President Higgins Receives 'Voice for Humanity' Award at IDEA Conference

Speaking at the event award recipient President Michael D. Higgins said;
“May I thank the Irish Development Education Association for this great honour, the Global Voice for Humanity Award, for which I am most grateful. I have always viewed education as a catalyst for social change, and that is why the work of the Irish Development Education Association is so important. The need to cultivate independent thought, and to create mechanisms to ensure that everyone across our shared, vulnerable planet in peril has access to quality learning opportunities is a fundamental necessity for a fruitful, vibrant and participative life. May I take this opportunity to thank all those operating, in whatever your field, for your passion and your unwavering commitment to social justice globally, to development education, global citizenship education and the advancement of a strong and ethical global consciousness. I will continue to champion your causes.”

Speaking at the event, the CEO of the Irish Development Education Association, Ruairí McKiernan said
“President Higgins has long been a rare kind of leader - someone who combines intellectual courage with deep humanity. He has spent a lifetime speaking out against injustice, standing with the marginalised and challenging us to think critically and act with compassion. Through his words, his leadership, and his example, he has inspired people in Ireland and beyond to believe in the power of education and the responsibility of citizenship."

"The role of Global Citizenship Education educators in Ireland cannot be underestimated. The climate emergency, global instability, and far-right extremism, misinformation and racism have increased the need for Global Citizenship Education now more than ever in our society. Educators are at the frontline of countering division by creating opportunities to learn about the world, the interconnectedness of the challenges we face, and how we can take positive action in ways that build bridges and foster hope. President Higgins has inspired many of the educators leading Global Citizenship Education in Ireland today, and we are privileged to honour him with our inaugural Global Voice for Humanity Award." said Ruairi.

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Code Network Meeting December 2026

September 26, 2026

Date: Tuesday 01 December, 10.00am – 3.30pm Location: Richmond Barracks, Inchicore, Dublin 8, D08 YY05 IDEA is looking forward to welcoming all members of the Code of Good Practice for Development Education to our next Code network meeting on Tuesday 1 December, in Richmond Barracks in Inchicore, Dublin. There are places for two representatives, staff, volunteers, etc., from each Code member. One of the commitments in joining the Code is to contribute to the Community of Practice for this Code, including sharing successes and learning with other Code members and attending at least one of two Code network meetings annually. If you have questions, please contact code@ideaonline.ie.