Cootehill native appointed CEO of Irish Development Education Association

Cootehill native Ruairí McKiernan has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Irish Development Education Association (IDEA).

This significant national role will help shape the future of Ireland’s engagement with global citizenship, social justice, and sustainability issues.

With over 20 years' experience as a community leader, activist and social innovator, Ruairí’s appointment comes at a critical time marked by rising global challenges.

IDEA and its members are at the forefront of efforts to equip Irish citizens with the knowledge and skills to address urgent global issues such as poverty, injustice, inequality, conflict, and climate change.

The former St Aidan’s Comprehensive student is widely known as the founder and former CEO of SpunOut, Ireland’s pioneering national youth organisation focused on health, social issues, and youth advocacy.

His commitment to public service saw him appointed to the Council of State by President Michael D. Higgins, where he served for seven years.

In addition to his role with SpunOut, Ruairí co-founded Uplift, a well-regarded digital campaigning organisation. He is also an accredited counsellor and psychotherapist, the author of Hitching for Hope, and host of a popular podcast called Love and Courage.

Ruairí’s contributions extend to several other prominent boards and initiatives, including youth organisations, the Soar Foundation, and Gaisce. He is a Fulbright Fellow and has held leadership roles with Doras, a group dedicated to refugee and migrant rights, and Narrative 4, a global charity committed to empathy education.

More recently, Ruairí spent time in Australia working on Indigenous rights and advocating for reform of the gambling industry.

In his new role, he will lead IDEA, an umbrella body that plays an essential role in representing, promoting, and advocating for Global Citizenship Education (GCE) and Development Education (DE) among all age groups in formal and informal settings. This includes promoting awareness and action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG 4.7, which aims to ensure that by 2030, all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity.

IDEA is a strategic partner of Irish Aid, and its member organisations include Trócaire, Concern Worldwide, Goal, UNICEF, ActionAid, Amnesty, An Taisce, the ASTI, and Friends of the Earth, as well as smaller community groups, and individuals working in different areas of education.

As CEO, Ruairí aims to strengthen and expand the organisation’s reach, foster collaboration, and advocate for increased investment and support for what he calls “the urgent need to mainstream global education that fosters awareness, empathy, and proactive responses to the root causes of today’s interconnected challenges".

“We’re seeing a climate emergency unfold around the world. The coming years will bring monumental societal challenges, including storms, floods, biodiversity loss, and risks to agriculture, food supply, and the economy,” Ruairí said.

“Globally, this is connected to conflict, climate-driven migration, and social unrest. Meanwhile, people are rightly concerned about health, housing, and the cost of living. Extremist and populist groups are exploiting these concerns through misinformation and disinformation, which is often amplified online. Minority groups are being targeted and demonised. This is feeding racism, division, and violence. The issues are interconnected, and solutions exist if we invest in them. This is why citizenship education is crucial, as is keeping our hearts open, rather than succumbing to fear and hatred.”

Ruairí sees strong echoes of Ireland’s colonial history in today’s global struggles. “We know many of our ancestors were forced to flee due to war, dispossession, poverty, and hunger. Most Irish people know this history well and see the links. There is great empathy and solidarity here for those suffering, such as the Palestinians and others facing oppression. Ireland’s community organisations, along with the work of Irish Aid, our aid agencies, and peacekeepers, are world-renowned and demonstrate the international leadership role Ireland can play in shining a light on peace and sustainable development. It is my hope that we can build upon this work so that Ireland can be a beacon for humanity during these turbulent times.”

Welcoming his appointment, Bobby McCormack, co-founder of the Drogheda-based Development Perspectives and chairperson of IDEA, expressed his enthusiasm about Ruairí’s new role.

"We are delighted to have Ruairí on board as our new CEO,” he said. “His energy, passion, and commitment to global and social justice are well recognised. It’s an exciting time for us, and with Ruairí on board, we’re ready for the challenges ahead.”