Blog Layout

IDEA Election Manifesto 2024

November 18, 2024

IDEA Election Manifesto 2024

Ireland in a Changed and Turbulent World: A Manifesto for a Society Ready to Overcome Local and Global Challenges


In a world of rapid change and mounting crises, Ireland must prioritise equipping its citizens with the education, values, and skills necessary to overcome both local and global challenges. From climate breakdown and deepening inequality to the spread of disinformation, discrimination, and the rise of racism - this new era presents unprecedented issues that demand informed and engaged collective responses.
Ireland’s commitment to Global Citizenship Education (which includes Education for Sustainable Development) plays a crucial role in fostering the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values needed to navigate today’s interconnected world.


By embracing these educational frameworks, in line with our commitment to achieving Sustainable Development
Goal Target 4.7, we affirm our dedication to justice, peace, democracy, human rights, partnership, global solidarity, and environmental stewardship.


Our efforts are already having a real
impact, such as improving school curricula and teacher education and reaching at least 362,000 learners across Ireland in 2023 alone. However, the scope and urgency of today’s crises call for renewed dedication and focus. Ireland must strengthen its commitment to Global Citizenship Education as we navigate complex, interconnected challenges at home and abroad, while approaching critical climate tipping points. This requires increased investment, strategic prioritisation, and a whole-of-government approach.


Only by championing Global Citizenship Education and taking decisive action can we ensure that Ireland and its people are prepared to meet the pressing challenges of our time, fostering a more sustainable and fairer society in a turbulent world.


In the next Programme for Government, Ireland must:

  • Significantly increase our investment in Global Citizenship Education and Education for Sustainable Development while instituting a whole-of-government approach.


To download a PDF version of this manifesto, click here.


IDEA has also developed a Global Education Champion candidate pledge for candidates to sign up to.

If you are a candidate who would like to sign it or if you are a member of IDEA and would like to send the pledge to candidates, please contact Leigh at leigh@ideaonline.ie 


March 21, 2025
Reclaiming Ground for Hope, Alternatives, and Action Date: Wednesday, 28th May, 10.30am-5.00pm Location: Grand Hotel Malahide, Grove Rd, Malahide, Co. Dublin, K36 XT65 Around the world the threats of climate breakdown, genocide and the stripping back of human rights are accelerating daily. At the same time, the escalation of disinformation, militarism, extremism, and authoritarianism undermine hard-won battles for equality and social justice at many levels of society. As educators whose work is centred on global justice and solidarity what is our role in reclaiming ground to imagine and explore and create alternatives to this current reality? As practitioners of Global Citizenship Education what can we do to retain focus and remain energised, active and hopeful in unlocking alternatives for a better world? Join us at the IDEA Annual Conference 2025 to hear from inspiring educators, thinkers, leaders, and activists who will share their experiences of co-creating change and reclaiming ground for social and global justice. Come together with other IDEA members to share challenges and successes, as well as reflect on the ways Global Citizenship Education can contribute to a fairer world. This conference will provide an opportunity to strengthen our collective work – through education – to reclaim space for hope, alternatives and action Please note that if you want to register now, contact us via events@ideaonline.ie and you will be added to a waiting list and contacted when registration opens.
Share by: