Message of Support from President Michael D. Higgins for #LightTheWay

May I congratulate all of you for gathering in Ireland today on this Global Day of Action which has been organised, a message of hope, urgency and action to the Heads of State who will gather at the United Nations in New York tomorrow in order to agree the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

Tomorrow the world’s decision-makers will agree what we all hope will be an ambitious but achievable plan of action for our people, our planet and our welfare, a plan that will seek to strengthen universal peace and by eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions. 

It is my hope that by 2030, we will look back on the 25 th September 2015 as a decisive moment in global history; a moment when the nations of the world united to secure peace, to deliver freedom, equality and human rights for all and to eradicate poverty and hunger, to achieve a human flourishing in a sustainable and peaceful planet in all its diversity.

It is the challenge for all of us – elected representatives, NGO workers, students, activists and concerned citizens – over the next fifteen years, to use whatever means we have at our disposal to continue to hold governments to account, to press for implementation and ensure that decisions are truly based on the needs of the people, and particularly those who are marginalised and most vulnerable, our sisters and brothers in the human family worldwide. 

It is the task of all of us to ensure that governments genuinely implement the post-2015 sustainable development agenda and the interlinked climate action plan that will emerge from COP21 this December in Paris, and that they put monitoring in place that will enable us all to turn the agreements into a reality for this and future generations.  

Today’s gathering is an important and inspiring one; an act of global solidarity, a gathering which gives us all confidence and hope that, with the support of engaged citizens around the world we will, in fifteen years time, stand up and declare with one global voice that ‘we have truly transformed the world.’

Go raibh mile maith agaibh go léir

Michael D. Higgins

Uachtarán na hÉireann

President of Ireland

July 30, 2026
IDEA is seeking an experienced Communications Manager to lead our strategic communications and public engagement work. IDEA is the national network for Development/Global Citizenship Education (GCE) in Ireland. We work with over 100 member organisations and individuals to strengthen the sector through collaboration, professional learning, research, policy engagement and advocacy. Development Education /Global Citizenship Education enables people to understand the world around them, think critically about global justice and sustainability, and take informed action to help create a more just and sustainable future. Reporting to the CEO, the Communications Manager will lead the development and delivery of IDEA's communications strategy, strengthen engagement with members and partners, raise the profile of IDEA, its members and the Global Citizenship Education sector, and communicate the value and impact of their work to a wide range of audiences. Key Responsibilities The successful candidate will: Lead IDEA's strategic communications and public engagement work. Develop and deliver communications strategies and annual communications plans. Raise the profile of IDEA, its members and the wider Global Citizenship Education sector. Communicate the impact of IDEA's work and showcase the work, learning and impact of members. Lead digital communications, media relations and organisational communications. Build relationships with members, partners, policymakers, media and other stakeholders. Salary and Benefits Salary: €49,522 - €55,737 per annum, depending on experience Full-time, one-year fixed-term contract. IDEA intends this to be an ongoing role, with the opportunity for the position to become permanent, subject to funding. May consider 4 day arrangement. Applications from candidates seeking a four-day working week will be considered 6.5% employer contribution to a contributory pension scheme Hybrid working arrangements (Dublin city centre office) Opportunities for professional development About You You'll bring: At least five years' relevant communications experience Experience developing and delivering communications strategies Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills Experience managing digital communications, websites and social media Strong stakeholder engagement and project management skills An understanding of, or interest in, Global Citizenship Education, education, international development or the wider not-for-profit sector. How to Apply Please read the Job Description and Application Information PDF before applying. It contains the full role description, person specification, terms and conditions and application instructions. Applications should include: A current CV. A cover letter (maximum two pages). Email applications to recruitment@ideaonline.ie with the subject line Communications role. The deadline for applications is Thursday 17 September, 9.00am (Irish time).
July 17, 2026
Applications should be submitted online to recruitment@ideaonline.ie by Thursday, 13 August, 9.00am.
July 10, 2026
Budget 2027 comes at a time of significant global uncertainty and intensifying global and local challenges.