Global learning strategy launched

Michael Olney

This week marked the launch of a new strategy which aims to ensure that Ireland is a first-choice destination for international learners, researchers, and innovators.

Launched on Monday by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, the Global Citizens 2030 strategy will underpin a new level of collaboration between Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Great Britain and enhance Ireland’s influence in EU education and research policy.

At Monday’s launch, Minister Harris said he wants to attract the best generation of international learners, researchers, and innovators to Ireland.

“At a time when countries begin to look inward, I hope this strategy sends a clear message of Ireland’s commitment to continue to be a global, diverse society and for some a beacon of hope and educational opportunity,” said the minister.

Global Citizens 2030 is underpinned by six core pillars. The strategy looks to harness Ireland’s offer to prospective students and researchers as a native English-speaking society, an advanced economy, a member of the European Union, and a high quality multi-cultural, diverse, inclusive, and culturally rich learning and research experience.

It will also include the launching of a new International Education Mark, an initiative which sends a clear message to Ireland’s international audience and prospective students of the quality of Irish education institutions.

The strategy will also look to continue supporting the Erasmus+ and other mobility programmes, while furthering the unique role that education and research have played in building the friendships, co-operation and strategic relationships that underpin all-island collaboration in many areas.

Finally, the strategy will deploy Talent and Innovation Attachés across the globe, dedicated to the co-ordination and prioritisation of Ireland’s global talent and innovation activities.

Minister Harris continued: “This strategy is about more than just attracting international students to Ireland. It is also about partnering with industry to recruit hundreds of high calibre PhD students to tackle national and global challenges like climate change, pandemics, water poverty, and cyber-security.

“It is about giving Irish educated learners the opportunities to become global citizens. The European University initiative, for example, enables seamless mobility – physical, virtual or blended – for learners, researchers and innovators to develop their international competencies.”