Press Release: Funding increase needed to support Global Citizenship in Ireland


Funding increase needed to support Global Citizenship in Ireland 


Global Citizenship crucial to achieving Ireland’s commitments to SDGs 

 

The Irish Development Education Association (IDEA) is calling on the Government to increase Global Citizenship Education Funding to support Ireland’s commitments to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, starting with a commitment of €10 million in Budget 2023. 

 

Target 4.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals aims to ensure that all learners gain the knowledge and skills needed to be able to promote sustainable and equitable development and fulfil all of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. 

 

In its recent Development Assistance Committee Peer Review of Ireland, the OECD noted that “Ireland has received international recognition for its Development Education (Global Citizenship Education) strategies” but that “mobilising more funds for Development Education, would allow Ireland to reap the benefits of its strong approach to promoting global citizenship.”  

 

Frank Geary, Director of IDEA said: "The quality Global Citizenship Education provided in Ireland enables people to understand the world, and engage with issues such as climate justice, equality, and racism. IDEA members reach hundreds of thousands of people of all ages across the island of Ireland, supporting them in exploring these issues, and taking action for change. Global Citizenship Education is crucial to achieving Ireland’s commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals and we are almost half-way through the timeline for the Goals. Significantly increasing investment in Global Citizenship Education at this point will not only enable the fulfilment of Ireland’s commitments to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, but the delivery of key parts of the Programme for Government.“ 

 

IDEA’s Pre-Budget submission has outlined six recommendations for the Government in the run up to Budget 2023: 

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  • Support delivery of quality lifelong quality Global Citizenship Education (GCE) programmes that reaches all of society #SDG 4.7 
  • In line with the European Benchmark, increase Global Citizenship Education Funding to 3% of Official Development Assistance Budget by 2025, starting with a commitment of €10 million in Budget 2023 
  • Include dedicated Global Citizenship Education funding streams in relevant national strategies such as the Second National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development, the National Implementation Plan for the Sustainable Development Goals, the Climate Action Plan, and the National Plan Against Racism
  • Work towards Official Development Assistance target of 0.7% GNI as called for by Dóchas 
  • Ensure strategic cross-government prioritisation and policy coherence for Global Citizenship Education
  • Ensure that Global Citizenship Education grantees are adequately resourced, so that those working in this sector have decent and secure work in line with SDG 8. 




Global Citizenship Education in Ireland to 2030 - Launch of IDEA´s new vision document

By Maximiliana Eligi Mtenga • September 12, 2025
Over the past few months, IDEA and its members co-created a new strategic vision and roadmap for GCE in Ireland for the next five years. This is the successor to Vision 2025 and is called Vision 2030. We are delighted to announce that we will launch the publication of Vision 2030 on Tuesday 21 October 2025 in the Georgian Suite of Buswells Hotel, 23-27 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, 12 noon – 12.45pm. Refreshments will be provided. Please save the date and register below for the event. Please note that there is limited space at this event and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Once capacity has been reached, a waiting list will be opened.

We’re Hiring - Capacity Development Programme Manager

September 12, 2025
We’re Hiring - Capacity Development Programme Manager The Irish Development Education Association (IDEA) is looking for a Capacity Development Programme Manager to join our team. This is a unique leadership opportunity to help shape the future of Global Citizenship Education (GCE) in Ireland and beyond. At IDEA, we work with over 100 members, from large NGOs like Trócaire and Concern to smaller organisations and individual educators, all committed to building a more just, equal, and sustainable world. The Capacity Development Programme Manager role is central to this mission. Key role responsibilities: Lead IDEA’s capacity development programme , ensuring our members and the wider sector have access to high-quality training, workshops, and networking opportunities. Design and deliver flagship events , including our annual conference, webinars, and seminars that strengthen skills, knowledge, and collaboration. Drive innovation and impact , ensuring our programmes respond to members’ needs, emerging challenges, and international best practice. Champion impact measurement and research , supporting our members to demonstrate the transformative power of Development and Global Citizenship Education. Collaborate across IDEA teams on policy, advocacy, and communications, ensuring capacity-building directly contributes to systemic change. Represent IDEA nationally and internationally , ensuring Ireland continues to be seen as a leader in the global conversation on education, equality, and sustainability. The role offers: A permanent contract (subject to funding) Hybrid working based in Dublin city centre Competitive salary, employer pension contribution and 25 days annual leave The opportunity to work at the heart of a dynamic national network with strong international links If you are an experienced leader with a passion for education, social justice, and building the capacity of civil society, this could be the role for you. Deadline for applications is Monday, 13 October, 5.00pm. Interviews: Week commencing 20 October 2025 For the full role description and application process, please download the Job Specification here

IDEA CEO Addresses Major International GCE Conference in Seoul

September 11, 2025
IDEA CEO, Ruairí McKiernan, was among the speakers at the recent 10th International Conference on Global Citizenship Education (IConGCED) in Seoul, co-organised by APCEIU (the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding under the auspices of UNESCO), the Korean Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and UNESCO. The conference brought together more than 350 participants from 51 countries under the theme “Democracy in the Post-Truth Crisis: The Role of GCED.” Ruairí was the only Irish speaker, sharing perspectives shaped by Ireland’s history of conflict, peacebuilding, and global solidarity.