Webinar Series - ‘Exploring Contemporary Issues through Global Citizenship Education 1: Critically thinking about Critical Minerals

Date:  Friday, 17 April, 12.00 - 1.30pm 

Location:  Online


Minerals, whether critical, rare or not, have become essential for energy security despite the fact that they are as finite as the fossil fuels we are trying to phase out of existence. Mining has always been on the environmental agenda trying to balance human and environmental rights with the transition to green energy.


But as the race for minerals has escalated over the last few years and mining companies and governments are overriding many environmental, employment and human rights legislation and is based on the violence, exploitation and extraction. As educators, we often link the products, services and systems we use to places around the globe; linking our own lives, technology, renewable energy.


In this online seminar, we will be critically questioning the local and global contexts of mining for critical minerals. It is essential that we explore with our learners what lies beneath! 


Lizzy Noone, IDEA, will facilitate this session.




Deadline for registration is Tuesday, 14 April 


Register below!


Open Space Enquiry (OSPe)


This webinar is part of IDEA's ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive, participatory spaces for dialogue and learning. The webinar uses Open Space Enquiry (OSPe), an approach that encourages open, curiosity-driven conversation and reflection. We aim to create a respectful space where diverse voices, experiences, and methods can be explored in the spirit of learning, critical thinking, and global citizenship.


Disclaimer

The views, opinions, and perspectives expressed by any speaker, host, facilitator, trainer or participant in IDEA webinars, seminars, events, talks, trainings, workshops, videos or podcasts are solely those of the individual(s) concerned. These views do not necessarily reflect IDEA's official policy, position, or values, its National Council, its members, funders, or partner organisations. IDEA provides platforms for dialogue and learning in the spirit of critical engagement, inclusivity, and diversity of thought. The hosting or facilitation of any individual, group or event does not constitute endorsement of any specific viewpoint expressed.


Moderator

Lizzy Noone, manages the implementation of IDEA's capacity development events programme, working particularly on Development Education knowledge & skills, innovation and impact, as well as our Annual Conference. Lizzy has been working with schools on Global Citizenship Education and campaigning for 24 years. She has worked for WorldWise Global Schools for 9 years working with schools to have a whole school approach to global justice and equality. She worked with Concern for 15 years previous to this, working on three EU funded projects including stop Child Labour. She is a strong believer in degrowth and decolonisation.  Lizzy and members of the IDEA Development Education on Palestine working group will be facilitating the Meaningful Action for Palestine workshop. This working group was formed by IDEA members in 2024 in response to the continued genocide in Palestine.



Speakers

V’cenze Cirefice, Communities Against the Injustice of Mining (CAIM) 

V'cenza Cirefice is an ecofeminist organiser and researcher, her work focuses on themes of resistance to extractivism and alternatives to our current extractive system. She's organised with communities resisting mining from Cyprus to the Sperrins and written and published on the political ecology of extractivism, mining and militarism and feminism and extractivism. She's part of CAIM (communities against the injustice of mining) in Ireland and a range of collectives building international solidarity. V’cenza will talk about the Resistance to Mining in Ireland, the connection with the Military Industrial Complex and how solidarity is shown across the world with other mining communities. 

Cornelius Mumba Katiti, Zambian Activist 

Born on 10 October 1975 in Kabwe, Zambia (formerly Broken Hill), Cornelius Mumba Katiti is a dedicated environmentalist and community leader. Holding a Diploma in Education, he has combined his passion for teaching with a deep commitment to environmental advocacy. As a proud Zambian by birth, Cornelius has spent years empowering local communities to protect their natural resources and campaigning highlighting the effects of mining on the air, water supply and general health of his community for decades. He also highlights the grave injustice that the communities rarely benefit from the wealth the mining creates. His work as a community lead advocate reflects his belief that meaningful change begins at the grassroots level, where education and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.



Lynda Sullivan, is the Communications Lead and Co-coordinator for Yes to Life No to Mining, writing Critical Minerals policy for An Taisce, a writer, activist, campaigner and organiser for Communities Against the Injustice of Mining and many other groups. She previously worked for human rights organisations in Ireland before spending 5 years in Latin America, mainly Peru, accompanying Andean communities in their resistance against mega extractive projects. After returning home and working on the issues of climate justice and extractivism with Friends of the Earth NI. She is also a freelance consultant-there is probably very little that she is not doing. Lynda will give us the bigger picture of Critical Minerals mining highlighting the three dangerous dominant narratives about their extraction. 

Place holder image for the IDEA annual conference
April 2, 2026
The deadline for application is Friday, 17 April.
March 11, 2026
It is a call to act, to listen, and to stand together for a world where every woman is safe, empowered, and valued.