Press Release: Funding increase needed to support Global Citizenship in Ireland


Funding increase needed to support Global Citizenship in Ireland 


Global Citizenship crucial to achieving Ireland’s commitments to SDGs 

 

The Irish Development Education Association (IDEA) is calling on the Government to increase Global Citizenship Education Funding to support Ireland’s commitments to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, starting with a commitment of €10 million in Budget 2023. 

 

Target 4.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals aims to ensure that all learners gain the knowledge and skills needed to be able to promote sustainable and equitable development and fulfil all of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. 

 

In its recent Development Assistance Committee Peer Review of Ireland, the OECD noted that “Ireland has received international recognition for its Development Education (Global Citizenship Education) strategies” but that “mobilising more funds for Development Education, would allow Ireland to reap the benefits of its strong approach to promoting global citizenship.”  

 

Frank Geary, Director of IDEA said: "The quality Global Citizenship Education provided in Ireland enables people to understand the world, and engage with issues such as climate justice, equality, and racism. IDEA members reach hundreds of thousands of people of all ages across the island of Ireland, supporting them in exploring these issues, and taking action for change. Global Citizenship Education is crucial to achieving Ireland’s commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals and we are almost half-way through the timeline for the Goals. Significantly increasing investment in Global Citizenship Education at this point will not only enable the fulfilment of Ireland’s commitments to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, but the delivery of key parts of the Programme for Government.“ 

 

IDEA’s Pre-Budget submission has outlined six recommendations for the Government in the run up to Budget 2023: 

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  • Support delivery of quality lifelong quality Global Citizenship Education (GCE) programmes that reaches all of society #SDG 4.7 
  • In line with the European Benchmark, increase Global Citizenship Education Funding to 3% of Official Development Assistance Budget by 2025, starting with a commitment of €10 million in Budget 2023 
  • Include dedicated Global Citizenship Education funding streams in relevant national strategies such as the Second National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development, the National Implementation Plan for the Sustainable Development Goals, the Climate Action Plan, and the National Plan Against Racism
  • Work towards Official Development Assistance target of 0.7% GNI as called for by Dóchas 
  • Ensure strategic cross-government prioritisation and policy coherence for Global Citizenship Education
  • Ensure that Global Citizenship Education grantees are adequately resourced, so that those working in this sector have decent and secure work in line with SDG 8. 




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.