The Mary Robinson Centre

21/08/2026

🌍 Systems Change Starts with Us. A Meitheal for Our Time.

At this year's Mary Robinson Climate & Nature Conference, our second keynote session explored the theme of "Food and Care." We were privileged to hear from three inspiring leaders working on the ground for a better future:
🌱 Deirdre deBhailís (Di**le Hub Manager)
🚜 Alice Doyle (Deputy President, Irish Farmers Association)
🧑‍🌾 Molly Garvey (Nuffield Scholar, Community Gardens Ireland Co-Chair)

Their conversation reminded us that transforming our food and care systems is not just about policy. It is about community, resilience, and working together. This is the spirit of "Meitheal."

🎥 Watch the full recording of this powerful session below.

👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmMvwu5E6tg

Deirdre deBhailís (Di**le Hub Manager), Alice Doyle (Deputy Preside...

19/08/2026

🌱 Biodiversity, Food Systems, and the Power of Collective Action.

The second keynote session from the Mary Robinson Climate & Nature Conference 2026 is now available to watch.

Our panel, featuring Prof. Fiona Doohan (UCD), Matt Smith (Hometree), and Grace Maher (SETU / IOA), delivered a compelling discussion on the theme of "Food and Care: A Meitheal for Our Time." They explored the critical intersections between plant health, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable agriculture, highlighting the practical steps needed to build a more resilient and equitable food system.

This conversation reinforces the Mary Robinson Centre's commitment to fostering dialogue that leads to tangible change. The insights shared are vital for anyone working in policy, agriculture, environmental science, or community development.

Watch the full session here:

https://youtu.be/I-CvUQV2Jdg?si=ILsmpAyUnuNwwa2X

Prof. Fiona Doohan (Plants, Food Security & Human Health, UCD), Mat...

19/08/2026

🌍 Happy World Humanitarian Day! 🌍

Today, we celebrate the spirit of solidarity that drives humanitarian work across the globe. This year's theme is "Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities" .

At The Mary Robinson Centre, we see that change starts at the grassroots level. Whether it's supporting people in Gaza and Sudan or building awareness here in Ireland, local action creates global impact .

Join us in honoring humanitarian workers everywhere. Let's turn awareness into action, one step at a time. ❤️

13/08/2026

📦 A quieter revolution is happening in our shopping carts.

From 12 August 2026, new EU rules on packaging and packaging waste take effect. According to the European Commission, these measures will change how products are wrapped, shipped, and disposed of across the bloc.

Packaging uses huge amounts of raw materials and generates waste that ends up in landfills or our oceans. Some chemicals are harmful to health. The new rules tackle these problems head on.

Here is what changes:

Plastic packaging must include recycled content, with higher targets for 2030 and 2040. All packaging must be fully recyclable by 2030. Clear labels will make sorting trash easier. Unnecessary packaging and empty space in deliveries will be reduced.

Deposit and return systems will be boosted. Companies must offer reuse or refill options with no extra charge. From 2030, certain single-use packaging like ketchup packets and mini shampoo bottles will be banned where sustainable alternatives exist.

Brands using non-recyclable or harmful materials will pay to clean them up. Cancer-causing "forever" chemicals (PFAS) will be restricted in food packaging.

At the Mary Robinson Centre, we know environmental justice is about protecting both people and the planet. These rules recognise that waste affects communities, ecosystems, and future generations. They also create opportunities for businesses in recycling and sustainable solutions.

This is what a circular economy looks like. Less waste. Smarter design. Fairer responsibility.

But we must ensure these standards reach beyond Europe. Everyone deserves packaging that does not poison or pollute.

Read the full story: https://commission.europa.eu/news-and-media/news/new-packaging-rules-less-waste-and-easier-recycling-2026-08-12_en

♻️🌍

12/08/2026

Young people: the changemakers of our future. 🌍✨

This International Youth Day, we celebrate the nearly 1.3 billion young people aged 15 to 24 who make up the largest generation of youth in history.

Across different contexts, young people share common aspirations: dignity, opportunity, meaningful participation, decent work, quality education, and a sustainable future. 🎯

This year's theme, "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations," places particular attention on young people in Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States. They face overlapping challenges linked to poverty, climate change, geographic isolation, and unequal access to digital technologies. Yet they continue to demonstrate resilience, leadership, and innovation. 💪

Young people are already leading the way as organizers and innovators. To go further, they need access to skills that shape the future, from critical thinking and problem-solving to digital literacy.

