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!


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.