for education, social justice, and building the capacity of civil society, this could be the role for you. Deadline for applications is Monday, 13 October, 5.00pm. Interviews: Week commencing 20 October 2025 For the full role description and application process, please download the Job Specification here