The Future of Development Cooperation Civil Society’s Ambition for Ireland’s EU Presidency
Royal Irish Academy Music (RIAM) Dublin 2,
Wednesday, 24th June 2026, 9.00 – 14.00
On the 24th June, Dóchas launched its EU Presidency Programme at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, bringing together a diverse group of members, policymakers, sectoral experts, and civil society representatives. As Ireland prepares to take on its eighth Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the event served as a vital platform for civil society to articulate a shared ambition and reaffirm the centrality of poverty eradication, human rights, and sustainable development in EU external action. The day’s discussions focused heavily on examining Ireland’s upcoming presidency and looking ahead to the future of International Development Cooperation.
The event featured several key highlights, including an opening address by Peter Power, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland, alongside a video message from Commissioner Michael McGrath. Attendees also heard a keynote address from Neale Richmond, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora. Additionally, the programme included two thought-provoking panel discussions, expertly moderated by Shona Murray, which focused on navigating the challenges and opportunities for civil society in a new era of development cooperation, and reflecting Irish values in EU external action.
“The Future of Development Cooperation: Civil Society’s Ambition for Ireland’s EU Presidency.”
We are proud to share our policy paper: “The Future of Development Cooperation: Civil Society’s Ambition for Ireland’s EU Presidency” launched on the day.
This paper represents the collective voice of Ireland’s development and humanitarian organisations. Drawing on decades of experience and robust evidence from our members and European partners, it offers a constructive and ambitious vision for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which comes at a critical time for Europe.
As Europe navigates complex global challenges, Ireland’s EU Presidency offers a unique window of opportunity. This document outlines how Ireland can lead with solidarity, equity, and impact on the global stage.
Download a pdf copy of the paper here.
Launch Event Video Highlights
Part one of our EU Presidency Launch event, featuring an opening address by Peter Power, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland, a video message from Commissioner Michael McGrath, a video from members laying out our priorities, and a keynote address by Neale Richmond, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora as well as a panel of guests discussing the opportunities and challenges around Civil Society in a new era of Development Cooperation.
Part two of our EU Presidency Launch Event featuring a panel of speaker speakers discussing Reflecting Ireland’s values in a renewed approach to the EU’s international partnerships and closing remarks by Michael Gaffey, Director-General, Development Cooperation and Africa Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
