Development Perspectives

🌍 Meet the 2026 SDG Advocates 🌍
We’re excited to introduce this year’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Advocates — extraordinary leaders committed to driving positive change in their communities.
Swipe to meet the three more Advocates.

Meet the SDG Advocates 2026 at https://developmentperspectives.ie/what-we-do/projects/advocate/2026-sdg-advocates/

🕊️ What does justice look like for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence?

Observed every year on 19 June, the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict raises awareness of the devastating impact of sexual violence used as a tactic of war, repression, terrorism, and conflict. The day honours survivors, supports those working to prevent these crimes, and calls for accountability for perpetrators.

Conflict-related sexual violence affects women, men, girls, and boys, leaving long-lasting physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences. Beyond individual harm, it can fracture families, weaken communities, and undermine prospects for peace and recovery.

The observance commemorates the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1820 (2008), which recognised sexual violence as a tactic of war and a threat to international peace and security.

Ending sexual violence in conflict is closely linked to SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

🤝 What can we do?
📢 Raise awareness and challenge stigma surrounding survivors
🕊️ Support peacebuilding and conflict prevention efforts
⚖️ Advocate for justice and accountability
💜 Stand in solidarity with survivors and human rights defenders

No one should ever be subjected to sexual violence, and no survivor should face their journey alone.

💬 How can governments, international organisations, and communities better support survivors and prevent sexual violence in conflict settings?



Image by Hosny Salah from Pixabay

Day 2 of our INVOLVIM Interregional Event was an incredibly moving and powerful conclusion to our time together in Co. Louth! 🌍🇮🇪

We spent our final day hosted by the wonderful team at LMETB on King Street, Drogheda. The morning was packed with rich insights into grassroots inclusion as we heard from LMETB, Sanctuary Runners, the Somalian Irish Community Development Association (SICDAS), and Cultur. Each group showcased exactly what it means to bypass formal barriers and build genuine, supportive community networks.

A truly special part of our day was taking time to join LMETB staff and students to mark Refugee Day. We were honored to be treated to a beautiful performance by a choir of Ukrainians who have fled the war, followed by some deeply emotional and inspiring poetry written and shared by learners from the creative writing course. It was a powerful reminder of the resilience and shared humanity at the absolute heart of integration.

A massive thank you to all our project partners from Finland, Poland, Portugal, and Slovenia, and to every local Louth stakeholder who shared their time, spaces, and stories with us over the past two days.

🇪🇺 The INVOLVIM project is proudly co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg Europe programme.

💬 What kind of online and offline communities do we want to build?

Observed annually on 18 June, the United Nations' International Day for Countering Hate Speech raises awareness of the harmful impact of hate speech on individuals, communities, and societies. In an increasingly connected world, hateful language can spread rapidly, fuelling discrimination, prejudice, violence, and social division.

The United Nations recognises that hate speech targets people based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, gender, disability, or other identities. While freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, it must be balanced with efforts to prevent incitement to hatred and violence.

Countering hate speech is essential for promoting SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, helping to create more inclusive, respectful, and resilient societies.

🤝 What can we do?
👂 Listen to and learn from different perspectives
📚 Promote media and digital literacy
💙 Challenge stereotypes and misinformation
📢 Speak up for respect, inclusion, and human dignity
🌍 Foster dialogue rather than division

Words have power. By choosing empathy, understanding, and respect, we can help create communities where everyone feels valued and safe.

💬 How can we encourage more respectful dialogue and reduce hate speech in our communities and online spaces?

🌟Meet the people behind Development Perspectives 🌟

Next in our staff introductions, we’re delighted to introduce Alejandro Valderrama.

Alejandro is an Anthropologist – Post Graduate ‘Climate Entrepreneurship’ (Trinity College Dublin) – MA in International Peacebuilding, Security and Development Practice. For the last 20 years, he has worked as an independent consultant, practitioner and researcher specialised in education, peace, development, and Human Rights through participatory action research, arts, and collaborative practices. He has a great passion for coffee, chocolate, and human rights. This is why he co-founded Ethical Origin in Ireland, which works directly with diverse communities affected by violence, conflict, and inequality in Colombia through its products. Among his other passions are playing music, film, gardening, and walking in the countryside where he lives with his family.

We’re delighted to have Alejandro’s knowledge, experience, and passion for inclusive development as part of the team.

