Eiad Husham is a Sudanese independent journalist with extensive experience in investigative reporting covering conflict and the human cost of the arms trade.. Currently working with Sudans Post, Ayin, The New Humanitarian, The New Internationalist and Geeska Platform, he focuses on conflict, governance and human rights. Eiad aims to amplify marginalised voices and connect Sudan’s local realities with global audiences through in-depth storytelling.
Exploring Contemporary Crises and Issues through Global Citizenship Education: Between Neutrality and Militarisation
Date: Wednesday 30 April, 12.30-2.00pm
Location:
Online via Zoom
Global tensions are rising, with increasing drum beats of war and militarism. The human cost of war, conflict and genocide is evident across the globe while the arms trade is profiting hugely from this bloodshed. Militarism fuels violence, displacement and inequality threatening life on every continent. In Ireland, the long-held policy of military neutrality is also coming under threat, and the war in Ukraine has pushed the European Union ever closer towards a militaristic approach to security and defence. For some, Irish neutrality is an illusion amid growing geopolitical turbulence, while for others, it is at the core of who we are in terms of peacekeeping, conflict resolution, and humanitarian interventions.
What does the future hold for Ireland’s role internationally? The ethos of Global Citizenship Education is based on global solidarity, empathy, and partnership, as well as challenging unequal power relations. How do we explore militarization through this lens and encourage critical thinking in the face of political hostilities?
This third session will explore the topics of militarisation, neutrality, and peace education. Speakers will share their experiences and knowledge on the topic to equip educators to explore issues related to militarisation locally and globally. Participants will gain insight into the global arms trade and conflict, as well as increased confidence to incorporate these topics into their work as educators. Participants will also have time dedicated to a Question & Answer session.
Image Credit: Myko Makhlai
Attribution: Unsplash
Open Space Enquiry (OSPe)
This webinar is part of IDEA's ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive, participatory spaces for dialogue and learning. The webinar uses Open Space Enquiry (OSPe), an approach that encourages open, curiosity-driven conversation and reflection. We aim to create a respectful space where diverse voices, experiences, and methods can be explored in the spirit of learning, critical thinking, and global citizenship.
Disclaimer
The views, opinions, and perspectives expressed by any speaker, host, facilitator, trainer or participant in IDEA webinars, seminars, events, talks, trainings, workshops, videos or podcasts are solely those of the individual(s) concerned. These views do not necessarily reflect IDEA's official policy, position, or values, its National Council, its members, funders, or partner organisations. IDEA provides platforms for dialogue and learning in the spirit of critical engagement, inclusivity, and diversity of thought. The hosting or facilitation of any individual, group or event does not constitute endorsement of any specific viewpoint expressed.
Speakers
Niamh Ní Bhriain coordinates the Transnational Institute's (TNI) War and Pacification programme, which focuses on the permanent state of war and pacification of resistance. She holds an LLM in International Human Rights Law from the Irish Centre for Human Rights at the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG).
Before coming to TNI, Niamh spent a number of years living in Colombia and Mexico working with civil society organisations and the UN in the areas of peace-building, transitional justice, the protection of Human Rights Defenders and conflict analysis. She also spent some time in Brussels doing political advocacy before European institutions related to the conflict in Colombia.
Katie Martin is the Coordinator of Afri (Action from Ireland), an organisation committed to peace, justice, human rights, and sustainability since 1975. As an experienced GCE practitioner, Katie passionately advocates for creative and engaging methodologies, seeing their efficacy as powerful catalysts for deeper understanding and action for our shared world. She believes critical hope, active citizenship, and decolonisation are key in imagining and creating more peaceful and equitable futures. Katie holds two first-class honours degrees, a BA in International Relations from DCU and an MA in International Peacebuilding, Security, and Development Practice from Maynooth University. Last but certainly not least, Katie is a proud member of Comhlámh Justice for Palestine, a very active solidarity group based in Dublin.
Moderator
Ruairí McKiernan is the CEO of IDEA, the Irish Development Education Association. His activism has spanned various causes, including anti-war campaigns, environmental protection, mental health reform, and gender-based violence. Ruairí’s international experience includes youth development work in Tanzania, and he recently returned from living in Australia, where he focused on Indigenous rights and advocated for reform of the gambling industry. Ruairí is also a regular media contributor, a published non-fiction author, and the host of a popular social change podcast, Love and Courage. Ruairí is the founder and former CEO of the pioneering national youth organisation Spunout. He served on the Council of State for seven years as one of President Michael D. Higgins's appointees. He was part of the founding team behind Uplift, the digital campaigning organisation, and established Change Innovations, a social impact consultancy. He has held leadership roles with the refugee and migrant rights organisation Doras and the global empathy education charity Narrative 4. He has also worked closely with the peace and justice group Afri on development education, public engagement, and campaigning for many years.
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!
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.
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
