Global Solidarity Hub brings activism, sustainability and social justice to Ploughing

Six humanitarian organisations are coming together to create a global community of changemakers at the Global Solidarity Hub this week at the Ploughing Championships.in Offaly

Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond officially opened the Hub at the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan on Tuesday morning.

The Hub sees some of the leading practitioners working for the advancement of global social justice in Ireland come together.

GOAL, Trócaire, Dóchas Worldview, Self Help Africa, Sightsavers Ireland and Brighter Communities Worldwide are providing attendees with a chance to experience the work of Irish NGOs in the space of agriculture, disability inclusion, sustainability and imagery through interactive and diverse methods.

READ MORE: Wettest Ploughing Championships on record likely say bookies

Dóchas CEO Jane-Ann McKenna said the Hub provides an important opportunity for people to reflect on global challenges at a local event: “The Hub will be three days full of interactive exhibitions and activities that will inspire, question and challenge people’s perceptions about some of the biggest issues facing the world today, like conflict, hunger and sustainable development. We were delighted to have Minister Neale Richmond open it.

As the impact of the aid cuts by the US, UK and other European countries becomes more evident, it is vitally important to showcase the life-saving work being done by Irish humanitarian organisations on the ground.”

Visitors to the Hub can expect a wide range of interactive experiences, including:

GOAL NextGen’s thought-provoking card game Cards for Humanity, and agricultural tools from their global programme which showcase diverse agricultural methods used around the world.

Trócaire's Climate Myth Busters, ODA Scratch and Learn Cards, and Artivism activities for children, which are all designed to engage visitors in interactive, thought-provoking, and family friendly ways, while showing how global solidarity is more important than ever in these uncertain times.

Self Help Africa’s #DontForget campaign with memory games, elephant crafts, and crop demonstrations, while highlighting the importance of international development aid.

Sightsavers Ireland’s Virtual Reality technology where attendees can experience first-hand a day in the lives of people with disabilities in Sierra Leone. The three-minute experience provides an opportunity for members of the public to deepen their understanding and solidarity with people with disabilities.

Brighter Communities Worldwide’s model of a healthy homestead and smokeless stove will showcase the story of their climate change ambassadors in Kenya – a community led initiative to equip local volunteers with the knowledge and skills to help households adapt to the changing climate.

Dóchas Worldview will invite attendees to share their perspectives on their place in the world, their views on the global community, and their hopes for the future. They’ll also be asked to reflect on the types of images international NGOs use in their campaigns and share their opinions.

READ MORE: Three issues to dominate farming related discussions at Ploughing this week in Offaly

The purpose of the Global Solidarity Hub is to highlight the importance of global citizenship and Ireland’s role in building a fairer, more sustainable world. Each organisation involved brings their own perspective to the Hub’s activities, while sharing in the common goal of a better world for all.

For Sightsavers Ireland, disability inclusive development is a central theme for the work of the Global Solidarity Hub. CEO Ciara Smullen said: “The collective nature of the Hub is a fantastic way for organisations to showcase the important work we do both here in Ireland and overseas.

For Sightsavers Ireland, it is essential that disability and inclusion are core to these conversations. Ultimately, all of the organisations involved share the same ambition – working together towards a better and more equal world for all.”

As the National Ploughing Championships is one of the biggest gatherings in Ireland, it is a fantastic opportunity for the Hub to reach people of all ages and give them the opportunity to learn, engage, and see the vital work being done in the sector.

Interim CEO at Trócaire, Gwen Dempsey said:"Trócaire is excited to participate in the National Ploughing Championships as part of The Global Solidarity Hub. This event allows us to connect with people and encourage them to transform awareness into action.

Through engaging experiences, we aim to enhance public understanding of how Ireland’s solidarity, through Irish Aid, creates real change in people's lives. Our focus is on inspiring action and promoting global responsibility."

John Rynne, Regional Director for Africa at GOAL, echoed this emphasis on connection:

“The Global Solidarity Hub offers a powerful platform to connect the Irish public with the realities of global development. We’re proud to be part of the National Ploughing Championships this year, showcasing how people across the globe are driving transformative change through innovation, resilience, and collective action. By bridging local and global experiences, we aim to inspire action through understanding.”

The Hub is also highlighting the humanitarian sector’s Lives On the Line campaign, which highlights the importance of Ireland’s Overseas Aid, and calls on the Government to increase ODA in the upcoming budget.