President Higgins Receives 'Voice for Humanity' Award at IDEA Conference

IDEA Members Honour Michael D. Higgins at Annual Conference

Approximately 200 educators, artists and activists honoured President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins with the inaugural Global Voice for Humanity Award at the IDEA annual conference, which took place this week in Malahide, Dublin. IDEA members presented President Higgins' with the award in recognition of his commitment to justice, equality, and global citizenship education throughout his life.


You can watch the full video of his address below!

Speaking at the event award recipient President Michael D. Higgins said;


“May I thank the Irish Development Education Association for this great honour, the Global Voice for Humanity Award, for which I am most grateful. I have always viewed education as a catalyst for social change, and that is why the work of the Irish Development Education Association is so important. The need to cultivate independent thought, and to create mechanisms to ensure that everyone across our shared, vulnerable planet in peril has access to quality learning opportunities is a fundamental necessity for a fruitful, vibrant and participative life. May I take this opportunity to thank all those operating, in whatever your field, for your passion and your unwavering commitment to social justice globally, to development education, global citizenship education and the advancement of a strong and ethical global consciousness. I will continue to champion your causes.”


Speaking at the event, the CEO of the Irish Development Education Association, Ruairí McKiernan said


“President Higgins has long been a rare kind of leader - someone who combines intellectual courage with deep humanity. He has spent a lifetime speaking out against injustice, standing with the marginalised and challenging us to think critically and act with compassion. Through his words, his leadership, and his example, he has inspired people in Ireland and beyond to believe in the power of education and the responsibility of citizenship." 


"The role of Global Citizenship Education educators in Ireland cannot be underestimated. The climate emergency, global instability, and far-right extremism, misinformation and racism have increased the need for Global Citizenship Education now more than ever in our society. Educators are at the frontline of countering division by creating opportunities to learn about the world, the interconnectedness of the challenges we face, and how we can take positive action in ways that build bridges and foster hope. President Higgins has inspired many of the educators leading Global Citizenship Education in Ireland today, and we are privileged to honour him with our inaugural Global Voice for Humanity Award." said Ruairi.


July 24, 2025
IDEA invites tender submissions from interested auditing service suppliers to provide auditing and associated professional services to the organisation from the year ending 31 December 2025. IDEA is seeking to engage an experienced auditing service firm that will provide the full range of auditing services required to fulfil its statutory obligations, to comply with relevant accounting and reporting standards and best practice. All submissions to be made to sal@ideaonline.ie You can find the full details here. The deadline for the application is Monday, 11 August, 5pm .
IDEA
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
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 now extended to 06 August, 05pm. Click here for the full terms of reference.