Young people join forces to challenge the crisis

A group of Young Global Advocates held the Irish launch of a pan-European campaign Challenging the Crisis in Dublin today. The campaign will be rolled out across five other European countries over the coming weeks.

The campaign, which is driven by young people aged 16-30 in the so-called PIIGSS countries, is focused on practical ways to tackle the crisis, through Social and Solidarity Economy. The Young Global Advocates will raise awareness and generate support among the general public and engage with policy makers towards a European Year for Social and Solidarity Economy.

In her address to the launch Mairead McGuinness, MEP and Vice-President of the European Parliament said: “Challenging the Crisis is a unique opportunity to reshape our thinking. It is led by young people with conviction, it is working across six member states of the EU and it has the potential to motivate and challenge us to see global inequality as our problem too and our duty to address.”

Lynn Boylan, MEP, who spoke at the event said: 'It is fantastic to see young people in Ireland proactively engaging with their international peers on issues such as the impact of austerity while creating a cross-border platform of solidarity to work from. I was delighted to attend today's event to give an insight of the work I am doing in the European Parliament on youth matters and would like to commend them on their campaign to launch a European Year of Social and Solidarity Economy.'

The campaign is part of an EU funded three-year development education project led by the Irish Development Education Association (IDEA) with partners in Portugal, Italy, Greece, Spain and Slovenia. The aim of the project is to build critical awareness among young adults, enabling them to see the European financial crisis in a global, interdependent context.

Frank Geary, Director of IDEA, said: “We are privileged to have the opportunity to work with such an enthusiastic, committed and creative group of young people. This campaign highlights what development education is truly about, through its strong focus on global justice and its search for answers as well as causes of injustice, poverty and inequality through experiential learning. The Challenging the Crisis campaign is a platform for young people to take the lead in the solutions and the practical steps we need to promote global justice for all.”

A bout the Campaign

Challenging the Crisis is a Development Education project aimed at engaging young people aged 16 – 30 in Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Slovenia in campaigning for social justice and international development in the context of austerity at home. 

IDEA is the lead partner in the project, working with partners in 5 other European countries: Fair Trade Hellas (Greece), CIPSI (Italy), Fondazione Culturale Responsabilità Etica (Italy),  IMVF  (Portugal),  SLOGA (Slovenia)  Fundación Economistas sin Fronteras (Spain).

The young people that are involved in this project are known as Young Global Advocates (YGAs). Through Development Education the YGAs are encouraged to think of ideas to tackle inequality at home and abroad – a reframing of development. Through a project based on the core principles of development education, the YGAS wish to campaign for a truly transformative solution. Social and Solidarity Economy challenges the current socio-economic power structures, which they have witnessed as the root causes of poverty in their own societies and across the world. 

About Social and Solidarity Economy

Social and Solidarity Economy has many diverse meanings, however the ultimate aim of Social and Solidarity Economy is to satisfy the needs of individuals and communities across the world.
Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) includes traditional forms of cooperatives and mutual associations, fair trade organizations, associations of informal sector workers, social enterprises, and community currency and alternative finance schemes – such as micro finance groups or credit unions.

The concept is globally applicable. It is as useful in Europe as it is in the Global South. In simple terms it puts people at the centre of the economy. 

It is based on the following core values:
●    Democracy 
●    Solidarity
●    Inclusiveness
●    Diversity
●    Sustainable Development
●    Equality, equity and justice for all

August 11, 2025
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.
Smme
August 2, 2025
Catch-up on a Summer of Learning!
July 24, 2025
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 .