Code Network Meeting

Date: Tuesday 03 December, 10.00am - 4.00pm   

Location: Ashling Hotel, 10 - 13 Parkgate St, Stoneybatter, Dublin 8 


IDEA is looking forward to welcoming all members of the  Code of Good Practice for Development Education to our upcoming Code network meeting on Tuesday 03 December, in the Ashling Hotel, 10 - 13 Parkgate St, Stoneybatter, Dublin 8, D08 P38N1.  The event runs from 10.30am - 4.00pm with tea/coffee available from 10.00am.  Lunch will also be served. Please let us know of any dietary requirements when registering. 

One of the commitments in joining the Code, is to also contribute to the Community of Practice for this Code including sharing successes and learning with other Code members and attending Code network meetings. 


This meeting will be a wonderful opportunity to bring Code members together in person to review progress, share updates from IDEA and celebrate successes.  


There are places for two attendees from each Code member. Grainne O’Neill and Morína O’Neill will facilitate the meeting. 


Registration for this event is closed. For any questions, please contact events@ideaonline.ie




Biographies

Morína O'Neill has worked in Development Education for over 20 years. She worked overseas, supporting community organisers in Central America, which informed her approaches to DE. She has worked in a number of organisations including the National Youth Council of Ireland, Comhlámh, Debt and Development Coalition Ireland (now Financial Justice Ireland) and with IDEA.  Since 2017, she has been working as a consultant to support IDEA and its membership to develop and implement the Code of Good Practice in Development Education in Ireland. Morína believes one of the most important aspects of the Code is that it has been developed by Development Education practitioners for Development Education practitioners, and is a participative journey, shaped by the Code members with the support of IDEA.

Gráinne O'Neill is based in Derry, Northern Ireland. She has been involved in Development Education since 2007 after returning from some time in Zambia with Barefeet Theatre and has worked with different organisations in the sector in this time, both in a staff and freelance capacity, including work with Children in Crossfire and Comhlámh. Gráinne describes herself as a mother of two earthy and wild children, Darragh and Naia, who keep her grounded and allow her to constantly look at the world with curiosity. Gráinne tries to bring this curiosity into her work and loves learning from the work of different organisations and how Development Education manifests within different communities and with the changing times we are in.  

August 25, 2025
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.
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!