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 


IDEA

The ABC of Global Citizenship Education 2025

July 15, 2025
Fees for members of IDEA is €50.00 and non-members of IDEA is €100.00. Fee for unwaged (refugees, asylum seekers, students, others) is €3.00

Tender: Video Designer / Animator (Explainer + Educational Focus)

July 14, 2025
IDEA is looking for a video production company/ animator for an upcoming video project. We have funding available to create a short animated educational video resource for members as part of The Code of Good Practice. The video will help viewers understand what quality GCE is and why it matters in the world today. The intended audience for the video are people who are connected to the Code of Good Practice and GCE in their work but not yet very familiar with it e.g. non-GCE staff in member organisations, board members of member organisations, teachers, youth workers, European partners, new members to the Code and new staff to IDEA member organisations. Please submit your CV and a short letter of interest outlining a proposal for the video (including the number of days you envisage and the fee) to code@ideaonline.ie. The deadline for application is Wednesday, 30 July 05pm. Click here for the full terms of reference.

International GCE Exchange: Latvian Delegation Visits Dublin as Part of IDEA’s Erasmus+ Partnership

July 4, 2025
In June, a delegation from our Erasmus+ partner organisation LAPAS (Latvian Platform for Development Cooperation) visited Dublin for a two-day learning and exchange visit hosted by IDEA. The visit was part of an ongoing collaboration with LAPAS to strengthen quality global citizenship education (GCE) in Ireland and Latvia, using the IDEA Code of Good Practice as a framework. You can find out more about the Erasmus+ project here.