Youth are the Agents of Change

“Youth are the agents of change” was the main message of Ban Ki-Moon at the United Nations Youth delegate programme (UNYDP) launch at Iveagh House/Department of Foreign Affairs on the 26th Of May 2015. While the main focus of the event was the new UNYDP for Ireland, the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were also discussed focusing on the substantial role that young people will play in the future success of these goals over the next 15 years. Along with the UNYDP launch Ireland will also play an important role in chairing negotiations of the SDGs along with Kenya at the UN in New York, adding to the poignancy of the event.

Minister for development and Trade, Sean Sherlock was in attendance and touched on both the global challenges faced by young people and the importance of the UNYDP, like Ban Ki-moon he also expressed the importance of youth and their connection with the wider world. Ban Ki-moon, being so passionate about youth issues, has made it one of his top 5 priorities, even enlisting a special envoy on youth. He is aware of how youth have been disproportionally effected by the economic downturn in terms of both youth unemployment and violence. He is aware of Ireland’s great contribution to in helping the world become a more equal and sustainable place focusing on the recently passed Marriage equality referendum and the presidential age referendum. Expressing delight and disappointment at the results. While the SDGs were the main topic of the event youth issues were highlighted throughout. “Promise not peril” was stressed as it is promised that youth unemployment will be tackled with decent jobs and opportunities being of the utmost importance. A similar message to that of the Young Global Advocates at Challenging the Crisis.

Evanna Lynch and Donnacha O’Callaghan were also representing UNICEF Ireland as Ambassadors sharing their experiences, speaking of the vast inequalities and the great injustices that they have witnessed during their travels. Highlighting how similar children are and that young people around the world have the same dreams no matter where they are from.

Rebecca Amet is a Young Global advocate with Challenging the Crisis. Rebecca attended the event on behalf of Challenging the Crisis Ireland.

Research on Global North-South Partnerships in Global Citizenship Education

September 23, 2026
The Irish Development Education Association (IDEA), in partnership with Concern Worldwide, is undertaking research on Global North - South partnerships in Global Citizenship Education/ Development Education, with a focus on collaborations between organisations on the island of Ireland and organisations and communities in the Global South. The research aims to identify good practices and develop practical guidance that can support organisations in strengthening equitable partnerships as central to quality GCE/DE. It is important to stress this research focuses on partnerships or collaborations with educational purposes in the context of facilitating GCE/DE . This means that organisations, educators and learners work together on activities that enable people to understand the root causes of injustice and inequality at local and global levels, and prepare them to engage and build a more just and sustainable future. These activities are guided by principles such as recognition of the knowledge of all partners, mutual learning, solidarity, and an understanding of how local and global issues, people, and systems are interconnected. We would greatly value your contribution to this research. Your contributions will help inform IDEA´s ongoing work to support the sector and IDEA members, while also informing Concern Worldwide´s Global Citizenship programme. Findings will be shared (in an aggregate manner or with prior permission) in a workshop in Dublin/Hybrid on 25 November 2026. You can contribute by: Completing a short survey here. You can remain anonymous - unless you decide to complete optional questions with details of your practices; Agreeing to an online interview; approx 30-45 minutes; Sharing information about your practice via email; Taking part in a session to discuss the findings and provide feedback to a practical guide on the topic.

Call for Consultant to Analyse Data Captured During the Pilot of the Theory of Impact for the GCE Tool

September 23, 2026
IDEA is seeking a consultant to analyse data captured during the pilot of the Theory of Impact for the GCE tool. The purpose of this assignment is both to understand what the pilot data can tell us about the contribution and reach of GCE activity, and to identify what IDEA can learn from the pilot data to strengthen the quality, consistency and usefulness of future data collection. Timeframe Deadline to apply: Tuesday, 06 October, 1.00pm Initial briefing with IDEA staff: Friday, 09 October First draft of report due: Wednesday, 21 October, 1.00pm Feedback from IDEA: Thursday, 29 October Final report due: Monday, 02 November Presentation of findings (provisional dates): Members involved in the pilot and impact measurement process: Friday, 06 November Public event for IDEA members and interested stakeholders: Thursday, 19 November How to Apply Please submit: A concise CV (maximum 2-3 pages) A proposal outlining: Relevant experience Referees for similar work A brief description of your proposed methodology The proposed number of days required Details of staff involved (where relevant) Your fee Please send your completed application to lizzy@ideaonline.ie and elaine@ideaonline.ie by Tuesday, 06 October, 1.00pm. The full terms of reference is here
Ireland Map

IDEA joins members Afri and Talamh Beo in call for action on global land rights

September 7, 2026
The joint letter to Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee comes ahead of the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council