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We are a network of civil society actors and education stakeholders in Ireland dedicated to advocating for and mobilising efforts to advance Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) and achieve inclusive, equitable, and safe quality education for all worldwide, committed to reaching the furthest behind.

As a membership organisation with over 20 members, we represent a diverse range of Irish development and humanitarian aid organisations focused on education, school and university teacher unions, education providers, and more. We act as a national platform for knowledge exchange, dialogue, and collaboration, driving advocacy efforts in Ireland and beyond to realise the right to education worldwide.

The Irish Network for Education Worldwide serves as the Irish Coalition within the Global Campaign for Education (GCE), a global civil society movement championing education as a basic human right.

Who we are

Our Story

Education is a fundamental human right and the cornerstone of progress in every society. Despite efforts and progress made, education remains in crisis worldwide due to conflicts, climate shocks, and underfunding. According to UNESCO data, worldwide over 250 million children remain out-of-school and 224 million school-aged children are affected by crisis of which only 11% achieve basics skills. Progress on SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, has been too slow.

Pivotal to the development of Irish society and widely regarded as a top priority by both the government and citizens, education serves as a catalyst for achieving all SDGs. As highlighted in Irish Aid’s Annual Reports 2018 and 2022, education remains central to Ireland’s global development efforts.

Building on this, civil society actors and education stakeholders in Ireland came together to form the Irish Network for Education Worldwide, formerly known as the Irish Forum for Global Education, with a vision of a world where everyone realises their right to inclusive, equitable, and safe quality education.

With the support of our members, partners, and donors, especially Irish Aid, we have grown into a collaborative network that promotes education as a fundamental human right. We advance knowledge, advocate for and influence political discussions and policy dialogues on education issues worldwide, and are committed to reaching those furthest behind.

Global Campaign for Education

INEW serves as the Irish Coalition within the Global Campaign for Education (GCE), a global civil society movement championing education as a basic human right. We support GCE’s commitment to achieving change through the mobilisation of citizens and civil society. 

We promote the work of GCE across its three campaign and advocacy priorities:

  • Transforming Education
  • Education in Emergencies and Crises
  • Education Financing

As part of our engagement in GCE, INEW is an active member of the European and North American Campaign for Education (ENACE)one of the eight continental networks of GCE. ENACE brings together 19 independent national coalitions of civil society organisations dedicated to education from countries across Europe and the North American region.  

Visit GCE Website

Updates GCE & ENACE

INEW Hosted ENACE Meeting in Dublin
INEW Hosted ENACE Meeting in Dublin

INEW Hosted ENACE Meeting in Dublin

In October 2024, INEW hosted a face-to-face meeting of the ENACE coalitions in Dublin.
Key Takeaways from GAWE 2024
Key Takeaways from GAWE 2024

Key Takeaways from GAWE 2024

GCE's Global Action Week for Education 2024 has come to an end, here are key…

Partnerships & Alliances

We collaborate with a wide range of national and international partners. Nationally, we build alliances with government departments, representatives, and politicians. Internationally, we work with key organisations like the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the International Partnership Network for Education (IPNE), and Education International (EI).

By cultivating strong partnerships and networks, we are able to advance our advocacy efforts and drive meaningful change in education together.