Vision 2030: Towards a Society of Active Global Citizens is a vision and roadmap for the Global Citizenship Education sector across the island of Ireland to 2030. Developed by IDEA and its members, it outlines how solid foundations embedding Global Citizenship Education across formal, non-formal and informal educational settings can be protected and built upon in the coming years, to expand the reach and impact of the sector.

The need for increased investment in Global Citizenship Education has never been greater. We are living through a period of immense change, facing crises that were unimaginable a few decades ago. Global Citizenship Education can move people from a state of overwhelm to empowered action. It acts as an antidote to disinformation, racism and polarisation, by providing people with a supported, structured way to engage with these crises, and equipping them with the knowledge, understanding, skills and confidence needed to navigate today’s complex world. 

Our vision is for everyone to have access to quality Global Citizenship Education across the island of Ireland.



What’s needed to deliver this vision:

  • Increased investment to meet the internationally recognised target of 3% of Official Development Assistance by 2030.
  • Stronger coherence between key existing policies and a cross-departmental coordinated approach to achieve coherent and strategic implementation of Global Citizenship Education  in all relevant national policies. 
  • Expanded reach and depth of Global Citizenship Education in formal, non-formal and informal settings, aiming for a more equitable geographic spread and a better balance between provision across different settings.
  • Increased resources and support for capturing and communicating the collective impact of the sector, promoting the IDEA Code of Good Practice for Development Education as the barometer of quality Global Citizenship Education, and supporting further research to inform and enhance delivery and practice in the GCE sector.
  • Strengthened cross-border cooperation on Global Citizenship Education through a coordinated all-island approach connecting IDEA members on both sides of the border with support from relevant government initiatives and civil society partnerships.


There are strong foundations to build on. Ireland has a reputation as a leader in Global Citizenship Education internationally, and its practitioners here are highly skilled and knowledgeable.


Vision 2030 outlines our vision for realising the full potential of Global Citizenship Education in Ireland to 2030. Our goal is to ensure quality Global Citizenship Education for all as a vital building block in the creation of a society of active global citizens.


IDEA and our members are committed to working in partnership with Irish Aid, relevant government departments, agencies, networks and community organisations, both in the Republic and the North, to advance our shared vision for a just, sustainable and peaceful world.

You can Download Vision 2030 below:


Vision 2030: Summary Vision 2030: Full Document

The predecessor to this was IDEA’s Vision 2025: Towards a Society of Global Citizens,

published by IDEA in 2021 and updated in 2022.


Vision 2025