Day 1 of our INVOLVIM Interregional Event is officially in the books, and what a fantastic start here in Co. Louth! 🌍🇮🇪

We were absolutely honored to have the newly elected Mayor of Drogheda, Cllr. Declan Power, join us this morning to officially open the event. A massive thank you to the Mayor for delivering such a warm welcome to our international delegation on one of his very first official duties!

Today was all about shifting the focus from formal systems to the human element—exploring how the "Third Place" (our community gardens, volunteer hubs, and sports clubs) acts as the true engine for integrating work-based immigrants and their families.

After a brilliant, high-energy morning workshop at the Drogheda Civic Offices, our delegation hit the road! We traveled up to Dundalk to visit Louth Local Development (LLDC) to see how statutory funding practically supports grassroots action, and then headed out to Tallanstown to explore the incredible, hands-on inclusion work happening at the Tallanstown Community Garden.

The shared learning between our European partners (from Finland, Poland, Portugal, and Slovenia) and our dedicated local Louth stakeholders has been top-tier across the entire county today.

A huge thank you to everyone who brought their insights and experience to the table. We can’t wait to keep the momentum going for Day 2! 🤝

🇪🇺 The INVOLVIM project is proudly co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg Europe programme.

🌍 What would happen if the land we depend on could no longer support life?

Observed every year on 17 June, the United Nations' World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought raises awareness of one of the world's most pressing environmental challenges: land degradation. Healthy land provides food, water, livelihoods, and biodiversity, yet up to 40% of the Earth's land is already degraded, affecting billions of people worldwide.

This year's theme, "Restore the Land. Unlock the Opportunities," highlights how restoring degraded land can strengthen food security, create jobs, support climate resilience, and protect ecosystems for future generations.

Land degradation, desertification, and drought are closely linked to climate change, biodiversity loss, poverty, and forced migration. Addressing these challenges is essential for achieving SDG 15: Life on Land, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 2: Zero Hunger.

🌱 What can we do?
🌳 Support tree planting and ecosystem restoration projects
♻️ Reduce waste and promote sustainable consumption
💧 Conserve water and protect natural resources
📢 Raise awareness about sustainable land management

Healthy land is the foundation of healthy communities, economies, and ecosystems.

💬 What actions do you think governments, communities, and individuals should prioritise to restore land and build a more sustainable future?



Image by Ton W from Pixabay

💸 What impact can a single money transfer have on a family's future?

Observed annually on 16 June, the 'International Day of Family Remittances' recognises the contributions of more than 200 million migrant workers who send money home to support their families and communities. Established by the United Nations, the day highlights how remittances help millions of people access food, healthcare, education, housing, and economic opportunities.

For many families in low- and middle-income countries, remittances are more than financial transactions—they are lifelines. The money sent home by migrant workers often helps cover essential needs, supports small businesses, and contributes to local development and resilience.

🌍 Remittances contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals, including:
📚 SDG 4: Quality Education
🏥 SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
💼 SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
🚫 SDG 1: No Poverty

The day also reminds us of the sacrifices migrant workers make to support loved ones across borders and the important role they play in global development.

💬 Have remittances or migration shaped your family, community, or country? What role do you think migrant workers play in creating a more connected and equitable world?



Image by Tumisu from Pixabay

🌟Meet the people behind Development Perspectives 🌟

Next in our staff introductions, we’re delighted to introduce João.

João is a PhD candidate in Economics at Paris Dauphine University, currently researching labor market informality in Brazil as part of the PRESILIENT project. He holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and has worked as a research assistant and data analyst in Brazil, contributing to projects with Fiocruz and the Getúlio Vargas Foundation. Outside of academia, he still dreams of becoming a football player.

We’re delighted to have João’s knowledge, experience, and passion for inclusive development as part of the team.

The 2026 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Advocates recently participated in a weekend residential at Bru Moytura, Sligo, as part of their seven-month Global Citizenship Education (GCE) journey. Bringing together a diverse group of people from different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, the residential provided a rich space for learning, reflection, and collaboration. Through workshops and activities including the Hero’s Journey, Values and Frames, Stories of Action, Theatre of the Oppressed, How to Grow Our Nation, Visual Thinking, Reflection, and Meditation, participants explored the skills, perspectives, and values needed to create positive social change. Guest speaker Daudi Nyaluke facilitated an excellent workshop on the SDG Game 2030. The experience highlighted the important role of active citizenship in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, empowering advocates to work together across differences and strengthen their commitment to building a more just, sustainable, and inclusive world.