IDEA Conference 2021: Women in Peace & Security
On Wednesday 23 June we conducted a workshop ‘Women’s role in Peace and Security’ as part of the 2021 IDEA Virtual Conference. It allowed us in Mind the Gap
to discuss how we would like to bring awareness to DE/GCE practitioners the current pivotal role Ireland is playing in the EU/UN in designing policy and the approach to policy design in the area of Women in Peace and Security.
Nura Hagi, the lead facilitator, is on the Irish Government’s Oversight Group that is advising the formation of Ireland's 3rd National Plan on Peace & Security and the level of community engagement in it's creation is gaining praise and interest internationally.
During this workshop we showcased the magnitude of the challenges and danger women still face when putting themselves forward to represent their community in the political arena, especially in regions experiencing conflict and/or oppressive regimes. These include ridicule by established (male) leaders/politicians, a lack of access to organisational structures, supports and finances, as well as a very real threat of verbal and physical abuse. In the case of Somalia, actual endangerment of life is a real threat as detailed by Nura’s own experience and need to flee her home and seek asylum through the assistance of Frontline Defenders. Many of these issues are very succinctly demonstrated in the documentary on the peace process in Northern Ireland; ‘Wave goodbye to dinosaurs’.
During the workshop, we explored the comparisons that can be made between the struggle in Somalia and Northern Ireland and the lessons that are being shared by women involved in both to others around the world. Comparisons such as the true grassroot peace building efforts being fulfilled by women in mediation, conflict resolution and education but that go wholly unrecognised by the establishment and even by the women themselves. These issues are discussed in the video ‘Women’s voices; building networks’, in which Nura features.
We also introduced the suggested action of getting involved with, and raising awareness of, the City/Place/School of Sanctuary campaign in Ireland. Building on the idea that peace and inclusion is not a passive ideal but a constant active engagement ensuring that the extra steps are taken to include the most vulnerable and marginalised in accessing services and being given agency. We heard examples from the participants of University College Cork (UCC) working towards becoming a 'University of Sanctuary' and of realising eight full scholarships for refugee students; of Cork University Hospital (CUH) working towards being a 'Hospital of Sanctuary', for instance in efforts to provide translation services. Also there is the community running group 'Sanctuary Runners', a running club in Cork that brings locals and new communities together to raise the visibility of the refugee community by taking part in community fun runs and the city marathon.
Campaigns were only beginning here in Ireland before the outbreak of Covid-19 and associated lockdown in March 2020, and now need to be re-imagined and re-energised. In the UK there are more established examples and a wealth of educational resources and guides to how to organise for all types of; organisations, institutions, education settings and community groups (see City of Sanctuary)
Written by Arran Towers, Mind the Gap
Budget 2026: Investing in Global Citizenship Education is Investing in Global Solidarity “Ireland has received international recognition for its development education strategies… Without additional investment, we cannot seize the opportunity to turn development-aware children into development-aware adults.” - OECD DAC Peer Review of Ireland Read IDEA’s full Pre-Budget 2026 submission here . For over half a century, Ireland has invested in Global Citizenship Education (GCE), enabling people across the island to explore complex issues such as climate justice, human rights, and equality - and to take informed action for a more just and sustainable world. Between 2021 and 2024, €33.6 million was invested in programmes reaching over 1.2 million people, helping to embed GCE across schools, communities, and other learning spaces. This investment has made Ireland a European and global leader in the field. But in today’s turbulent context - with rising disinformation, polarisation, climate emergencies, and deepening inequalities - the need for GCE has never been greater. As Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora, Neale Richmond, told the IDEA Annual Conference in May 2025: “Now is the time to focus on the hard issues… These are among the greatest challenges of our time.” Why Now? Budget 2026 comes at a critical moment. Ireland is: Running out of time to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Preparing a new national GCE strategy for the next five years. Operating in a global context where democratic values, human rights, and multilateral cooperation are under unprecedented strain. The OECD has commended Ireland’s strong GCE strategies but has also warned that without additional investment, we risk falling short on SDG Target 4.7 - ensuring all learners acquire the knowledge and skills to promote sustainable development. Our Key Budget 2026 Asks: Increase investment in GCE Move towards the widely recognised target of 3% of Official Development Assistance (ODA), using a cross-departmental approach and accounting for inflation. Current spending is 1.2% of ODA - far below the €26 million annually needed to reach the 3% target. Boost GCE/ESD funding under “ESD to 2030” Provide adequate and dedicated funding for projects led by organisations, schools, and higher education institutions to ensure the successful delivery of the Second National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development. Create dedicated GCE/ESD funding lines Integrate and resource GCE/ESD within the SDG National Implementation Plan, Climate Action Plan, and National Action Plan Against Racism, recognising that climate justice and anti-racism are core components of global citizenship. Increase Ireland’s ODA Commit to a €300 million increase in Budget 2026 to make tangible progress towards the UN target of spending 0.7% of GNI on ODA by 2030. Adopt Coalition 2030 recommendations Implement budget measures that ensure resources reach those furthest behind first, and align budget lines with specific SDG targets. Beyond Funding – Policy Coherence and Decent Work In addition to resourcing, GCE requires stronger coordination across government departments and better integration into policies, institutions, and networks. GCE practitioners must also have secure, decent working conditions in line with SDG 8, ensuring that expertise is retained within the sector. The Opportunity for Ireland Ireland is respected globally for its principled, values-based approach to international development. By investing in GCE now, we can: Strengthen civic trust, participation, and resilience in our society. Equip citizens to navigate complex global challenges. Ensure Ireland remains a strong, independent voice for justice, solidarity, and human rights on the world stage. Budget 2026 is our opportunity to protect the progress made, scale up impact, and deliver on our commitments. IDEA and our members are ready to work with Irish Aid and across government to ensure Ireland continues to lead with integrity, foresight, and global solidarity. _______________________________________________________ Read IDEA’s full Pre-Budget 2026 submission here to explore our recommendations in detail and see how, together, we can strengthen Global Citizenship Education in Ireland and beyond.
Catch-up on a Summer of Learning!
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 .
