Minister Richmond joins pupils to launch 2026 Our World Awards
- Published on: 17 September 2025
- Last updated on: 27 September 2025
At a time when headlines are dominated by conflict, climate change, and inequality, Irish children are stepping forward with something different: empathy in action. Today at Queen of Angels Primary School, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, joined pupils to launch the 2026 Our World Awards, celebrating a culture of cooperation and creativity in classrooms across Ireland.
The Awards invite primary school children from third to sixth class to explore global citizenship through creative projects. Instead of tuning out, pupils are tuning in: learning from the lives of young people worldwide, recognising both similarities and differences, and showing how communities can become stronger and more self-sufficient when they work together.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Richmond said:
"In a world faced with conflict, climate challenges, and inequality, our young people are showing us that there is another way forward. They are engaging with the realities of others, developing understanding, and imagining a fairer future. The Our World Awards bring these values to life in classrooms across the country, and I am proud to see Irish children leading the charge. Adults have much to learn from the empathy and creativity of children, and I encourage schools nationwide to take part in this year’s programme."
The 2026 Our World Awards will see thousands of pupils across Ireland take part in workshops, projects, and creative submissions. Through the programme, Irish children engage with the lives of young people in other countries, seeing how they go to school, play, and build their futures. The focus is on mutual learning and cooperation, showing how societies can progress and become more self-sufficient with shared support.
Winning entries from schools will be showcased at the National Finals in June 2026, giving pupils a platform to present their ideas for a fairer, more connected world. Today’s launch event featured an interactive classroom workshop and a photocall with Minister Richmond, capturing vibrant images of pupils alongside the official announcement.
Primary schools nationwide are now invited to register for the 2026 Our World Awards. Full details and entry information are available at OurWorldAwards.ie.
Notes
The Our World Awards are Ireland’s largest global citizenship education initiative for primary schools, supported by Irish Aid.
The programme is open to all third to sixth class primary school pupils nationwide.
More than 540 entries were received in 2025, with projects spanning art, storytelling, and digital media.
Irish Aid is the government’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme that works to reduce global poverty, hunger and humanitarian need. Irish Aid funds programmes in over 130 countries, with a particular focus on sub-Saharan Africa and South East Asia.
For further information go to www.ireland.ie/en/irish-aid.