President Connolly enjoyed a performance from Sean Nós dancer Tura Aratura, as she visited the Global Solidarity Hub at the National Ploughing Championships at Screggan, Co Offaly.
The hub sees music, art and interactivity, as some of the leading practitioners and the greatest minds working for the advancement of global social justice in Ireland come together to engage the Irish public.
GOAL, Trócaire, Concern Worldwide, Dóchas, Self Help Africa, Sightsavers Ireland, Brighter Communities Worldwide and Christian Aid Ireland are in attendance at Stand 567, Row 29, Block 4 , providing attendees with a chance to take a journey encompassing agriculture, climate, disability inclusion, sustainability and justice, where they can experience what it is like to live in a range of locations and circumstances around the globe.
A full programme of events will take place across the three days, including live music and dancing from musicians and artists including Justine Nantale, Segun Akano and Tura Arutura.
Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, opened the Hub.
A summer of record-breaking temperatures, a strengthening El Niño weather system, water resource constraint, and wildfires have shone a spotlight on climate and agriculture both in Ireland and around the world. The Global Solidarity Hub aims to connect the challenges Ireland faces with these issues, with those in the Global South, to create a sense of global community working together to fight the same problems we all face at home and abroad.
Speaking at the opening of the Hub, Dóchas CEO Jane-Ann McKenna said:
“The Hub is three days full of interactive exhibitions and live performances. The activities on show are inspiring, questioning and challenging people’s perceptions about some of the biggest issues facing the world today, like conflict, hunger and sustainable development. We are delighted to have President Connolly visit the tent.
At a time of growing global instability, weakening multilateralism and climate chaos, the world needs leadership from countries known for their credibility, consistency, and ability to build trust. It is vitally important to showcase the life-saving work being done by Irish humanitarian and development organisations on the ground.”