Now is the Time to Reinforce Messages of Global Solidarity - Minister Neale Richmond TD

Now is the time to reinforce messages of global solidarity. 

 

This year our Annual Conference 2025 Reclaiming Ground for Hope, Alternatives, and Action brought together educators, community leaders, artists and activists from across Ireland, to reflect, reconnect, and reimagine the role of transformative education in building a better future.   

 

In the morning, the conference was addressed by Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD. Addressing members, he spoke about the importance of GCE for our society. He also re-affirmed Irish Aid’s commitments to Overseas Development Aid and Global Citizenship Education funding.   


“Examining and discussion complex global issues can be daunting, but they also foster values of equality and human rights which can enable us all the become informed global citizens; able for active democratic participation and able to stand up for others to have this right too."  

Now is the time to reinforce messages of global solidarity.”  


The Minister also stressed the importance of effectiveness and impact for Irish Aid and urged members to bring these issues to ‘the next level’.  

“But in this environment, it is incumbent on every one of us implementing projects and programmes with Irish Aid funding to focus relentlessly on the impact and on reaching the furthest behind first. We need to demonstrate that impact with increased effectiveness across the whole Irish Aid programme. 


We have invested over €33.6million in support to our GCE partners since Irish Aid's Global Citizenship Education Strategy was launched in 2021 by Simon Coveney. That commitment delivered by many partners here today underpins the importance of supporting critical thinking and public awareness of these rapidly changing and interdependent issues. We need to bring that critical thinking to all our work.” 


You can watch the full video below!

Global Citizenship Education in Ireland to 2030 - Launch of IDEA´s new vision document

By Maximiliana Eligi Mtenga • September 12, 2025
Over the past few months, IDEA and its members co-created a new strategic vision and roadmap for GCE in Ireland for the next five years. This is the successor to Vision 2025 and is called Vision 2030. We are delighted to announce that we will launch the publication of Vision 2030 on Tuesday 21 October 2025 in the Georgian Suite of Buswells Hotel, 23-27 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, 12 noon – 12.45pm. Refreshments will be provided. Please save the date and register below for the event. Please note that there is limited space at this event and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Once capacity has been reached, a waiting list will be opened.

We’re Hiring - Capacity Development Programme Manager

September 12, 2025
We’re Hiring - Capacity Development Programme Manager The Irish Development Education Association (IDEA) is looking for a Capacity Development Programme Manager to join our team. This is a unique leadership opportunity to help shape the future of Global Citizenship Education (GCE) in Ireland and beyond. At IDEA, we work with over 100 members, from large NGOs like Trócaire and Concern to smaller organisations and individual educators, all committed to building a more just, equal, and sustainable world. The Capacity Development Programme Manager role is central to this mission. Key role responsibilities: Lead IDEA’s capacity development programme , ensuring our members and the wider sector have access to high-quality training, workshops, and networking opportunities. Design and deliver flagship events , including our annual conference, webinars, and seminars that strengthen skills, knowledge, and collaboration. Drive innovation and impact , ensuring our programmes respond to members’ needs, emerging challenges, and international best practice. Champion impact measurement and research , supporting our members to demonstrate the transformative power of Development and Global Citizenship Education. Collaborate across IDEA teams on policy, advocacy, and communications, ensuring capacity-building directly contributes to systemic change. Represent IDEA nationally and internationally , ensuring Ireland continues to be seen as a leader in the global conversation on education, equality, and sustainability. The role offers: A permanent contract (subject to funding) Hybrid working based in Dublin city centre Competitive salary, employer pension contribution and 25 days annual leave The opportunity to work at the heart of a dynamic national network with strong international links If you are an experienced leader with a passion for education, social justice, and building the capacity of civil society, this could be the role for you. Deadline for applications is Monday, 13 October, 5.00pm. Interviews: Week commencing 20 October 2025 For the full role description and application process, please download the Job Specification here

IDEA CEO Addresses Major International GCE Conference in Seoul

September 11, 2025
IDEA CEO, Ruairí McKiernan, was among the speakers at the recent 10th International Conference on Global Citizenship Education (IConGCED) in Seoul, co-organised by APCEIU (the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding under the auspices of UNESCO), the Korean Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and UNESCO. The conference brought together more than 350 participants from 51 countries under the theme “Democracy in the Post-Truth Crisis: The Role of GCED.” Ruairí was the only Irish speaker, sharing perspectives shaped by Ireland’s history of conflict, peacebuilding, and global solidarity.