IDEA to Honour President Higgins at Annual Conference

IDEA to Honour President Higgins with Inaugural Global Voice for Humanity Award at Annual Conference

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IDEA is deeply honoured to announce that we will be presenting President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins with our inaugural Global Voice for Humanity Award at the IDEA annual conference on Wednesday, 28 May at the Grand Hotel, Malahide, Dublin. 


The Global Voice for Humanity Award has been created by IDEA to honour individuals whose life and work exemplify the values at the heart of Global Citizenship Education and Development Education - values such as justice, human dignity, solidarity, critical thinking, and the power of education to transform lives and societies. 


As Ireland’s national network for Development Education and Global Citizenship Education, IDEA represents over 100 organisations and educators working to foster global justice through learning. The award seeks to celebrate those who have used their voice, leadership, and vision to inspire positive change - both within Ireland and globally. 


It is difficult to imagine a more fitting first recipient than President Higgins. A former academic and lecturer, poet, parliamentarian, Minister for the Arts, and now President of Ireland, he has spent his life standing up for the marginalised, promoting peace and equality, and advocating for a fairer world. Through his words and his actions, he has consistently reflected the values that guide the Global Citizenship Education community. 


“President Higgins has long been a rare kind of leader - someone who combines intellectual courage with deep humanity. He has spent a lifetime speaking out against injustice, standing with the marginalised, and challenging us to think critically and act with compassion. Through his words, his leadership, and his example, he has inspired generations across Ireland and beyond to believe in the power of education and the responsibility of citizenship. In honouring him with the Global Voice for Humanity Award, we’re not only recognising his legacy - we’re celebrating the values that drive our work every day: justice, dignity, solidarity, and hope. It’s a privilege to honour him in the company of our members and the wider community at a time when those values are needed more than ever.”  Ruairí McKiernan, CEO of IDEA 


The award will be presented during a special ceremony from 12-1pm, as part of IDEA’s all-day Annual Conference 2025.


Neale Richmond, Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for International Development and Diaspora will address the conference, which will be attended by organisations and educators across the Global Citizenship Education and Development Education sector. 



IDEA Conference 2025 


The theme of this year’s conference, “Reclaiming Ground for Hope, Alternatives, and Action” invites us to come together to reflect, reconnect, and reimagine the role of transformative education in building a better future. 


The IDEA Annual Conference 2025 brings together educators, community leaders, artists, activists, and change-makers for a day of music, workshops, fireside chats, panel discussions, and shared learning. 


This year’s powerful line-up of speakers includes


Grace Dyas - award-winning artist, activist, and director 

Joe Caslin - street artist and educator whose public work has inspired national conversations 

Dean Oke - youth worker and spoken word artist using creativity for social impact 

Neale Richmond - Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for International Development and Diaspora

Senator Lynn Ruane - Senator and lifelong campaigner for equality and community justice 

Seán McCabe - Head of Climate Justice at Bohemian FC, bridging sport and social change 

Donnah Vuma - human rights advocate and migrant justice leader 

And many more contributors across education, activism, and creative practice. 


This will be a landmark moment for the IDEA community - a day to pause, honour, connect, and gather strength for the work ahead. It will also be an opportunity to come together in deep appreciation of a President whose life’s work reflects the very spirit of global solidarity and justice we strive to nurture every day - through education, community, and courageous action. We hope you’ll join us. 


Please note: Attendance is by registration only and spaces are almost fully booked. A few final places remain - once full, a waiting list will be established. 


Conference details & registration 


For any questions relating specifically to the awards ceremony, please contact:ruairi@ideaonline.ie 


August 11, 2025
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.
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August 2, 2025
Catch-up on a Summer of Learning!
July 24, 2025
IDEA invites tender submissions from interested auditing service suppliers to provide auditing and associated professional services to the organisation from the year ending 31 December 2025. IDEA is seeking to engage an experienced auditing service firm that will provide the full range of auditing services required to fulfil its statutory obligations, to comply with relevant accounting and reporting standards and best practice. All submissions to be made to sal@ideaonline.ie You can find the full details here. The deadline for the application is Monday, 11 August, 5pm .