IDEA Election Manifesto 2024

IDEA Election Manifesto 2024

Ireland in a Changed and Turbulent World: A Manifesto for a Society Ready to Overcome Local and Global Challenges


In a world of rapid change and mounting crises, Ireland must prioritise equipping its citizens with the education, values, and skills necessary to overcome both local and global challenges. From climate breakdown and deepening inequality to the spread of disinformation, discrimination, and the rise of racism - this new era presents unprecedented issues that demand informed and engaged collective responses.
Ireland’s commitment to Global Citizenship Education (which includes Education for Sustainable Development) plays a crucial role in fostering the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values needed to navigate today’s interconnected world.


By embracing these educational frameworks, in line with our commitment to achieving Sustainable Development
Goal Target 4.7, we affirm our dedication to justice, peace, democracy, human rights, partnership, global solidarity, and environmental stewardship.


Our efforts are already having a real
impact, such as improving school curricula and teacher education and reaching at least 362,000 learners across Ireland in 2023 alone. However, the scope and urgency of today’s crises call for renewed dedication and focus. Ireland must strengthen its commitment to Global Citizenship Education as we navigate complex, interconnected challenges at home and abroad, while approaching critical climate tipping points. This requires increased investment, strategic prioritisation, and a whole-of-government approach.


Only by championing Global Citizenship Education and taking decisive action can we ensure that Ireland and its people are prepared to meet the pressing challenges of our time, fostering a more sustainable and fairer society in a turbulent world.


In the next Programme for Government, Ireland must:

  • Significantly increase our investment in Global Citizenship Education and Education for Sustainable Development while instituting a whole-of-government approach.


To download a PDF version of this manifesto, click here.


IDEA has also developed a Global Education Champion candidate pledge for candidates to sign up to.

If you are a candidate who would like to sign it or if you are a member of IDEA and would like to send the pledge to candidates, please contact Leigh at leigh@ideaonline.ie 


May 12, 2025
IDEA to Honour President Higgins with Inaugural Global Voice for Humanity Award at Annual Conference
May 2, 2025
Dates: Thursday 10 July,10.00am-6.00pm and Friday 11 July, 10.00am-3.00pm Location: An Tairseach, Wicklow IDEA is thrilled to open applications for our second iteration of the IDEA's Lab. In this first of its kind residential Lab, we will create space where members can bring their ideas for projects and try out new planning and design methods. Participants will have the opportunity to work on an idea from scratch to (almost) finish with the support of expert trainers and learn through group exchange in a welcoming and inspiring setting. Participants will come out of the training with: An early project design proofed, tested and built through group feedback, iteration, trialling and support. New approaches in designing innovative projects they can apply to their workplace Headspace and time to work on the design of an innovative project A chance to actively learn through group exchange and strengthen the sense of an innovative community of practice in Ireland How? Please email anya@ideaonline.ie to request an application form. Requesting an application form does not commit you to applying. The deadline for returning application form (including organisational sign off letter) is Friday 23 May, midnight . You will find further details in the application form. Participants must register as a team of 2min.- 4 max. Participants without a team member will be asked to pair up with other individual participants or find a partner outside their organisation. Cost : This training is funded by Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs and offered at a reduced rate. This training is only available to IDEA members. Non-IDEA members can participant as part of an IDEA member team. Fees for members of IDEA is €50  Irish Aid is the Government’s overseas development programme which supports partners working in some of the world’s poorest countries. Irish Aid also supports global citizenship education in Ireland to encourage learning and public engagement with global issues the ideas, opinions and comments expressed in this training are entirely the responsibility of its author(s) and do not necessarily represent or reflect DFA policy. Timeline: Applications open: 07 May Applications close: 23 May, midnight Preparatory session with trainer (30min, online): Mid June Lab arrival: Where possible we advise arrival on Wednesday 09 July in the evening. Accommodation and food will be provided from 09 July, 5.00pm - 11 July, 3.00pm Lab: 10 July,10.00am-6.00pm. 11 July, 10.00am-3.00pm Please don’t hesitate to get in touch at anya@ideaonline.ie if any of the above pose a barrier to your participation, or if you have any other questions.
April 29, 2025
Wednesday 18 June, 10.00am - 4.00pm Wynn’s Hotel, Abbey Street Lower, Dublin 1