Ruairí McKiernan has returned from South Korea after addressing an international conference on peace and democracy.
The Galway-based chief executive of the Irish Development Education Association (IDEA ) was the only Irish speaker at the talks in Seoul.
The 10th International Conference on Global Citizenship Education (GCED ) brings together more than 350 delegates from 51 countries to prepare people to better understand how global issues are interconnected, and learn how to take action to effect positive change.
In his speech, McKiernan shared his perspective on growing up near the Border during the Troubles. He reflected on how those experiences shaped his understanding of conflict, colonisation, and division, and showed him the importance of working for peace.
Speaking about the long tradition of peace work in Ireland, McKiernan commended the dedication of activists and community leaders, the efforts of groups and charities, and the contribution of reconciliation centres, such as Glencree and Corrymeela.
He noted the work of IDEA members in promoting Global Citizenship Education. He highlighted the importance of ongoing cross-border cooperation through EU peace programmes, and the Irish Government’s Shared Island initiative.
McKiernan emphasised that education has a vital role to play in breaking down barriers, challenging prejudice, and helping future generations to build more just and inclusive societies.
“We are living in turbulent times, with democracy under threat and autocracy on the rise. Around the world, wars are raging, and too often militarism is being chosen over dialogue and cooperation. Our democracies are far from perfect, and need to improve radically, but we cannot take them for granted - nor the hard-won peace on this island that others fought so hard to secure.
“Across the globe, anger and division are growing, fuelled in part by deep inequality, and by the algorithms of social media”, he continued. “That is why we must keep working for peace, for community, for dialogue, for social cohesion, and for a more compassionate society.”
McKiernan also highlighted Ireland’s tradition of solidarity and global engagement, praising the work of Irish Aid and NGOs, including Concern Worldwide.
He remarked on the role of Irish missionaries and humanitarians who served in Korea during and after the Korean War, some of whom gave their lives and others who are still serving today.
