Dr. Audrey Bryan is an Associate Professor of Sociology in the School of Human Development, Dublin City University. Her most recent work asks:What educationally and socially transformative possibilities exist when emotion, affect and feeling are taken seriously as a focus of educational research and practice?
Future trends in Development Education
Friday 26 November, 12.30-2pm
This lunchtime webinar will provide a look forward at future trends and emerging issues in Development Education/Global Citizenship Education. We will identify and explore possibilities and problems influencing how development education is conceived and practised.
The session will be moderated by Dervla King. Dervla is programme manager with Comhlámh, which supports international volunteers and development workers to act in solidarity for a just, equitable and sustainable world.
Speakers include Dr Audrey Bryan Associate Professor of Sociology in the School of Human Development, Dublin City University. Audrey will share her research on a new ‘emotional paradigm’ within education that is influencing Development Education, including the increasing emphasis on neurologically-informed approaches to the pursuit of global justice goals and competencies such as mindfulness, empathy and compassion, on the one hand, and increasing recognition of the need to attend to difficult emotions within Global Citizenship Education, on the other.
She will be joined by Edward Vickers, Professor of Comparative Education at Kyushu University in Japan. Edward will discuss the political context for this focus on social-emotional learning along with 'brain science' and educational technology, drawing on his own recent experience of educational development work. He will show how an excessive focus on learning at the level of individual 'brains' decontextualises and depoliticises educational debate, in ways profoundly convenient to those determined to preserve the political and socio-economic status quo.
They will also be joined by Joyce Raanhuis, a doctoral student at the Centre for International Teacher Education (CITE), Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in Cape Town. She will draw upon her research and experiences of teacher professional development in the South African context, and will discuss the influences of Development Education and social cohesion and their relevance towards building a just society.
The webinar is aimed at anyone with an interest in Development Education, both newcomers and established practitioners, IDEA members and representatives from other sectors, and other parts of the World.
It will run over lunchtime so feel free to enjoy your lunch during it.
If you have questions, or would like to know more, please contact us.
Biographies
Edward Vickers is Professor of Comparative Education at Kyushu University in Japan, where he also holds the UNESCO Chair on Education for Peace, Social Justice and Global Citizenship. He researches the history and politics of education in contemporary East Asia. He is author (with Zeng Xiaodong) of Education and Society in Post-Mao China (2017), and co-editor of Remembering Asia's World War Two (2019). With Yoko Mochizuki and Krishna Kumar, he wrote the 2017 UNESCO report, Rethinking Schooling for the 21st Century. He is President of the Comparative Education Society of Asia.
Joyce Raanhuis is a doctoral student at the Centre for International Teacher Education (CITE), Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in Cape Town, with a background in Migration Studies from the University of Sussex, UK. Her doctoral research focuses on the role of teacher professional development programmes for social cohesion in the field of education in post-apartheid South Africa. Furthermore, her research interests include post-conflict education, social justice, and migration.
The Irish Development Education Association (IDEA) has joined a growing coalition of Irish civil society groups in endorsing a critical open letter, urging the Irish government to formally join the Hague Group and push for an end to the genocide of the Palestinian people. The appeal, initiated by IDEA members Comhlámh and Afri, demands that Ireland act decisively ahead of the Hague Group’s 20 September deadline, coinciding with the 80th UN General Assembly. Ireland has already sent a representative to participate in a recent Hague Group meeting, signalling its engagement with this urgent international initiative. However, civil society organisations stress that formal membership and full endorsement of the Group’s six measures is now essential if Ireland is to match its words with action. Halting arms transfers to Israel. Preventing military transit and servicing of vessels carrying such goods. Enforcing shipping controls, including penalties like de‑flagging. Reviewing public contracts to eliminate state support for occupation. Pursuing national or international investigations for serious international crimes. Enabling domestic prosecutions using international jurisdiction. The open letter outlines grave concerns over escalating atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank, including settler violence, land dispossession, home demolitions, and forced displacement. It points out that, while UN efforts have been blocked, the Hague Group offers an immediate and tangible path toward justice. For IDEA, the call is also about upholding the principles of Global Citizenship Education (GCE). At its core, GCE is an educational process that helps people of all ages understand global interdependence, think critically about injustice, and develop the skills to take meaningful action. It cultivates empathy, solidarity, and responsibility, encouraging learners to connect local and global struggles. Supporting the Hague Group is therefore not only a matter of foreign policy, but also an expression of Ireland’s commitment to educate for justice and to model these values in practice. Ireland has until 20 September to join the 13 countries that have already committed to six concrete pledges at the Hague Group summit. As the deadline approaches, this coalition is calling on all TDs and Senators to publicly back Ireland’s membership, advocate for the six pledges within government ranks, and ensure that formal commitment is secured before the UN General Assembly convenes. Find out more here.
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. _______________________________________________________ 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.
Catch-up on a Summer of Learning!
