Limerick activist leads tributes to humanity award recipient President Michael D Higgins

LIMERICK human rights activist, Donnah Vuma, gave the keynote speech in tribute to President Micheal D Higgins, at the Irish Development Education Association (IDEA) annual conference. 

President Higgins was presented with the inaugural Global Voice for Humanity award at the event for his lifetime commitment to justice, human dignity, and inclusive education. 

Donnah Vuma, a Limerick-based human rights activist, who co-founded the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (MASI) and founded the grassroots initiative, Every Child is Your Child, continues to carry out her activist role as project co-ordinator at Doras, where President Higgins serves as Patron.

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At the annual conference, Vuma opened the event with her speech on President Higgin’s continued activism and political work. 

“President Higgins has used his voice not just for the powerful, but for those too often left unheard,” Vuma said. “I’ll never forget hearing him speak at Thomond Park. His words about inclusion, belonging, and dignity stayed with me ever since. They reminded me - and so many others - that Ireland can be a country where we all belong.”

“For people from migrant backgrounds, that recognition means everything. President Higgins didn’t just make space at the table - he reminded us we were already meant to be there. This award honours that kind of leadership - one rooted in justice, courage, and love."

The Global Voice for Humanity Award was established by IDEA to honour individuals whose lives and work embody the values of Global Citizenship Education (GCE) - justice, equality, sustainability, and solidarity.

The ceremony was led by Ruairí McKiernan, IDEA’s CEO and a well-known social innovator, author, and psychotherapist who previously served on the Council of State alongside President Higgins.

“President Higgins has long been a rare kind of leader - someone who combines intellectual courage with deep humanity,” said McKiernan.

“He has spent a lifetime standing up for the marginalised and challenging us to think critically and act with compassion. We’ve seen this through his unwavering advocacy for the people of Palestine, among many other peoples and causes. Through his leadership and example, he has inspired generations to believe in the power of education and the importance of active citizenship.”

The event was attended by nearly 200 participants, representing over 100 organisations with a strong presence from Limerick-based educators and organisations. 

Another Limerick voice that was present at the ceremony was Joanne O’Flaherty, associate professor at the School of Education, University of Limerick. Joanne reflected on the what the president’s work means to those from Limerick, saying, 

“President Higgins speaks to something deeply familiar to the people of Limerick: a belief that community matters, and that dignity belongs to all - in city streets and rural parishes alike.

In his keynote address, President Higgins offered a critique on current global inequalities:

“Without a shift in consciousness, we risk reinforcing harmful systems of inequality and discrimination. Quiet forms of racism persist beneath the surface of many current models of development. We must act boldly and ethically.”

He closed with a message of hope and determination:

“There is no doubt whatsoever that it is possible to achieve the transformation that will bring into reality all of the things that you all have been working so hard for.”

Speaking after the award ceremony, IDEA CEO Ruairí McKiernan said “President Higgins has long inspired those working for justice and social change in Ireland and around the world. It was a true privilege for IDEA to honour him with this award and given he was born in Limerick, I think it was fitting to have Limerick voices to be so central in that tribute.”