Programme for IDEA Annual Conference 2026

Programme for IDEA Annual Conference 2026 - Education for Liberation: GCE in an Age of Crisis 

Wednesday, 24 June 2026, Grand Hotel Malahide

 

You can download the full agenda and programme here and save it to your device as a PDF.   


Any queries, please email events@ideaonline.ie or talk to a member of staff on the day. Please note video recording and photography are happening during the day. Please let us know if you would prefer not to appear in any footage. Please feel free to tag us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or BlueSky. 


AGENDA 

10:00 – Registration and refreshments 

10:30 – Welcome remarks and a special message from Brazil by Madza Ednir 

10:50 – Keynote Address by Zoryana Pshyk 

11:30 – Water and fruit break 

11:45 – Address by Niall Tierney, Irish Aid 

11:50 – Music by Aziz Abushark 

12:00 – Panel Conversation followed by Q&A 
Voices for Liberation: Perspectives on Education in an Age of Crisis
Hosted by Mary Coogan. Panellists: Fahmeda Naheed, John Magee, Macarena Montero and Talha AlAli 

13:00 – Lunch with tea and coffee 

13:50 – Workshop Sessions 


Workshop options below. Various rooms; pre-registration required. 


Workshop options: 

Emotion and Motivation: Capturing Energy – The Genius of Freire 
Venue: Marconi | Facilitator: Peter Dorman
 


Using Drama Methodologies to Facilitate Liberating GCE 
Venue: Edison | Facilitators: Ellen Corby and Mica O’Dwyer
 


Nurturing Educator Reflexivity through Gestalt Theatre 
Venue: Berners Lee | Facilitator: Sive Bresnihan
 


From Conscientisation to Collective Action – Freirean Dialogues Across Africa and the Diaspora

Venue: Baird | Facilitator: Daniela Jiménez-Montero 


African Queens – Music, Storytelling and Education for Liberation 
Venue: Tara Suite | Facilitators: Nomalanga Zulu and Neo Florence Gilson

 

Who in this world has access to pleasure? 
Venue: O’Carolan | Facilitators: Aleesha Wiegandt and Zoë McKenna
 


15:30 – Comfort and hydration break 

15:45 – Performance by African Queens 

15:50 – In Conversation with Sally Hayden, hosted by Pierre Yimbog 

16:40 – Closing Ceremony featuring featuring:
The Blanket for Palestine with music by Aziz Abushark and spoken word by Nima Ashour 

17:00 – Book signing, raffle and drinks reception 


You can download the full agenda and programme here and save it to your device as a PDF.   

 


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
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