Limerick’s Donnah Vuma Leads Tributes to President Higgins at Global Voice for Humanity Award Ceremony

Global Voice for Humanity Award – President Michael D. Higgins has been honoured with the inaugural Global Voice for Humanity Award, recognising his lifetime commitment to justice, human dignity, and inclusive education.  A powerful keynote tribute was delivered by Donnah Vuma, a prominent Limerick-based human rights advocate, who co-founded MASI – the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland.

President Michael D. Higgins has been honoured with the inaugural Global Voice for Humanity Award

President Michael D. Higgins has been honoured with the inaugural Global Voice for Humanity Award, recognising his lifetime commitment to justice, human dignity, and inclusive education. The award was presented at the recent Irish Development Education Association (IDEA) Annual Conference – a national gathering of educators and advocates working on international development, global justice and citizenship education.

A powerful keynote tribute was delivered by Donnah Vuma, a prominent Limerick-based human rights advocate, who co-founded MASI – the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland, and founded Every Child Is Your Child, a grassroots initiative supporting children living in Direct Provision. She currently works as Project Coordinator for the Migrant Victim of Crime Support project at Doras, where President Higgins serves as Patron.

“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.”

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“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 award 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.

One of those present was Joanne O’Flaherty, Associate Professor at the School of Education, University of Limerick, and Research Lead for the Ubuntu Network, who shared this reflection:

“President Higgins provided a vision of the presidency that goes beyond political boundaries, one framed by a deep-rooted commitment to advocacy and speaking out against social injustice, inequity, marginalisation, and sustainability – as well as a commitment to the individuals and organisations that work and educate in this space in Ireland.

His presidency has been a steady voice for fairness, dignity, and those too often overlooked. In his commitment to social justice and to giving voice to the voiceless, 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.”

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.

IDEA is the national network for GCE in Ireland, representing over 100 members across schools, universities, youth work, and community sectors. Ireland is a world leader in this area thanks to the support of Irish Aid and the Department of Foreign Affairs. GCE initiatives reach over 300,000 people annually, helping individuals of all ages understand global injustices and take action for a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world.

Further tributes at the ceremony came from Caoimhe de Barra, CEO of Trócaire, who praised President Higgins as a “global champion of solidarity,” and from students involved in Concern Worldwide’s global education programme, who shared moving reflections on their learning journeys. A live performance by composer and violinist Colm Mac Con Iomaire added emotional depth to the occasion.

In his keynote address, President Higgins offered a striking critique of global inequality:

“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.”