The 2026 sub-themes remind us:

Global Solidarity: Sustainable development is a shared responsibility. 🌐

Shared Challenges: Young people face interconnected issues in education, employment, climate, digital inclusion, and mental well-being.

Youth Innovation: From climate action to social innovation, youth are driving change even in resource-constrained settings. 🚀

💡 Did you know?

By 2050, 69% of the world's youth will be living in low- and lower-middle-income countries.

The youth population in high-income countries is projected to decline by nearly 24% between 2025 and 2050.

The UN will commemorate this day through an online campaign inviting young people worldwide to share messages of hope, support, and collaboration. Join the conversation. Amplify young voices. Promote inclusive, sustainable development. 🗣️

At the Mary Robinson Centre, we believe climate justice and sustainable development depend on empowering the next generation.

Join us. Celebrate youth. Support their future. 💙

08/08/2026

Every cat deserves cat friendly care. 🐱💙

This International Cat Day, we stand with iCatCare, the global cat welfare charity improving care for cats worldwide through trusted, science-backed education, advice, and support.

Their ambition is simple yet powerful: that every cat experiences cat friendly care in every interaction with people and in every environment where care is provided. 🏠🩺

This year, iCatCare encourages owners, caregivers, and veterinary professionals to :

C is for Cat Friendly ways to care for and interact with your cat. 🐾
A is for Annual check-ups at the vet to keep your cat healthy and happy. 🏥
T is for Tips and advice to help you care for your cat through all stages of their life. 📚

Cats bring comfort, companionship, and joy to millions of households worldwide. In return, they deserve our compassion, understanding, and commitment to their wellbeing.

At the Mary Robinson Centre, we believe that justice extends to all living beings. How we treat animals reflects how we treat our planet and each other. Protecting cats means protecting their environments, their health, and their dignity. 🌍

💡 Did you know?

iCatCare provides free-to-access resources for cat owners and feline enthusiasts around the globe. Their expert-led education supports cat friendly care in every community.

Think CAT. Support cat friendly care. 💙

07/08/2026

🌱 Growing Knowledge in Practice 🌱

Come visit Fás, Bia, Beo; a living, breathing community space rooted right in the heart of our neighbourhood.

This is not just a garden; it is a thriving urban farm where every inch is edible, every creature is cared for, and nothing goes to waste.

Spend your lunch hour with us and enjoy:
🐝 The gentle hum of our buzzing beehives.
🐔 The charm of our free-ranging hens.
🌿 The beauty of our biodiverse, organic garden filled with native Irish plants, herbs, and edible flowers.

It is a place to breathe, to belong, and to get your hands back in the soil. Whether you want to learn, relax, or simply connect with the land beneath your feet, you are welcome here.

📅 Come see us:
Monday to Friday
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Bring a friend, bring your curiosity, or just bring yourself. We can't wait to meet you!

See you in the garden. 🌻🥚🐝

06/08/2026

🌞 A quiet revolution is powering Europe.

For the first time, solar became the EU's largest electricity source in June 2026. According to think tank Ember, solar supplied 25% of EU power, a record 52 TWh. It overtook nuclear (21%), gas (15%), wind (14%), and hydro (12%). Coal fell to just 8%.

In June 2021, solar was only 10%. In five years, that share more than doubled. Ember reports solar grew over 20% annually between 2021 and 2025, with 65.1 GW installed in 2025 alone.

Country records: Germany 36%, Spain 34%, and Poland 24% (up from heavy coal use after adding 20+ GW since 2020).

This milestone matters for climate justice. As Ember's Chris Rosslowe noted, solar is now low-cost, quick to install, and critical during heatwaves when other sources struggle.

At the Mary Robinson Centre, we know energy transition is about fairness and protecting vulnerable communities. Europe's solar surge proves rapid change is possible.

But we cannot stop. We must ensure this revolution reaches everywhere, especially those most affected by climate change.

Read the full story: https://www.energylivenews.com/2026/07/14/solar-becomes-eus-largest-power-source-for-first-time-in-june/

🌍☀️

05/08/2026

Standing Together Against Human Trafficking 💙

Recently, the members of Soroptimists International Ballina came together to form a Blue Heart in recognition of the UN World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (July 30th).

This symbol represents our unwavering solidarity with victims and survivors of human trafficking. It is a reminder that we must all play a part in raising awareness, advocating for change, and supporting those who have been affected by this global crime.

Let's keep the conversation going. Share this post to help us spread the message that everyone has the right to freedom and dignity. 💙