Climate, Culture & Hope: A Conversation with Michael D. Higgins

Sunday 28 June, 3.30pm-4.45pm, Festival Tent, Father Burke Park, Galway. This event is free. Register here.


Former President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, internationally respected as a leading voice on culture, citizenship and social change, joins the Galway Climate Inspirations Festival, presented in association with IDEA – the Irish Development Education Association, for a special feature conversation on the afternoon of Sunday 28 June.


In this unique fireside chat, Michael D. Higgins will be joined by Ruairí McKiernan – campaigner, author and CEO of the IDEA – the Irish Development Education Association – for a thought-provoking discussion on climate action, sustainability and the role of arts, culture and education in helping shape a fairer future.


Across decades of public life, Michael D. Higgins has consistently highlighted the importance of imagination, creativity and community in responding to society’s greatest challenges. Drawing on his long connection to Galway, his championing of the arts in Ireland, and reflections through poetry and public life, this promises to be a rich and timely conversation on how we inspire action and create hope in a changing world. The event will also feature guest performances by Galway musician Áine Tyrrell and youth poet Princess Mimi Chukwudi.


The event forms part of the award-winning Galway Climate Inspirations Festival - a celebration of positive climate action bringing together creativity, community, music, food and fresh thinking.


About the Climate Inspirations Festival 2026


The award-winning
Climate Inspirations Festival 2026, a landmark celebration of creativity, innovation, and community action in response to the climate crisis, will take place from 24-28 June 2026 in various venues throughout Galway City. It brings together artists, scientists, council staff, and local communities to explore how storytelling and culture can accelerate climate solutions.


The five‑day festival will feature more than thirty events, including interactive exhibitions, climate art installations, live music, a community fair, a melting potluck, sustainability workshops, and keynote talks and panels from sustainability leaders. The programme is designed to spark public imagination and empower communities to take meaningful climate action.


Register here!



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September 26, 2026
Date: Tuesday 01 December, 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 Tuesday 1 December, 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. If you have questions, please contact code@ideaonline.ie.  Register below!
September 23, 2026
IDEA, in partnership with Concern Worldwide, is undertaking research on Global North-South partnerships in Global Citizenship Education/ Development Education, with a focus on collaborations between organisations on the island of Ireland and organisations and communities in the Global South. The research aims to identify good practices and develop practical guidance that can support organisations in strengthening equitable partnerships as central to quality GCE/DE. The research looks at the ways organisations, educators and learners collaborate and work together on educational activities that enable them to understand the root causes of injustice and inequality at local and global levels, and prepare them to engage and build a more just and sustainable future; and at how these collaborations are guided by principles such as mutual learning, solidarity, and an understanding of how local and global issues, people, and systems are interconnected. We would greatly value your contribution to this research whether your organisation has developed such partnerships or not, as the barriers or concerns will also be considered. Your contribution will help inform IDEA´s ongoing work to support the sector and IDEA members, while also informing Concern Worldwide's Global Citizenship Education programme. Findings will be shared (in an aggregate manner or with prior permission) in a hybrid workshop in Dublin's Carmelite Centre on 25 November 2026. You can contribute by: Completing a short survey , following this link: Survey in English . Answers will remain anonymous, unless you decide to provide specific details of your practices for good practice sharing. Sharing this invitation with those that you think could contribute-either organisations on the island of Ireland or partners in the Global South. The survey is also available in French and Spanish. Survey in French/ Enquête en français - Survey in Spanish/Encuesta en español . Agreeing to an online interview ; approx. 30-45 minutes in September/October. Sharing information about your practice via email to Celina Del Felice* (Researcher, celinadelfelice@gmail.com and Lizzy Noone (Capacity Development Manager at IDEA, lizzy@ideaonline.ie ). Taking part in an online session to discuss the findings and provide feedback on a practical guide on the topic. If you have questions and are interested in taking part, please do not hesitate to contact Celina Del Felice (Researcher, celinadelfelice@gmail.com ) and/or Lizzy Noone (Capacity Development Manager at IDEA, lizzy@ideaonline.ie ).
September 23, 2026
IDEA is seeking a consultant to analyse data captured during the pilot of the Theory of Impact for the GCE tool. The purpose of this assignment is both to understand what the pilot data can tell us about the contribution and reach of GCE activity, and to identify what IDEA can learn from the pilot data to strengthen the quality, consistency and usefulness of future data collection. Timeframe Deadline to apply: Tuesday, 06 October, 1.00pm Initial briefing with IDEA staff: Friday, 09 October First draft of report due: Wednesday, 21 October, 1.00pm Feedback from IDEA: Thursday, 29 October Final report due: Monday, 02 November Presentation of findings (provisional dates): Members involved in the pilot and impact measurement process: Friday, 06 November Public event for IDEA members and interested stakeholders: Thursday, 19 November How to Apply Please submit: A concise CV (maximum 2-3 pages) A proposal outlining: Relevant experience Referees for similar work A brief description of your proposed methodology The proposed number of days required Details of staff involved (where relevant) Your fee Please send your completed application to lizzy@ideaonline.ie and elaine@ideaonline.ie by Tuesday, 06 October, 1.00pm. The full terms of reference is here