On 11th April, in partnership with the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report, the Irish Network for Education Worldwide was pleased to host the Irish Launch of the 2024/5 GEM Report on leadership in education in Dublin.
With a strong focus on leadership in education, the launch brought together the GEM report UNESCO, Irish principal and teacher unions, humanitarian and global citizenship NGOs, and youth voices for an inspiring and timely exchange about the latest global education data. It was a powerful day of dialogue and partnership.
We invite you to take a closer look at the full report, gallery and speaker video snapshots on our website and explore the detailed insights from this powerful event.
Key Takeaways
After contributions from Irish Aid, the Department of Education, the GEM Report, and a Youth leader, Bede Sheppard, Children’s Rights Director, Human Rights Watch guided an insightful panel discussion, with each speaker offering valuable perspectives and expertise:
- Frank McManus, Education Lead, Irish Aid: GEM Report’s Critical Role – Ireland’s partnership with the GEM Report is a critical part of its support for global education with the GEM report playing a “unique and essential role” in advancing education policy and providing essential evidence for SDG 4.
- Laura Watts, Principal Officer, Department of Education: School Leadership as Change-Makers – The GEM Report is an invaluable tool for providing a shared framework to guide action in education, particularly by recognising school leaders as changemakers. “School leaders are the interface between national policy and its realisation in schools.”
- Anna Cristina D’Addio, Chief of Education Policy, GEM Report: Key Findings of GEM Report – Strong school leadership is essential to improving education outcomes, with over a quarter of variation in student learning levels attributed to school leaders. The GEM Report identifies four essential leadership dimensions: set expectations, focus on learning, foster collaboration, and develop people.
- Aisling Maloney, Youth Advisory Panel, Plan International Ireland: Youth Leadership and Involvement – We must ensure that education systems are inclusive, well-resourced, and resilient. Youth involvement in education decision-making and leadership strengthens systems.
- Páiric Clerkin, CEO, Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN): Challenges for School Leaders – The sustainability of school leadership is under threat with school principals in Ireland rating the sustainability of their roles as low (3.4/10), as administrative demands pull principals away from teaching and learning, leading to high burnout rates.
- David O’Sullivan, Assistant General Secretary, INTO: Catch up on pre-service training and shared leadership & stand with principals in conflict zones – Investing in leadership preparation, including pre-service training and induction, as well as shared leadership is critical to sustaining effective school leadership and generate positive outcomes for school communities. Leaders in conflict zones, particularly Gaza, need our support and attention.
- Amy Folan, Senior Education Adviser, Concern Worldwide, and INEW Chairperson: Global education in crisis and under attack – Despite progress, deep inequalities in education persist globally, with 251 million out-of-school children, and an alarming rise in attacks on schools. Focus must be on quality education – “It’s not just about getting children into school—it’s about ensuring they are learning”.
- Ruairí McKiernan, CEO, Irish Development Education Association (IDEA): Global Citizenship and Education’s Broader Purpose – The power of Education must foster the development of the whole person, not just prepare students for the marketplace. “Education is the most powerful weapon (Nelson Mandela)… it’s about developing understanding of ourselves and cultivating a meaningful connection to the world”. We must stand united and work collectively as we navigate increasingly turbulent times.
It was a true honour to bring together the diverse members and partners of INEW and to highlight the crucial findings of the GEM Report through the lens of their varied specialised knowledge and distinct areas of expertise, allowing us to explore a wide range of perspectives on the GEM Report and current education issues, both nationally and globally. Our sincere thanks to all speakers and contributors—and to our engaged and patient audience—for your dedication and interest.
Big thank you to Caitlin Stelfox from Plan International Ireland for capturing the great moments!
